TEDCO is an independent organization established in 1998 and located in Columbia, Maryland. It serves as the leading source of entrepreneurial business assistance and seed funding for the development of startup companies within Maryland's innovation economy. TEDCO focuses on early-stage companies across various sectors, including software, technology, energy equipment, life sciences, and oncology. Its mission is to foster innovation and economic growth in Maryland by supporting the growth of startups and enhancing the state's position in the entrepreneurial landscape.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.

US Department of Energy is a government agency that regulates energy policy, research, and development. The Energy Department's mission is to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a leading biomedical research facility in the United States, operating under the Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1887 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, NIH is the primary agency responsible for biomedical and health-related research in the country. It comprises 27 separate institutes and centers, each focusing on different disciplines within biomedical science. NIH conducts its own scientific research through the Intramural Research Program and provides significant funding for research at external institutions via the Extramural Research Program. With a workforce that includes 1,200 principal investigators and over 4,000 postdoctoral fellows, NIH has been instrumental in major medical breakthroughs, such as the development of vaccines for hepatitis and human papillomavirus, as well as the discovery of treatments for various health conditions. As the world's largest source of medical research funding, NIH continues to advance scientific knowledge and contribute to public health improvements.

The University System of Maryland Momentum Fund, established in 2016 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, operates as a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in early-stage startups affiliated with the University System of Maryland. With a commitment of $10 million from USM, the fund aims to promote entrepreneurship, attract external investments, and stimulate economic development and technology commercialization within the region. The fund is sector agnostic, focusing on a diverse range of industries while prioritizing startups that are headquartered in Maryland and have connections to USM's member institutions. By leveraging the resources of its affiliated universities, the Momentum Fund seeks to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem and support the growth of innovative companies in the state.

The Abell Foundation is an independent non-profit organization based in Baltimore, Maryland, established in 1953. It focuses on addressing complex challenges related to urban poverty by providing grants to schools, hospitals, and human service organizations that serve disadvantaged communities. Over the past three decades, the foundation has refined its mission to prioritize innovative solutions that promote accountability and inclusivity. It aims to enhance the quality of life in various sectors, including community development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, and workforce development, while also supporting conservation/environmental efforts and the arts to a lesser extent. With assets exceeding $314 million, the Abell Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in Maryland, dedicated to creating opportunities for marginalized populations and fostering community success.

TCP Venture Capital was founded by Christopher College and Stuart Sutley in November 2012. It is based in Baltimore, Maryland.

New Enterprise Associates, Inc. is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 1977 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with additional offices in India and China. The firm specializes in investing across various stages of business development, from seed funding to public offerings, with a strong emphasis on the technology and healthcare sectors. Its investment strategy encompasses a wide range of industries, including information technology, consumer internet, financial technology, software, healthcare services, life sciences, biopharmaceuticals, and energy technology. New Enterprise Associates actively engages with entrepreneurs to support the growth of their companies, making investments between $0.05 million and $20 million. The firm has a global investment focus, particularly in regions such as Asia, Brazil, and the United States.

Gaingels is a venture investment syndicate founded in 2014 and based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to supporting the LGBT+ community and its allies. The organization invests in companies led by LGBT+ founders and executives at all stages of development, as well as in established firms committed to enhancing their diversity and inclusivity. With a global portfolio comprising over 130 companies and $70 million in investment capital deployed, Gaingels plays a vital role in fostering an inclusive business environment. Additionally, the Gaingels network actively assists its portfolio companies in identifying and recruiting diverse talent for their leadership teams, while cultivating a vibrant community of industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs committed to driving positive social change through business initiatives.

T. Rowe Price Group is an investment management and financing advisory firm based in Baltimore, Maryland, founded in 1937. The company offers a comprehensive range of investment strategies, including debt, equities, and private equity, catering to a diverse clientele that includes individuals, high-net-worth individuals, financial institutions, retirement plan sponsors, charitable organizations, corporations, and government entities. T. Rowe Price provides services such as separate account management, mutual funds, and sub-advisory services, positioning itself as a trusted partner in managing and growing investments across various sectors. The firm is also involved in funding technology startups, reflecting its commitment to innovation and adapting to emerging market trends.

Grotech Ventures is a venture capital investment firm established in 1984 and based in Owings Mills, Maryland. The firm specializes in investing in high-growth technology companies across various sectors, including technology, cybersecurity, fintech, supply chain, logistics, and software applications. Grotech Ventures initially invests between $500,000 and $5 million in promising startups and reserves additional capital for follow-on investments to support companies through their early and growth stages. The firm emphasizes a collaborative, long-term partnership with entrepreneurs, aligning their definition of success with that of their partners. Grotech Ventures values the ability to contribute meaningfully to a business's development, leveraging the extensive experience, insights, and network it has built over the years.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, as well as late-stage pre-IPO opportunities, with a flexible approach that is sector and geographic agnostic. Alumni Ventures aims to provide high-quality, diversified venture portfolios to individual investors, particularly accredited alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, who may not have had access to venture capital previously. The firm focuses on backing companies that have an alumni connection and are led by established institutional investors with expertise in their respective fields. Additionally, Alumni Ventures offers focused funds that enable accredited investors to access a diverse portfolio of investments across various types, sectors, stages, and geographies.

DataTribe is a startup foundry based in Fulton, Maryland, established in 2015. The company focuses on investing in and co-building innovative startups that aim to make significant advancements in cybersecurity and data science. Founded by experienced investors and veterans from the U.S. intelligence community, DataTribe leverages its extensive network and professional expertise to provide companies with essential resources, including capital and in-kind services. By fostering collaboration and offering strategic support, DataTribe strives to give its startups a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Rock Springs Capital is an investment company based in Baltimore, Maryland, established in 2013. It specializes in the healthcare and biotechnology sectors, offering advisory services that focus on managing security portfolios and providing portfolio management solutions for businesses and institutional clients. The firm aims to assist clients in optimizing their investment strategies and achieving their financial objectives through its comprehensive management services.

Camden Partners Holdings, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Baltimore, Maryland, specializing in providing growth capital to lower-middle market companies primarily in the education, healthcare, and technology-enabled business services sectors. Founded in 1995, the firm engages in direct investments across various stages, including growth capital and buyouts, and manages fund of funds investments focusing on venture capital and distressed debt. Camden Partners typically invests between $3 million and $15 million in companies with revenues ranging from $1 million to $100 million, targeting enterprises with values between $25 million and $250 million. The firm emphasizes in-depth knowledge of its investment areas and seeks to create value through active involvement, often aiming for board representation and controlling stakes in portfolio companies. Camden Partners primarily invests in the United States but is open to opportunities in Asia and Europe. The firm employs fundamental analysis and internal research to guide its investment decisions and generally aims for exits within two to five years.

Kinetic Ventures, L.L.C. is a venture capital firm based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with an additional office in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1983, the firm specializes in early-stage investments, with a focus on communications, information technology, and power and clean technology sectors. In communications, Kinetic Ventures targets innovations in last mile connectivity, wireless infrastructure, and mobile video. In the information technology realm, the firm seeks opportunities in mobile platforms, on-demand computing, and security solutions. Their investments in power and clean technology emphasize smart grid advancements and low carbon solutions. Kinetic Ventures typically invests between $2 million and $10 million in U.S.-based companies, with selective investments in Canada and other international markets. The firm prefers to secure a Board seat in its portfolio companies and generally exits investments through IPOs or acquisitions. Over the years, Kinetic Ventures has partnered with notable entrepreneurs to help establish influential companies in their respective industries.

Camber Creek, founded in 2011 and based in Rockville, Maryland, is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in real estate technology companies. The firm plays an active role in enhancing the performance of its portfolio companies by leveraging the extensive real estate expertise, operational experience, and diverse asset portfolio of its partners, investors, and advisors. Camber Creek's investment team possesses a wealth of knowledge across various sectors of real estate, including construction, property management, development, and leasing, enabling them to provide substantial support to the companies they invest in.

Greenspring Associates is a global investment firm based in Owings Mills, Maryland, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in providing commingled funds and customized partnership capabilities to a diverse range of institutions and individuals across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. Greenspring Associates focuses on investing in established and emerging venture capital fund managers, as well as early and growth-stage companies, including secondary investments in various sectors such as sustainability, collaborative economy, education technology, financial technology, and healthcare. Currently managing over $7.3 billion in committed capital, the firm boasts a dedicated investment team with extensive expertise in both venture fund and direct investments. In 2021, Greenspring Associates was acquired by StepStone Group, further expanding its influence in the investment landscape.

Novak Biddle Venture Partners was a private equity and venture capital firm based in Bethesda, Maryland, established in 1997. The firm specialized in providing equity financing and management support to young companies, primarily in the information technology sector. It focused on seed, startup, and early-stage investments while also considering later-stage companies and spinouts. The firm targeted industries such as education, security, big data analytics, and business-to-business-to-consumer ventures. Typically, Novak Biddle made equity investments ranging from $100,000 to $10 million and was known for its collaborative approach, often syndicating larger investment rounds with limited partners and other firms. The firm aimed for exits within five to seven years. However, Novak Biddle Venture Partners ceased operations on March 29, 2019.

ChooseMaryland is the web site for the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. Here you will find information about Maryland's outstanding business climate, as well as programs available to both small and large companies to ensure their success. It also includes information on financing, workforce training, exporting, trade and small and minority business assistance. The department's mission is simple: to attract new businesses, stimulate private investment and create jobs, encourage the expansion and retention of existing companies and provide businesses in Maryland with workforce training and financial assistance. The department promotes the state's many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur development, international trade and tourism. Because they are a major economic generator for the state, the department also supports the arts, film production, sports and other special events. The department continues to build on the state's prosperity by promoting its positive business climate and outstanding quality of life. In addition, DBED will ensure that all areas of the state share equally in its prosperity and will continue to promote Maryland as a leader in the New Economy.

Sterling Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 1983 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with additional offices in Baltimore, Maryland; Delhi, India; Admiralty, Hong Kong; and Mexico, Mexico. The firm specializes in early venture and buyout investments, primarily focusing on growth-stage small and middle-market private companies. Sterling Partners targets industries such as outsourced business services, healthcare, logistics, environmental services, and technology, including software and telecommunications. The firm typically invests between $2 million and $500 million in companies with enterprise values ranging from $20 million to $150 million and EBITDA exceeding $5 million, seeking both controlling and non-controlling interests. Sterling Partners emphasizes operational strategies and utilizes its network of industry veterans to enhance value in its portfolio companies, investing globally with a strong focus on North America.

The Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII) was created as a partnership between the State of Maryland and five Maryland academic research institutions (Johns Hopkins University, Morgan State University, University of Maryland College Park, University of Maryland Baltimore and University of Maryland Baltimore County.) The program is designed to promote commercialization of research conducted in the partnership universities and leverage each institution’s strengths.

Sachs Capital is an investment management firm based in Potomac, Maryland, established in 2007. The company specializes in private investment opportunities, focusing on small businesses and family-owned enterprises that are often overlooked by larger institutional investors. Sachs Capital takes a patient approach to investing, acquiring minority equity positions in private operating companies while emphasizing long-term capital appreciation and controlled risk. The firm seeks to enhance value through a strong commitment to business fundamentals, superior management, and effective corporate governance. Its investment strategies include growth capital, management buyouts, acquisitions, refinancing, and providing flexible, non-controlling capital across various industries, excluding biotech and real estate. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Sachs Capital aims to support entrepreneurs and businesses in achieving their financial goals.

Conscious Venture Lab is an early-stage business accelerator based in Baltimore, Maryland, established in 2013. The firm is dedicated to nurturing purpose-driven companies that aim to leverage capitalism for a more just, joyful, and equitable society. It focuses on various sectors, including cybersecurity, biotechnology, technology infrastructure, consumer products, and gaming, among others. Conscious Venture Lab typically invests between $25,000 and $50,000 for equity stakes of 5 to 10 percent. The accelerator runs a six-month program designed for teams with a minimum of three members. The initiative honors the legacy of David B. Wolfe and incorporates insights from leading thinkers in Conscious Capitalism, fostering the development of "Companies that Matter."

Bonsal Capital is a family private equity firm based in Baltimore, Maryland, founded in 1999 by Frank A. Bonsal, Jr., a co-founder of New Enterprise Associates. The firm focuses on mission-driven investments primarily in the Capital Region, targeting technology-enabled services in education and workforce development, as well as the information technology and life sciences industries.

TDF Ventures LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2004 and headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Silicon Valley. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily targeting seed stage and Series A companies across various sectors, including infrastructure, software, services, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce. TDF Ventures typically invests between $0.5 million and $5 million per transaction, focusing on companies that enhance business processes, improve broadband access, or innovate in technology and communication. The firm seeks to engage actively with its portfolio companies and often considers co-investment opportunities. TDF Ventures is committed to supporting startups that address critical industry challenges and leverage emerging technologies to create value in enterprise markets.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania, established in 1982 and based in Philadelphia, is a prominent capital provider dedicated to the technology sectors within Pennsylvania. The organization specializes in both early-stage and established companies, with a focus on enhancing the region's innovation ecosystem across information technology, health, and physical sciences. Over its 30-year history, Ben Franklin has invested in more than 2,000 technology companies and has contributed over $170 million to drive regional growth. In addition to its investment activities, Ben Franklin fosters university and industry partnerships to facilitate the commercialization of scientific discoveries, while also supporting initiatives that bolster the local entrepreneurial community.

Sirnaomics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing novel therapeutics for critical human diseases through RNA interference (RNAi) technologies. The company focuses on oncology, anti-fibrotic treatments, and viral infections, leveraging its proprietary Polypeptide Nano-Particle (PNP) technology for effective small interfering RNA (siRNA) drug delivery. Sirnaomics has several product candidates, including STP705 for scar reduction and liver fibrosis, STP909 for colon cancer, and STP602 for Zika virus. Founded in 2007, the company operates from its headquarters in Gaithersburg, Maryland, with additional facilities in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and China. Sirnaomics is strategically partnered with Precision NanoSystems Inc. to enhance its development capabilities.

Enlightenment Capital is a private investment firm based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, established in 2012. It specializes in providing capital solutions to businesses within the Aerospace, Defense, Government, and Technology (ADG&T) sectors. The firm focuses on various investment strategies, including senior debt, mezzanine debt, and minority equity. With a team that possesses extensive experience in investing, advising, and analyzing the ADG&T landscape, Enlightenment Capital emphasizes collaboration with top-tier management teams and equity sponsors to foster the growth of leading companies in their respective fields. The firm has strong connections within the ADG&T industry and a deep understanding of the trends and policies shaping its future. By leveraging this expertise, Enlightenment Capital aims to identify compelling investment opportunities and establish lasting partnerships that support mission-critical products and services.

ABS Capital Partners is a venture capital firm that offers early-stage investment services to firms in the education, healthcare, and tech-enabled service industries. They specifically focus on the dreams and realities associated with helming a company beyond its initial growth spurt. For 30 years, they've been helping growth companies reach their full potential. It was founded in 1990 by Tim Weglicki and Don Hebb and is based in Maryland.

Blu Venture Investors is a venture capital investment company that supports early-stage entrepreneurs. Their investors are experienced, successful operating executives with experience in a broad range of industries and business models. Each of their investors has successfully launched new companies, products or services. The company provides initial growth-stage funding and active mentorship to early-stage companies while delivering strong returns for its members and the entrepreneurs they support. Blue Ventures Investors was founded in 2010 and is based in Vienna, Virginia, United States.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities is a prominent real estate company specializing in urban office spaces primarily for life science, agtech, and technology tenants. The company is recognized for its development of Class A properties in key markets such as Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle. Alexandria focuses on creating dynamic and collaborative environments that foster innovation and growth. In addition to leasing space, the company offers a range of services including engineering, asset management, laboratory operations, project management, and sustainability initiatives, enhancing the operational efficiency of its tenants. With a strong commitment to urban development, Alexandria aims to support transformative advancements in the life sciences and technology sectors.

Northpond Ventures is a science-driven venture capital firm headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. Our mission is to build a better tomorrow. Our investments are focused on life sciences, technology, and affiliated industries.

Intersouth Partners is a venture capital firm based in Durham, North Carolina, established in 1985. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, primarily within the technology and life sciences sectors. In technology, Intersouth focuses on areas such as software, semiconductors, communications, digital media, clean technology, and security. In the life sciences domain, its investment interests include medical devices, biopharmaceuticals, agricultural biotechnology, and biomaterials. The firm typically avoids sectors like airline, apparel, broadcasting, consumer products, energy, entertainment, environmental, industrial, manufacturing, oil and gas, publishing, real estate, and restaurants. Intersouth seeks to invest between $0.5 million and $8 million in companies located across the Southeast, particularly in the region from Baltimore to Florida, and aims for total investments averaging $12 million through various financing rounds. The firm prefers to obtain a board seat in its portfolio companies and typically looks to exit investments within two to six years. With a track record of investing in over 100 private companies, Intersouth Partners is recognized as one of the largest venture capital firms in North Carolina and the Southeast.

DFW Capital Partners is a private equity firm founded in 1983 and based in Teaneck, New Jersey, with additional offices in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The firm specializes in investing in lower middle-market companies, focusing primarily on service sectors such as healthcare, industrial support services, and outsourced business services. DFW Capital Partners has a proven track record of over 20 years in building successful companies and typically invests between $3 million and $75 million per transaction, targeting companies with revenues ranging from $20 million to $150 million. The firm prefers to take a controlling interest in management-led buyouts and recapitalizations, while also supporting add-on acquisitions. It does not invest in real estate, start-ups, or pure research and development firms. DFW Capital Partners aims to provide growth capital on either a minority or majority ownership basis and often collaborates with senior and subordinated debt sources to create comprehensive financing solutions for its portfolio companies.

Durable Capital Partners is a hedge fund manager established in 2019 and located in Bethesda, Maryland. The firm specializes in investing in small and mid-cap companies across both public and private markets. Its investment approach emphasizes identifying and sourcing small-cap and mid-cap companies that demonstrate strong potential for growth. By concentrating on these specific segments of the market, Durable Capital Partners aims to capitalize on opportunities that may be overlooked by larger investment firms.

Grit Capital Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 2015 and based in New York, with an additional office in Hunt Valley, Maryland. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on high-potential entrepreneurs who aim to disrupt industries through technology and data. Grit Capital Partners typically invests its own capital and prioritizes companies with at least one technical co-founder. It seeks opportunities primarily in sectors such as financial services, commerce, media, and healthcare information technology. The firm leverages its extensive network of entrepreneurs, executives, and technology veterans to support its portfolio companies and enhance their chances of success.

Anne Arundel Dermatology operates a network of dermatology clinics focused on delivering comprehensive skin care services. The company specializes in various aspects of dermatology, including general, cosmetic, medical, surgical, and pediatric care. It also provides advanced treatment options for skin cancer and a range of cosmetic procedures. By offering a full suite of dermatological services, Anne Arundel Dermatology aims to address the diverse skin care needs of its clients, ensuring effective and reliable treatment solutions.

Leonid Capital Partners invests vital capital into critical National Security initiatives. LEONID is a US Department of Defense Trusted Capital Provider investing in start-ups, small- and medium-sized businesses across all industries within the United States. Our commitment is to use our cutting-edge approach to fund businesses working on critical National Security work quickly, safely, and reliably. We believe in giving back and, more importantly, that you don’t have to wait to do so. Therefore, we have committed to reinvesting half of our net profits in charitable causes that are meaningful to our clients and ourselves - namely in the Veteran and Military Family non-profit community.

Lockheed Martin Corporation is a leading global security and aerospace company, specializing in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems and products. The company operates through four primary segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space Systems. The Aeronautics segment focuses on combat and air mobility aircraft, including unmanned air vehicles. Missiles and Fire Control develops air and missile defense systems, tactical missiles, and logistical support services. The Rotary and Mission Systems segment provides military and commercial helicopters, combat systems, and advanced mission solutions. Lastly, the Space Systems segment is involved in the production of satellites, strategic missile systems, and provides critical intelligence support for national security. Established in 1912 and headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is recognized as the world's largest defense contractor, significantly influencing the market for high-end fighter aircraft, particularly through its F-35 program.

MedImmune Ventures, Inc. is a venture capital firm that operates as a subsidiary of AstraZeneca, focusing on investments in biotechnology companies at various stages, from seed to late-stage financing. The firm targets both public and private enterprises engaged in developing small and large molecule therapeutics, vaccines, medical devices, diagnostics, and healthcare technologies. Its investment scope encompasses a range of therapeutic areas, including cardiology, gastroenterology, neuroscience, oncology, and infectious diseases, among others. MedImmune Ventures aims to support the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative pharmaceutical products globally. Established in 2002, the firm is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, with an additional office in Mountain View, California, and typically invests around $7 million in its portfolio companies.

A-Level Capital, LLC is a student-led venture capital fund based in Baltimore, Maryland. Our firm invests in Johns Hopkins University student and young alumni founded companies. Please visit our website, alevelcapital.com to learn more and/or apply for start-up funding.

Enviva Partners, based in Bethesda, Maryland, specializes in producing and selling utility-grade wood pellets, primarily serving power generators in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Japan. Established in 2013, the company develops, constructs, acquires, and operates fully contracted wood pellet production plants, where it processes wood fiber into dry, densified pellets. These pellets serve as a sustainable alternative to coal and other fossil fuels in dedicated and co-fired power generation, as well as in combined heat and power plants. Enviva's business model includes selling term, take-or-pay, and off-take contracts to creditworthy customers, supporting their transition to cleaner energy sources. The company derives a significant portion of its revenue from customers in Europe, highlighting its role in promoting sustainable energy solutions on a global scale.

Northlane Capital Partners is a private equity firm based in Bethesda, Maryland, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investing in growing, highly profitable middle-market companies, primarily within the healthcare and business services sectors in North America. With a team of four partners who have collaborated since 2003, Northlane has invested approximately $1.7 billion across 26 companies. The firm operates as a Registered Investment Adviser and focuses on leveraging its expertise to support the growth of its portfolio companies.

Slate Capital Group is a private equity firm based in Baltimore, Maryland, established in 2004. The firm specializes in investments throughout a company's life cycle, ranging from growth equity to leveraged buyouts. It primarily targets light manufacturing, distribution, and service businesses, including sectors such as business services, healthcare services, for-profit education, niche software, direct marketing, food and beverage, and consumer and retail markets. Slate Capital Group focuses on companies located in the Mid-Atlantic region and considers those based east of the Mississippi River. The firm typically invests in companies with cash flows between $0.5 million and $5 million and EBITDA ranging from $3 million to $15 million. While it prefers to acquire controlling interests, the firm is also open to minority investments.

QuestMark Partners is a Baltimore-based venture capital firm founded in 1998 that focuses on providing growth capital to expansion-stage companies across the United States. With over $900 million under management, QuestMark seeks to invest in highly differentiated companies that exhibit commercial traction and the potential for long-term success. The firm targets various sectors, including media, healthcare, enterprise software, tech-enabled business services, security, financial technology, consumer internet, healthcare IT, mobile software, and e-commerce. QuestMark is recognized for its collaborative and patient approach to building companies, which has enabled numerous entrepreneurial firms to achieve market leadership across diverse industries.

Healthworx is a corporate venture arm based in Baltimore, Maryland, that focuses on enhancing healthcare quality, accessibility, and affordability through innovation and investment. Established in 2017, it operates as part of CareFirst of Maryland, Inc., and is dedicated to supporting and creating companies that aim to transform the healthcare landscape. Healthworx envisions a healthier future for all individuals by fostering advancements in the healthcare sector.

MassChallenge is a global nonprofit startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2009. It supports early-stage entrepreneurs from various industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance, by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. With locations in countries such as Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, and Texas, MassChallenge operates a non-equity model, allowing startups to retain full ownership while benefiting from expert guidance and connections. The accelerator conducts various programs tailored to specific sectors, such as MassChallenge HealthTech and MassChallenge FinTech, which facilitate partnerships between startups and established enterprises to drive innovation and market growth. Through its extensive global network, MassChallenge aims to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and empower high-potential startups to create meaningful impact.

JMI Equity is a growth equity firm established in 1992 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. The firm specializes in investing in leading software companies across various sectors, including cloud, digital health, finance, and information technology. JMI Equity has a track record of over 145 investments and has successfully completed more than 95 exits, demonstrating its ability to partner with exceptional management teams to foster the growth of companies into industry leaders. With a commitment to raising significant capital, JMI Equity has secured over $4 billion in committed funds to support its investment strategy.

Sagamore Ventures is an early-stage investment firm located in Baltimore, Maryland, founded in 2014. As a family office, it focuses on investing in various sectors, including real estate, hospitality, and food and beverages. The firm aims to support innovative businesses and foster growth within the Baltimore region. Through its strategic investments, Sagamore Ventures seeks to contribute to the local economy while identifying opportunities that align with its vision for long-term success.