Launched in 2016 with a $10 million commitment from the University System of Maryland (USM), the Maryland Momentum Fund invests in USM-affiliated companies to support entrepreneurism, catalyze outside investment in early-stage startups, and foster economic development and technology commercialization.
A pre-seed to late-seed stage investment fund, the Maryland Momentum Fund helps promising early-stage companies bridge from grant funding and angel investment to a Series A round of investment.
The value of the Momentum Fund lies in its multifold purpose (outlined below in order of importance):
The Maryland Momentum Fund is open to all companies, regardless of technology or sector, but companies must meet the following minimum qualifications to be eligible to be considered for investment.
The company must be located in Maryland and provide positive economic impact to the State of Maryland.
The company must be affiliated with the University System of Maryland (USM) in one of the following ways:
The company must secure equal or greater investment by a third party investor or group of investors at the same commercial terms as the Momentum Fund.
In most cases, the Momentum Fund will make investments in the range of $150,000 to $250,000, with a maximum of $500,000. These investments are equity purchases or notes that are convertible into equity.
The Managing Director of the Fund will seek quality investment opportunities from all USM institutions.
In addition to the eligibility criteria, the Momentum Fund looks for the following in an initial pitch deck (detail provided below). These investment factors may be industry dependent.
An introductory pitch deck should provide all of the following information:
The Maryland Momentum Fund is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in investing. The Fund strengthens the USM’s incredibly diverse entrepreneurial community by eliminating some of the barriers in access to capital while simultaneously supporting USM’s entrepreneurs on their journey. We are dedicated to growing diversity in our investment portfolio. If you are interested in receiving funding, or if you would like to start a conversation, please complete a funding application.
We also welcome partnerships with investors, mentors, or organizations that support entrepreneurs. If you are interested in learning about the rich opportunity the Momentum Fund presents, please contact Mike Ravenscroft, managing director.
USM is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs affiliated with the System. Companies that do not receive investment or are not yet ready to apply to the Maryland Momentum Fund can work with the Office of Economic Development to obtain support (i.e., access to entrepreneurs in residence, patent and intellectual property support, and more). Explore the Maryland Entrepreneur Hub to find resources available through USM institutions and other supporters across the state.
Please reach out to Lindsay Ryan, Venture Development Director, for more information or assistance.