From Idea to Investment: How TEDCO Is Helping Startups Grow

From Idea to Investment: How TEDCO Is Helping Startups Grow

WASHINGTON (7News) — Maryland entrepreneurs with big ideas don’t have to navigate the path from concept to commercialization alone. TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, highlighted the funding, mentorship and connections it offers entrepreneurs and early-stage companies throughout Maryland and the surrounding region.

Graham Dodge and Karen Zuccardi joined Good Morning Washington to discuss how TEDCO supports founders at different stages of their business journey, as well as the organization’s upcoming Concept Capital Pitch Competition and Entrepreneur Expo.

TEDCO works with entrepreneurs throughout Maryland and also serves founders across the broader region, including Washington, D.C., Virginia and Delaware. Dodge explained that TEDCO can provide entrepreneurs with early capital to help get an idea off the ground while continuing to support companies as they work toward their first revenue and eventually pursue larger rounds of venture capital. The goal is to help promising businesses move through the critical stages between an innovative idea and a scalable company.

Zuccardi said entrepreneurs have several ways to connect with TEDCO, including its Bridge Program and Venture Development Team. The Bridge Program is open to more than just technology companies. Small businesses can also use the program to navigate available resources and identify services that may help them grow.

TEDCO’s Venture Development Team specializes in supporting early-stage technology founders. Its work includes mentorship, investment readiness and introductions to other organizations and resources throughout Maryland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. TEDCO also has mentors across the state, allowing entrepreneurs to access assistance without necessarily traveling to Maryland’s major urban centers. “We meet the founder where they are,” Zuccardi explained. For businesses that are not yet ready for outside investment, TEDCO can help founders strengthen their companies and prepare for the point when investment may make sense.

One opportunity available to qualifying technology companies is TEDCO’s Concept Capital program. Dodge said the program provides $25,000 to $50,000 to early-stage technology companies. Companies that become part of the Concept Capital program can then become eligible to present their businesses during TEDCO’s Concept Capital Pitch Competition.

The competition will be held as part of TEDCO’s Entrepreneur Expo on October 27 at the Hilton Baltimore. Beyond the pitch competition, the Expo is designed to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and other members of Maryland’s innovation community, creating opportunities for founders to build relationships and expand their networks.

Maryland is home to world-class research institutions and talent, but access to capital and the right business connections can still present challenges for founders. Zuccardi described TEDCO as a “backbone” of Maryland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, connecting founders not only with its own programs but also with organizations that can provide additional assistance.

For entrepreneurs who may be new to the startup ecosystem and unsure where to begin, TEDCO can help identify potential resources, mentors and organizations that fit their needs. Entrepreneurs interested in learning more can visit TEDcoMD.com, where TEDCO provides information about its programs, funding opportunities and resources.