MARYLAND TECHNOLOGY ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE

Mtech Ventures hosted a new event titled “Building Impact-Focused Ventures: Success Stories, Tips, & Resources” on January 30, 2025, in the Rabin Technology Advancement Building at the University of Maryland.

The day-long workshop featured sessions highlighting the power of cooperative business models and employee ownership in driving social and environmental impact, a conversation of particular importance given a tight funding landscape for mission-driven entrepreneurs. The event also introduced entrepreneurs and innovators to a suite of entrepreneurial support services and funding opportunities, while providing a space to convene, connect, and share tips and resources.

OTS R&D Chief Executive Officer Cara Martin headlined the event with a talk titled “Founder Story: How OTS R&D Adopted a Worker Cooperative Model for Talent Retention, Increased Employee Engagement, and Innovative Decision-Making.”

Additional topics and speakers included:

• Introduction, overview, and agenda: Jordana Armstrong, strategic advisor, social innovation, UM Ventures
• An Ecosystem Map of Social Innovation Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) and Funders in the DMV Region: Scott Christensen, fund manager, Chesapeake Bay Seed Capital Fund
• ​Entrepreneur Flash Talk: one minute for entrepreneurs to introduce their business and current asks/needs
• Entrepreneur Support Organization Flash Talk: one minute for ESO representatives to introduce their organizations and how they can support entrepreneurs
• Making Intentions Real: Governance Matters: Noemi Giszpenc, executive director, Keystone Development Center
• Introduction to Funding for Worker Cooperatives: Taji Amani, business relationship steward, Baltimore Roundtable for Economic Democracy
• Learning from Mirlo’s Experience as a Worker Cooperative: Simon Vansintjan, co-founder, Mirlo 
• Employee Ownership: An Impactful and Tax Advantaged Exit Strategy: Eduardo Cabral, senior consultant & analyst, Triple Beam Advisors

Check out future Mtech Ventures events via the Mtech events calendar.