These 12 startups are entering the Baltimore-based Techstars Equitech Accelerator
Summary
The first cohort of the Techstars Equitech Accelerator is bringing global startups to Baltimore, and supporting companies already growing from a base in the city.On Thursday, the accelerator announced the first 12-company cohort for the Baltimore-based program, kicking off the programming phase for one of the key initatives aimed at making the city a top-tier tech hub through the lens of equitech. We partnered with Techstars to bring its well-regarded accelerator model to Baltimore and help amplify the work were doing here, raise the citys profile as a top-tier innovation hub, and elevate the Equitech movement to create a new future through tech innovation.The 13-week accelerator provides access to the mentor network of Techstars and others from the Baltimore ecosystem, as well as civic, company and academic resources. The accelerator is led by managing director Monica Wheat and venture principal Ramzy Ismail, both of whom bring national and international experience and networks.The cohort, which was selected from hundreds of applicants and had a 3% acceptance rate, is also oriented around a mission that champions diversity as a key to business success.For too long, innovation and business development especially within the tech sector has not been built for, accessible to, or driven outcomes for underrepresented groups, even though these groups make up the majority of our economy and are the backbones of our communities, said Pava LaPere, founder of EcoMap Technologies. EQL Finance, Inc., of DC and Berlin, Germany, provides small-dollar, interest-free lending payable up to 36 months for working families and individuals. Zimbali Networks, of DC, is aiming to bring change to the foundations of finance by building communities of buyers, seller and lenders, in one seamless, accessible global platform.