The UpShot: Igniting Baltimore's Startup Revolution!

Igniting Baltimore’s Startup Revolution!

UpSurge has been at the forefront of a dynamic coalition quarterbacked by the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC), leading the effort to supercharge Baltimore’s tech startup scene as part of the larger Baltimore MSA’s EDA Tech Hubs Phase 2 proposal which is due this week!

What’s the overall goal of the proposal? An executable, 5-year plan to fast-track tech startup growth in the Baltimore region, impacting the entire state of Maryland, through a powerful and inclusive startup advancement network; improving the pipeline of successful startups and commercialization rates out of neighborhoods and academic institutions alike; developing the workforce of the future; and accelerating bio-manufacturing in the region; all while leveraging the region’s rich assets for precision health technologies.

UpSurge and a committed set of public and private sector partners are laser-focused on startup advancement. Think better access to resources, stronger investor connections, and powerful procurement pipelines. Oh, and there’s a groundbreaking digital health component that will cultivate a first-of-its-kind digital healthcare application economy!

Picture this: 18 entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs), 18 venture capital and investor powerhouses, and 11 major corporate partners uniting to pave the way for a thriving future. Together, we’ve crafted a compelling proposal poised to propel startup advancement as a pivotal component of the Tech Hubs submission.

But here’s the exciting part – we’re not waiting for the EDA’s funding decision! We’re gearing up to kick off the implementation plan starting March 1st!

To Founders: This project is tailored to meet your needs and unlock your potential. We’re committed to seeing more startups thrive, including those led by underestimated founders. You’ll benefit from enhanced commitments from investors, as well as connectivity to previously hard to unlock and navigate customer relationships.

To the Private and Public Sector: You hold the key to unlocking Baltimore’s potential. Join us in supporting startups, and becoming champions for Baltimore Tech across the nation. If you’re not locked in to this excitement and on board yet, there’s still time – reach out and let’s make it happen!

To All of Maryland: We’re not just talking about Baltimore. We’re laying the groundwork for a tech hub that will stretch across the entire state. Get ready to supercharge growth and unlock economic opportunities for everyone in Maryland!

In the meantime, check out some exciting live opportunities for founders, innovators, and tech talent:

  • For our women founders and leaders, check out Scaling Deep for (quite literally!) a breath of fresh air. With just 15 spots, secure your spot today and explore sponsorship opportunities with your company!
  • For our climate tech founders, sign up for our next UpRise event: A fireside chat with Claire Broido Johnson, a leading founder and investor in the CleanTech space on Mar 5. Register here to join the conversation!
  • For those headed to South by Southwest next week, reply to this email to let us know that you are coming and we’ll add you into a group to coordinate activities and meet ups. And register for the Equitech Texas Welcome Breakfast! It’s almost sold out.

Lastly, a huge shout-out to our committed ESO, investor, and enterprise partners (listed below) – the backbone of this journey!

  • Entrepreneur Support Organizations: UpSurge Baltimore, 1501 Health, Blackbird Laboratories, bwtech@UMBC, Columbia Gateway (Howard County Economic Development Authority), Early Charm, Emerging Technology Center (Baltimore Development Corporation), Fulton Bank, Hutch, Innovation Works, Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures, Latimer House, LaunchPort, Loyola’s Simon Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Morgan State University’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, Techstars, TEDCO, Towson StarTUp, The Novella Center for Entrepreneurship, University System of Maryland Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development and Maryland Momentum Fund, University of Maryland, and World Trade Center Institute.
  • Venture Capital/Funders: 100KM Ventures, AIN Capital, Blackbird BioVentures, Brown Advisory, Conscious Venture Partners, Grotech Ventures, Ignite Capital, Inner Loop Capital, JMI Equity, Kaiser Ventures, Latimer Ventures, PTX Capital, RareBreed Ventures, StepStone Group, Squadra Ventures, TEDCO, TCP Venture Capital, and USM Maryland Momentum Fund.
  • Corporates: Becton Dickinson Life Sciences, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Kaiser Permanente, Johns Hopkins University and Medicine, the Maryland Department of Commerce, the Maryland Department of Information Technology, Truist Bank, University of Maryland Medical System, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Stanley Black & Decker, and the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company.

The future of Baltimore’s startup scene is bright, and there are more people and organizations than you know who are leaning in to be part of it. Be on the lookout for more opportunities to engage with us and our partners through ESO, investor and customer focused activities!

What’s UP: Founders

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What’s UP: Funders

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The UpShot is Baltimore’s Equitech ecosystem news, curated for startups, founders, funders and friends, all working together to build the country’s first Equitech City.

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