2023 Impact Update

Techstars: Amplifying National Catalytic Assets for Baltimore Impact

Techstars Partnerships

UpSurge began partnering with Techstars in Baltimore in 2023. Through this engagement, we have learned how important intentional partnerships with accelerators are to our work and to startup advancement. Techstars is a unique asset for the Baltimore Tech ecosystem that brings investment capital, national recognition, and powerful networks to Baltimore. Based in Baltimore, Techstars Equitech is a three-year partnership focused on growing early-stage tech startups grounded in the values of diversity and inclusion. The Techstars Founder Catalyst sponsored by Stanley Black & Decker is a pre-accelerator program. In 2021, this program brought 33 diverse founders leading 20 idea-stage tech startups to Baltimore. Across both programs, UpSurge connected these founders with resources, mentors, and community in the Baltimore area.

Techstars Equitech

Class of 2022

Global Impact:

In the 22 months since their graduation, Techstars Equitech Cohort 1 has had a significant impact on the world and Baltimore.

3

Companies relocated to Baltimore

16.7

Million dollars raised in follow-on funding

37

Jobs created in Baltimore

Class of 2022

“I have immense gratitude for the UpSurge team. They helped us close our seed round and they provided invaluable support during our most challenging moment as a company. EcoMap is thriving because of UpSurge's deep commitment to Baltimore Tech startups.”

- Sherrod Davis, CEO at EcoMap Technologies

Class of 2023

 

“Mark my words, in 5 years Baltimore is going to become the next Tech hub in America. Honored to be a part of Techstars Equitech Accelerator and UpSurge Baltimore!”

– Mahmood Saboungi, CEO at BlackHedge

 

“Techstars Equitech tethered me to my new ecosystem in Baltimore following a big move from D.C. The program plugged me in with leadership in the city’s tech ecosystem which afforded me critical funding, mentorship, and problem-hacking. Post program, my affiliation with Techstars has led to investment, resources, and local profile-building. I’m a huge believer in the Baltimore tech ecosystem generally and I see Techstars as a critical component of its growth.”

– Dawn Myers, CEO of Richualist

In the eight months since graduation...

The Techstars Equitech Cohort 2 has been focused on sustained growth.

5

Companies deepened their roots in Baltimore

5

Companies have raised or earned contracts greater than $500k

11

Jobs created in Baltimore

Techstars Founder Catalyst

“Our founders feel welcome and supported in Baltimore, due in significant measure to UpSurge Baltimore.”

– Audra Gibson, Techstars Founder Catalyst Program Manager


“UpSurge has mobilized local stakeholders around the Equitech vision, starting with launching the Techstars Equitech accelerator. We are excited to have UpSurge as a partner to ground the program in Baltimore’s unique assets and ecosystem and create a pipeline of game-changing startups led by diverse emerging founders.”

– Marty Guay, Vice President of Business Development at Stanley Black & Decker, reported by Yahoo Finance

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