Startup investors in Baltimore
The state investor, accelerator and angel community that take applications from Baltimore and Maryland founders, what each publishes about itself, and how to reach it.
All amounts are in US dollars.
Who invests in startups in Baltimore?
Maryland technology founders can apply to TEDCO, the state's economic development investor, whose seed funds back companies under five years old. Techstars runs an AI health accelerator in Baltimore with Johns Hopkins, CareFirst, MedStar Health and the University of Maryland. District Angels, a DMV angel community, also takes submissions; see the Washington DC page.
Angel networks in Baltimore
| Network | How it works | Who it looks for | Fees | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District Angels | A volunteer-led DMV angel community; each deal is pooled into an SPV of $50,000 to $200,000 | Industry-agnostic; founders can be based anywhere | Not published | Submission form; replies within five days |
Funds that invest in Baltimore startups
| Fund | Stage | Published first cheque | Focus and eligibility | How to pitch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEDCO Seed Funds | Early stage: operating less than five years (the Builder Fund is exempt) | Not published | Maryland technology-based companies with protectable IP, under $15 million in outside funding and 250 employees; must sign a five-year agreement to stay in Maryland | MyTEDCO portal application |
Programs that put founders in front of investors
- Techstars AI Health Baltimore. For AI-driven health startups with measurable commercial traction, run with Johns Hopkins, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, MedStar Health, the University of Maryland Baltimore and the University of Maryland Medical System. Invests $220,000 per company. Final deadline November 18, 2026; the program starts March 8, 2027, with demo day June 3, 2027.
Which route fits your company?
| If your situation is… | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland tech company under five years old with protectable IP | TEDCO Seed Funds | Its published eligibility |
| AI health startup with commercial traction | Techstars AI Health Baltimore | Its stated focus |
| Raising a round where a $50,000 to $200,000 cheque helps | District Angels | Its stated deal size |
Meeting an organization's criteria means you can apply, not that it will invest.
Plan your location before TEDCO.
TEDCO asks companies to commit to staying in Maryland for five years. Decide that before you apply.
What should you have ready before you apply?
- Evidence that your technology is, or can be, protected as IP.
- A record of outside funding raised so far, to show you're under TEDCO's $15 million limit.
- Your Techstars application before November 18, 2026, if you're an AI health startup.
For how to run the raise itself, see how to raise a seed round.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply to TEDCO's seed funds?
Maryland technology-based companies operating less than five years, with under $15 million in outside funding and under 250 employees.
How much does Techstars AI Health Baltimore invest?
$220,000 per company.
When does Techstars AI Health Baltimore start?
March 8, 2027. The final application deadline is November 18, 2026.