TEDCO is an independent organization established in 1998 and located in Columbia, Maryland. It serves as the leading source of entrepreneurial business assistance and seed funding for the development of startup companies within Maryland's innovation economy. TEDCO focuses on early-stage companies across various sectors, including software, technology, energy equipment, life sciences, and oncology. Its mission is to foster innovation and economic growth in Maryland by supporting the growth of startups and enhancing the state's position in the entrepreneurial landscape.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a leading biomedical research facility in the United States, operating under the Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1887 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, NIH is the primary agency responsible for biomedical and health-related research in the country. It comprises 27 separate institutes and centers, each focusing on different disciplines within biomedical science. NIH conducts its own scientific research through the Intramural Research Program and provides significant funding for research at external institutions via the Extramural Research Program. With a workforce that includes 1,200 principal investigators and over 4,000 postdoctoral fellows, NIH has been instrumental in major medical breakthroughs, such as the development of vaccines for hepatitis and human papillomavirus, as well as the discovery of treatments for various health conditions. As the world's largest source of medical research funding, NIH continues to advance scientific knowledge and contribute to public health improvements.

The University System of Maryland Momentum Fund, established in 2016 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, operates as a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in early-stage startups affiliated with the University System of Maryland. With a commitment of $10 million from USM, the fund aims to promote entrepreneurship, attract external investments, and stimulate economic development and technology commercialization within the region. The fund is sector agnostic, focusing on a diverse range of industries while prioritizing startups that are headquartered in Maryland and have connections to USM's member institutions. By leveraging the resources of its affiliated universities, the Momentum Fund seeks to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem and support the growth of innovative companies in the state.

The Abell Foundation is an independent non-profit organization based in Baltimore, Maryland, established in 1953. It focuses on addressing complex challenges related to urban poverty by providing grants to schools, hospitals, and human service organizations that serve disadvantaged communities. Over the past three decades, the foundation has refined its mission to prioritize innovative solutions that promote accountability and inclusivity. It aims to enhance the quality of life in various sectors, including community development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, and workforce development, while also supporting conservation/environmental efforts and the arts to a lesser extent. With assets exceeding $314 million, the Abell Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in Maryland, dedicated to creating opportunities for marginalized populations and fostering community success.

TCP Venture Capital, established in November 2012 by Christopher College and Stuart Sutley, is a venture capital firm located in Baltimore, Maryland. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage technology companies, primarily within the Baltimore region. By supporting innovative startups, TCP Venture Capital aims to foster growth and development in the local technology ecosystem.

Gaingels is a venture investment syndicate founded in 2014 and based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to supporting the LGBT+ community and its allies. The organization invests in companies led by LGBT+ founders and executives at all stages of development, as well as in established firms committed to enhancing their diversity and inclusivity. With a global portfolio comprising over 130 companies and $70 million in investment capital deployed, Gaingels plays a vital role in fostering an inclusive business environment. Additionally, the Gaingels network actively assists its portfolio companies in identifying and recruiting diverse talent for their leadership teams, while cultivating a vibrant community of industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs committed to driving positive social change through business initiatives.

New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a prominent venture capital firm established in 1977, headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with additional offices in the U.S., India, and China. NEA specializes in investing in technology and healthcare sectors, with a focus on enterprise, consumer, fintech, life sciences, and digital health companies. The firm engages with entrepreneurs at various stages of business development, providing support from initial funding to public offerings. NEA invests globally, with a significant presence in Asia, including China and India, as well as the United States. The firm typically invests between $0.05 million and $20 million per deal.

OrbiMed is a healthcare-focused investment firm based in New York City, established in 1989. The firm specializes in providing a range of financing solutions, including bridge loans, senior debt, and structured debt capital for both commercial-stage public and private healthcare companies. OrbiMed invests across various sectors within the healthcare industry, such as pharmaceuticals, life sciences, digital health, medical devices, biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, healthcare technology, and biotechnology. With approximately $5 billion in assets under management, OrbiMed aims to support a spectrum of healthcare companies, from early-stage ventures to established multinational corporations.

Grotech Ventures, established in 1984, is a Virginia-based private equity firm specializing in early-stage investments in technology companies across the United States. The firm invests between $0.5 million and $5 million in high-growth technology startups, focusing on sectors such as software, cybersecurity, fintech, and vertical applications. Grotech Ventures is known for its collaborative, long-term approach, aligning its success with that of its partners and providing meaningful contributions beyond capital. The firm seeks innovative entrepreneurs with fresh ideas and breakthrough innovations, supporting them through their early and growth stages.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, as well as late-stage pre-IPO opportunities, with a flexible approach that is sector and geographic agnostic. Alumni Ventures aims to provide high-quality, diversified venture portfolios to individual investors, particularly accredited alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, who may not have had access to venture capital previously. The firm focuses on backing companies that have an alumni connection and are led by established institutional investors with expertise in their respective fields. Additionally, Alumni Ventures offers focused funds that enable accredited investors to access a diverse portfolio of investments across various types, sectors, stages, and geographies.

DataTribe is a startup foundry based in Fulton, Maryland, established in 2015. The company focuses on investing in and co-building innovative startups that aim to make significant advancements in cybersecurity and data science. Founded by experienced investors and veterans from the U.S. intelligence community, DataTribe leverages its extensive network and professional expertise to provide companies with essential resources, including capital and in-kind services. By fostering collaboration and offering strategic support, DataTribe strives to give its startups a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Intersouth Partners, established in 1985 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, is a prominent venture capital firm focusing on seed and early-stage investments in the technology and life sciences sectors. The firm prefers to invest in software, semiconductor, communications, digital media, clean technology, and security companies within the technology sector, and medical devices, biopharmaceuticals, agricultural biotechnology, and biomaterials within life sciences. Intersouth typically invests in companies located across the Southeast, with a primary focus on the corridor from Baltimore through Florida, including Washington, DC, the Research Triangle region, and Atlanta. The firm seeks to be the lead or co-lead investor, with an initial investment ranging from $0.5 million to $8 million, and plans for an average total investment of $12 million through all rounds of financing. Intersouth aims to take a board seat on its portfolio companies and prefers to exit its investments within two to six years.

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., established in 1937 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, is a global investment management firm. It serves a diverse range of clients, including individuals, institutional investors, retirement plans, and financial intermediaries. The company offers a broad spectrum of investment strategies, focusing on equity and fixed income markets worldwide. T. Rowe Price employs a fundamental, bottom-up approach, combining in-house and external research, and considers environmental, social, and governance factors in its investment decisions. With offices across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, the firm is committed to delivering long-term investment excellence.

Blu Venture Investors, LLC is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Vienna, Virginia, established in 2010. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, focusing on technology companies across various sectors, including software, cybersecurity, healthcare technology, and digital media. It actively seeks opportunities in disruptive technologies related to materials, chemicals, and biological sciences, as well as solutions for the defense and intelligence communities. Blu Venture Investors typically invests between $0.05 million and $3 million in each funding round and often collaborates with other investment groups for larger financings. The firm prefers to acquire majority stakes and is involved in governance by taking board seats and providing mentorship, leveraging the extensive experience of its investors, who are seasoned executives from diverse industries. Its investment activities primarily target the mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and North Carolina.

Warburg Pincus is a global private equity firm, established in 1966, with over $60 billion in assets under management. Based in New York, it has offices worldwide and invests in a diverse range of sectors, including energy, financial services, healthcare, technology, and real estate. The firm focuses on growth investing, typically committing between $20 million to $1 billion per transaction, and has an average investment period of five to seven years. Warburg Pincus seeks to partner with management teams to build sustainable companies, often taking a board seat and investing as a lead investor.

The Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII) is a collaborative program established between the State of Maryland and five prominent academic research institutions: Johns Hopkins University, Morgan State University, University of Maryland College Park, University of Maryland Baltimore, and University of Maryland Baltimore County. The initiative aims to foster the commercialization of research generated within these universities, utilizing their unique strengths to drive innovation. By facilitating partnerships and encouraging the transfer of knowledge and technology, MII seeks to enhance the economic development of Maryland and support the growth of emerging companies that arise from academic research.

Camber Creek, established in 2009, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, with an additional office in New York. The company specializes in investing in technology-related businesses, particularly those focused on real estate technology (PropTech), across the United States. Camber Creek's investment team brings a diverse range of expertise, including real estate operations, construction, property management, development, and leasing, along with technology and investing experience. The firm actively contributes to the success of its portfolio companies by leveraging its partners', investors', and advisors' real estate expertise and assets.

Rock Springs Capital is an investment company based in Baltimore, Maryland, established in 2013. It specializes in the healthcare and biotechnology sectors, offering advisory services that focus on managing security portfolios and providing portfolio management solutions for businesses and institutional clients. The firm aims to assist clients in optimizing their investment strategies and achieving their financial objectives through its comprehensive management services.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania, established in 1982, is a non-profit organization that fosters technological innovation and growth in the region. It primarily invests in early-stage technology companies, having supported over 1,750 such ventures since its inception. The organization also facilitates university-industry partnerships to accelerate scientific discoveries to market, and initiates regional programs to bolster the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Its mission is to create jobs and transform lives by leading the region's technology community to new heights.

Greenspring Associates, established in 2000, is a global investment firm headquartered in the United States. It specializes in fund of funds management, offering commingled funds and customized partnership solutions to a diverse range of international clients. The firm invests in established and emerging venture capital fund managers, early and growth-stage venture-backed companies, and secondary venture capital fund and direct investments. With over $7.3 billion in committed capital, Greenspring's dedicated team combines extensive expertise in both venture fund and direct investments.

Camden Partners, established in 1995, is a Baltimore-based growth equity firm specializing in investments in the lower-middle market. The company focuses on sectors such as technology, software, business services, and education, typically investing between $5 million and $15 million in equity. Camden Partners seeks to make a positive impact on both its investors and portfolio companies by leveraging its experience and influence, often taking controlling stakes and aiming for exits within two to five years.

Kinetic Ventures, established in 1983, is a venture capital firm based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with an additional office in Atlanta, Georgia. The company specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on communications, information technology, and power/clean technology sectors. It typically invests between $2 million and $10 million in U.S.-based companies, with a preference for a Board seat in portfolio companies. Kinetic Ventures exits investments primarily through IPOs or acquisitions. The firm has a proven track record of partnering with exceptional entrepreneurs to build industry-defining companies.

Enhanced Capital, established in 1999, is a New York-based investment firm managing over $400 million. It specializes in providing flexible equity and debt financing to small and mid-sized businesses, promoting their growth and expansion. The firm's investment approach is practical and tailored, aiming to maximize the growth potential of companies poised for rapid growth. Enhanced Capital also invests in renewable energy, historic real estate rehabilitation, and affordable housing projects, often leveraging federal and state incentive programs.

TDF Ventures LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2004 and headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Silicon Valley. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily targeting seed stage and Series A companies across various sectors, including infrastructure, software, services, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce. TDF Ventures typically invests between $0.5 million and $5 million per transaction, focusing on companies that enhance business processes, improve broadband access, or innovate in technology and communication. The firm seeks to engage actively with its portfolio companies and often considers co-investment opportunities. TDF Ventures is committed to supporting startups that address critical industry challenges and leverage emerging technologies to create value in enterprise markets.

Highland Europe, established in 2012, is a venture capital firm headquartered in London, with an additional office in Geneva. The company invests in rapidly growing European internet, mobile, and software companies that have achieved product-market fit and are seeking to scale, with a focus on those targeting global expansion. They typically invest in companies with over €10 million in annualized revenues, providing capital to accelerate growth and build lasting, valuable businesses. Highland Europe works closely with management teams, offering mentorship and support to help founders navigate growth stages.

Novak Biddle Venture Partners, established in 1997 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, is a private equity and venture capital firm focusing on early-stage investments in information technology companies. It specializes in seed, startup, and first round financing, with equity investments ranging from $100,000 to $10 million. The firm targets companies in the Mid-Atlantic region, with a focus on education, security, big data analytics, and business-to-business-to-consumer models. Novak Biddle also considers later-stage investments and spinouts, often syndicating larger rounds through its network. It aims for exits within five to seven years.

Truist is a banking organization formed through the merger of BB&T and SunTrust, with a history spanning over 275 years. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist serves approximately 12 million households and stands as the sixth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The company offers a diverse range of services, including retail and commercial banking, asset management, insurance, mortgage lending, and wealth management. Truist also provides specialized services for small businesses and corporate clients, encompassing areas such as asset-based lending, treasury services, and supply chain financing. With a commitment to innovation and community development, Truist aims to enhance financial experiences for individuals and businesses alike.

ABS Capital Partners, established in 1990, is a Baltimore-based growth equity firm. It focuses on investing in growth-oriented companies within the healthcare, business services, and tech-enabled services sectors across the United States. With a 30-year history, the firm supports companies beyond their initial growth spurt, helping them reach their full potential. ABS Capital Partners is registered as an Investment Adviser and has raised funds totaling $300 million in the past.

Lockheed Martin, established in 1912, is a global security and aerospace company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. It operates through four segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space Systems. The company specializes in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services for defense, space, and commercial applications. These include combat and air mobility aircraft, missiles, helicopters, ship and submarine mission systems, satellites, and cybersecurity solutions. Lockheed Martin also provides a range of management, engineering, technical, scientific, logistic, and information services. Since 2007, Lockheed Martin Ventures, the company's venture capital arm, has invested over $100 million in startup companies developing disruptive technologies in core businesses and new markets, with a focus on autonomous systems, cybersecurity, space technologies, and advanced materials, among others.

Moonshots Capital, established in 2014 and based in Austin, Texas, is a venture capital firm specializing in seed-stage investments. They focus on technology startups led by exceptional founders, targeting large and growing markets. The firm's investment approach is disciplined, aiming to identify companies with significant growth potential, often referred to as "moonshots." Their portfolio spans dual-use tech, fintech, cybersecurity, consumer internet, and web3 sectors.

The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) is dedicated to fostering a favorable business environment in the state. Through its platform, ChooseMaryland, the department provides essential resources and programs for businesses of all sizes, including information on financing, workforce training, exporting, and assistance for small and minority enterprises. DBED's primary objectives are to attract new businesses, stimulate private investment, create jobs, and support the growth and retention of existing companies. Additionally, the department plays a vital role in marketing Maryland's economic advantages and local products both domestically and internationally, thereby enhancing development, trade, and tourism. Recognizing the importance of cultural and special events, DBED also supports initiatives in the arts, film production, and sports. By promoting a positive business climate and ensuring equitable prosperity across the state, the department positions Maryland as a key player in the New Economy.

Sterling Partners, established in 1983, is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on control equity investments in growth-oriented, lower and middle market companies, primarily in the United States. The firm targets businesses in sectors such as business services, healthcare services, and information technology, with a focus on companies having enterprise values between $20 million and $150 million, and EBITDA greater than $5 million. Sterling Partners invests between $2 million and $500 million of equity per company, seeking controlling or majority interests, and often acts as the first institutional investor. The firm's strategy involves leveraging its operational expertise, industry knowledge, and network to drive value in its portfolio companies.

Founded in 2022, Mauloa is a private equity firm located in Potomac, Maryland, with a mission to serve as a patient and sophisticated financial partner for business owners. The firm invests between $15 million and $30 million in cash flow-positive companies, focusing on growth and recapitalization opportunities. Mauloa's investment approach emphasizes non-controlling equity positions, allowing entrepreneurs to maintain control of their businesses without the pressure of a predetermined exit timeline. This philosophy reflects the firm’s commitment to aligning its interests with those of its partners. Originally established in 2007 as Sachs Capital, Mauloa has successfully deployed over $200 million and has partnered with more than 20 companies across various industries.

Leonid Capital Partners invests vital capital into critical National Security initiatives. LEONID is a US Department of Defense Trusted Capital Provider investing in start-ups, small- and medium-sized businesses across all industries within the United States. Our commitment is to use our cutting-edge approach to fund businesses working on critical National Security work quickly, safely, and reliably. We believe in giving back and, more importantly, that you don’t have to wait to do so. Therefore, we have committed to reinvesting half of our net profits in charitable causes that are meaningful to our clients and ourselves - namely in the Veteran and Military Family non-profit community.

Anne Arundel Dermatology operates a network of dermatology clinics focused on delivering comprehensive skin care services. The company specializes in various aspects of dermatology, including general, cosmetic, medical, surgical, and pediatric care. It also provides advanced treatment options for skin cancer and a range of cosmetic procedures. By offering a full suite of dermatological services, Anne Arundel Dermatology aims to address the diverse skin care needs of its clients, ensuring effective and reliable treatment solutions.

Sirnaomics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing targeted therapeutics for significant human diseases using RNA interference (RNAi) technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, with additional offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and facilities in Suzhou and Guangzhou, China, Sirnaomics is dedicated to addressing critical medical needs in oncology, anti-fibrotic therapeutics, and viral infections. The company's product portfolio includes several small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics such as STP705 for scar reduction, STP909 for colon cancer, and STP900 for HPV and cervical cancer, among others. Sirnaomics employs proprietary Polypeptide Nano-Particle (PNP) technology to enhance drug delivery, allowing effective targeting of the tumor microenvironment and various cell types, particularly in the liver. Through its innovative approach, Sirnaomics aims to create impactful treatments for diseases with large market opportunities.

Enlightenment Capital, established in 2012 and based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, is a private investment firm specializing in the Aerospace, Defense, Government & Technology sector. The firm offers creative capital solutions, including senior debt, mezzanine debt, and minority equity, to support and grow businesses within this field. With a team that has extensive experience and deep ties to the industry, Enlightenment Capital partners with top-tier management teams and equity sponsors to build quality companies that lead their respective fields. The firm's investment strategy is driven by its understanding of the sector's advances, policies, and dynamics, enabling it to provide informed and tailored capital solutions to businesses delivering mission-critical products and services.

Gula Tech Adventures, Inc. is a venture capital firm based in Ellicott City, Maryland, that specializes in investing in early-stage start-ups within the cybersecurity sector. Founded in 2017, the firm focuses on seed and Series A investments, particularly in areas such as cyber hygiene, threat management, security engineering, and national security technology. The founders, Ron and Cyndi Gula, are veterans of the cybersecurity industry, having previously co-founded Tenable Network Security. They leverage their extensive experience to support the next generation of cybersecurity start-ups by providing funding, assisting with product development, and guiding capital raises. Gula Tech Adventures aims to foster innovation and growth in the cybersecurity landscape.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities is a prominent real estate company specializing in urban office spaces primarily for life science, agtech, and technology tenants. The company is recognized for its development of Class A properties in key markets such as Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle. Alexandria focuses on creating dynamic and collaborative environments that foster innovation and growth. In addition to leasing space, the company offers a range of services including engineering, asset management, laboratory operations, project management, and sustainability initiatives, enhancing the operational efficiency of its tenants. With a strong commitment to urban development, Alexandria aims to support transformative advancements in the life sciences and technology sectors.

Slate Capital Group is a private equity firm based in Baltimore, Maryland, established in 2004. The firm specializes in investments throughout a company's life cycle, ranging from growth equity to leveraged buyouts. It primarily targets light manufacturing, distribution, and service businesses, including sectors such as business services, healthcare services, for-profit education, niche software, direct marketing, food and beverage, and consumer and retail markets. Slate Capital Group focuses on companies located in the Mid-Atlantic region and considers those based east of the Mississippi River. The firm typically invests in companies with cash flows between $0.5 million and $5 million and EBITDA ranging from $3 million to $15 million. While it prefers to acquire controlling interests, the firm is also open to minority investments.

Northpond Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Bethesda, Maryland, with additional offices in San Francisco and Cambridge. Founded in 2018, the firm specializes in growth capital investments across various sectors, including life sciences, biotechnology, diagnostics, digital health, and emerging technologies. Northpond Ventures aims to support innovative companies that are poised to make significant advancements in healthcare and technology, with a focus on building a better future through its strategic investments. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm is committed to fostering developments in therapeutics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and medical technology.

Eli Lilly and Company is a global pharmaceutical corporation that specializes in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and distribution of medicines. Its portfolio spans various therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, cardiometabolic, cancer, and immunology. Notable products include Verzenio for cancer, Mounjaro and Jardiance for cardiometabolic conditions, and Taltz for immunology. The company operates through owned or leased facilities in over 25 countries, selling its products in approximately 135 countries worldwide. Additionally, Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, established in 1968, supports initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes, enhancing quality of life, and promoting education, particularly in underserved communities.

DFW Capital Partners, established in 1983, is a private equity firm based in Teaneck, New Jersey, with additional offices in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The firm specializes in providing growth capital and acquisition financing to mature, lower middle-market companies, with a focus on service industries such as healthcare, business services, and industrial services. DFW Capital Partners typically invests between $3 million and $75 million per transaction, seeking companies with revenues between $20 million and $100 million and EBITDA between $3 million and $15 million. The firm prefers to take a minority or majority ownership stake and often seeks a board seat in its portfolio companies. DFW Capital Partners does not invest in real estate transactions, start-ups, or early-stage companies.

Tribe Capital, established in 2018 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, is a venture capital firm that invests in seed to growth-stage technology companies. With $1.6 billion in assets under management, the firm is known for its data-driven approach, leveraging AI and data science to model venture-backed private companies and provide deep insights to accelerate sustainable growth. Tribe's team, comprising investors, engineers, and scientists, has honed these tools at major tech and finance companies. They use quantitative analysis to measure product-market fit and identify high-growth potential "N-of-1" companies, aiming to minimize loss ratio. Notable investments include Apollo.io, Carta, Docker, Kraken, Instabase, Relativity Space, and Shiprocket.

Durable Capital Partners is a hedge fund manager established in 2019 and located in Bethesda, Maryland. The firm specializes in investing in small and mid-cap companies across both public and private markets. Its investment approach emphasizes identifying and sourcing small-cap and mid-cap companies that demonstrate strong potential for growth. By concentrating on these specific segments of the market, Durable Capital Partners aims to capitalize on opportunities that may be overlooked by larger investment firms.

The University of Maryland, located in College Park, Maryland, is a distinguished public research university that was established in 1856. Over the past two decades, it has significantly enhanced its reputation and academic standing, emerging as a leading institution in research, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The university is committed to leveraging its competitive advantages and pursuing ambitious goals to further its mission. With a focus on fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence and practical application, the University of Maryland aims to solidify its position among the world's premier educational institutions.

Grit Capital Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 2015 and based in New York, with an additional office in Hunt Valley, Maryland. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on high-potential entrepreneurs who aim to disrupt industries through technology and data. Grit Capital Partners typically invests its own capital and prioritizes companies with at least one technical co-founder. It seeks opportunities primarily in sectors such as financial services, commerce, media, and healthcare information technology. The firm leverages its extensive network of entrepreneurs, executives, and technology veterans to support its portfolio companies and enhance their chances of success.

MedImmune, established in 1988, is a global biopharmaceutical company and the biologics R&D arm of AstraZeneca. It specializes in developing medicines for unmet medical needs, focusing on therapeutic areas such as respiratory, inflammation, autoimmunity, cardiovascular and metabolic disease, oncology, neuroscience, and infection and vaccines. MedImmune Ventures, its venture capital arm founded in 2002, invests in early to late-stage, public and private biotechnology companies globally, with an average investment of $7 million. The firm seeks to invest in companies developing small and large molecule therapeutics, vaccines, pharmaceutical technologies, and platforms, as well as medical devices, diagnostics, and healthcare information technology companies, supporting the discovery, development, and commercialization of pharmaceutical products.