The governor was joined by Techstars Managing Director Adam Phillips and UpSurge Baltimore CEO Jamie McDonald.

The Techstars Equitech Accelerator event introduced ten high-growth early-stage startup companies pioneering emerging tech solutions while celebrating the completion of a thirteen-week intensive program. Hailing from Baltimore and cities across the U.S., the founders will showcase their company progress and pitch tech solutions to investors, stakeholders and community partners. Techstars has invested in more than 3,100 companies with a combined market cap of approximately $156 billion.

Originally founded in 2006, Techstars Accelerators have one goal: to help entrepreneurs succeed. During each three-month program, they surround companies with the best mentors and an unrivaled network of corporate partners, investors, and alumni. They provide funding and fundraising opportunities, workshops and curated resources.

The Moore-Miller Administration is working with the Maryland General Assembly to create the Maryland Community Investment Venture Fund, which will be used to invest in financial technology companies who develop products to help small businesses in low-income communities access capital.

During the event, the governor also discussed the Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program which will provide matching grants to tech driven businesses in the state to help build infrastructure of the future – from climate technology to 3-D printing.

These pieces of legislation are part of the governor’s plan to bridge the gap between vision and success in Maryland, a plan Governor Moore laid out during his keynote address.