About
Maryland StartUp Accelerator is a 12-week, virtual-based program created by and for Maryland entrepreneurs, utilizing Maryland-developed technology to prepare startup founders and early-stage CEOs for investment and scaling. The program is designed specifically to position participants in the strongest possible position to build successful companies and raise outside capital. As part of the Maryland startup ecosystem—which centers on Baltimore as the state's most active startup hub—the accelerator operates alongside other established institutions including bwtech@UMBC, Betamore, and Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures. The program reflects a mission to support homegrown entrepreneurship through mentorship, strategic guidance, and investor preparation. Participants benefit from a structured curriculum focused on investment readiness, business fundamentals, and capital formation strategies. The accelerator is managed by the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA), positioning it within the formal economic development infrastructure of the state. While specific details regarding cohort size, investment check sizes, or sectoral focus areas are not publicly detailed in available sources, the program's emphasis on virtual delivery enables broader geographic accessibility across Maryland. The accelerator operates as part of a broader Baltimore startup support ecosystem that includes early-stage funding vehicles, university-affiliated technology ventures, and specialized programs like the Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator and Startup Shell. Founders in the program gain access to curated mentor networks, investor connections, and structured preparation for fundraising processes. The program's creation by Maryland entrepreneurs underscores a peer-driven approach to startup support, distinguishing it from external or parachute accelerator models.