Student founder at UMD

A practical UMD-centered path from student idea to investor readiness.

student foundersfirst time founders5 steps
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How to use this pathway

For student founders, the best path is usually not to jump straight to fundraising. Build inside the campus network first.

  1. Use Innovation Gateway to map the founder resources available to you.
  2. Work through Startup Shell for community, accountability, and early experimentation.
  3. Use Dingman programming to sharpen your venture and pitch.
  4. Approach Dingman Center Angels or TEDCO only after the company has a stronger case for external capital.

Steps & nodes

1
University centerresource-map
UMD Innovation Gateway

University of Maryland's front door to innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization resources.

2
Incubatorstudent-incubator
Startup Shell

Student-run startup incubator and coworking space at the University of Maryland.

3
University centerventure-development
Dingman-Lamone Center for Entrepreneurship

University of Maryland entrepreneurship center serving founders across stages.

4
Investorangel-capital
Dingman Center Angels

Maryland angel investment group tied to the University of Maryland entrepreneurship ecosystem.

5
Government programstate-programs
TEDCO

Maryland Technology Development Corporation — the state's technology-based economic development organization.