Big vision. Concrete actions.

As CEO of UpSurge Baltimore, Kory Bailey is a recognized thought leader in ecosystem building and innovation-driven economic growth. With over a decade of experience in startups, big tech, and venture, Kory brings a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within early-stage entrepreneurship, as well as the complexities of corporate and institutional engagement in the innovation economy. His diverse background—including time as a professional athlete, multiple-time entrepreneur, and angel investor—has shaped his ability to build regional innovation communities, connect national networks, and align stakeholders around the shared goal of startup success.

Kory is widely regarded as a visionary leader and one of the leading advocates for Equitech—an economic development framework that unlocks innovation and economic potential by fostering a tech ecosystem where all startups can thrive. He believes that economic growth is fueled by expanding opportunities for founders, strengthening collaboration across sectors, and ensuring that resources, investment, and talent flow to the best ideas, no matter where they come from. Under his leadership, UpSurge Baltimore has emerged as a key player in mobilizing the private sector, investors, and policymakers to accelerate startup growth and position the region as a national tech hub for the industries of the future.

As a father of three, Kory is committed to building a stronger, more resilient innovation economy—one that ensures future generations inherit expanded opportunities and a more dynamic, competitive marketplace. He embraces the responsibility of learning from the past while actively shaping a future of growth and possibility.

Robbin manages UpSurge’s local, regional, and national collaborations and programs to foster greater participation in Baltimore’s tech startup ecosystem. Robbin has been gathering people and cultivating relationships for her entire career, producing hundreds of events, partnerships, and collaborations for organizations in both Baltimore & DC such as Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District and Baltimore Homecoming (BHC). Robbin served as the executive director of BHC where she mobilized a network of Baltimoreans
across the world to invest in Baltimore City. Being a gatherer outside of work too, Robbin is a founding member of the Baltimore Chapter of NAAAP (National Association of Asian American Professionals), a Thread volunteer, and an advisor to local Baltimore startups. She also serves on the boards of Business Volunteers of Maryland and the UMBC Alumni Association.

Quote she lives by – “Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits.” – Dr. Freeman Hrabowski

As Data Analytics Manager, Chris leads UpSurge’s data team and its responsibilities. This includes optimizing UpSurge’s data systems, collecting and analyzing data, and reporting on the Baltimore Tech ecosystem. Chris, a suburban Atlanta native, graduated from Boston College in 2022 with a BS in Management, a major in Economics, and a minor in Social Impact. Chris is a Venture for America alumnus.

Quote he lives by – “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin

Rimjhim is a Program Manager at UpSurge Baltimore. She leads their startup advancement programming with a focus on building capacity in the ecosystem for a thriving tech economy. A venture capital lawyer by trade, she has over 7 years of experience in the Indian startup eco-system. She also dabbled in entrepreneurship with her robo-advisory startup Eve targeted towards Indian millennial women. Prior to joining UpSurge, she got her MBA at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business where she had a special focus on sustainable business, venture capital and startups. She is passionate about gender equity and bridging the gender investment gap in the Baltimore tech ecosystem.

My name is Isaiah Pittman, M.S. and I am the Digital Brand & Communications Coordinator at UpSurge Baltimore. I work to bring a perspective of tech with a creative flair to the ecosystem. I am recent graduate of the Interaction Design and Information Architecture program at the University of Baltimore where I focused on the intricacies of user-centric design research.

Meet Devon, a passionate and driven individual born and raised in Washington, DC. A recent transplant to Baltimore, Devon has embraced the warm community spirit in Baltimore and grown to love the city he calls home. He is an encourager of people and a dot connector and serves as the Senior Administrative Lead at UpSurge Baltimore. With a knack for figuring out the Rubix cubes of organizational support, Devon thrives on tackling new challenges and bringing innovative solutions. Before joining UpSurge, Devon honed his skills in the non-profit sector in Washington, DC, and the local and federal government. Outside the office, Devon enjoys being creative, enjoying art and nature,
and spending time with close family and friends, inspiring his innovative approach to work. Whether collaborating on a team project or diving into independent tasks, Devon is always ready to contribute with enthusiasm
and dedication.

Quote he lives by – Reason is the natural order of truth; but imagination is the organ of meaning. – C. S. Lewis

I’m Himalaya Kadari, excited to be part of the dynamic UpSurge Baltimore team, immersing myself in the city’s tech ecosystem. As a Master of Science in Engineering Management student at Johns Hopkins University, my expertise lies in product management, strategic consulting, and data-driven decision-making. My previous experience as a co-founder at Cement On Wheels has instilled a profound appreciation for startups and the transformative impact they can have on local communities. I am passionate about Baltimore, a city I admire deeply, and am eager to contribute to UpSurge’s goal to elevate Baltimore’s tech community to unprecedented levels, ensuring Baltimore receives the recognition and resources it richly deserves. I look forward to leveraging my skills and experiences to foster growth and innovation within this vibrant community.