The Maryland Momentum Fund provides "gap funding" to companies that, with co-investment, can achieve specific milestones and be positioned for a successful A-round of financing within 12-24 months. Review the Investment Criteria here.
Companies that are not deemed ready for funding may receive support or be connected with other resources and are encouraged to come back when better positioned for the funding.
The Maryland Momentum Fund team keeps applicants up-to-date on the status of their application.
The Momentum Fund strives for a fair, transparent process. Applicants should express any concerns regarding conflicts of interest to the Managing Director or to mdmomentum@usmd.edu.
All companies interested in being considered for the Momentum Fund must complete an application form. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Before proceeding, the team verifies applicants meet the funding eligibility requirements.
The Managing Director, and others as appropriate, reviews the company's technology status, product market fit, customer traction, use of funds, competition, intellectual property, partners, exit, and more against the Investment Criteria.
The Momentum Fund team gathers an expert panel to review each application and determine if it should move forward.
Applicants that appear to offer investment potential and have passed the due diligence and expert panel steps are invited to present to the Momentum Fund Advisory Board. The Momentum Fund Advisory Board meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 11 a.m. virtually and in a closed session.
After the presentation, the Advisory Board may request additional information or due diligence items or set conditions before recommending an applicant to the Executive Committee for investment.
Applicants that are recommended for investment must submit an investment package to the Executive Committee for further discussion and a final decision.
The Momentum Fund Executive Committee finalizes investment with the applicant.