About this programme
The Builder Fund (officially the Pre-Seed Builder Fund) is an equity investment program run by TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation) for early-stage Maryland technology-based companies. It is one of two TEDCO Social Impact Funds, alongside the Inclusion Fund, both built to support economically underserved founders.
TEDCO notes that it has limited dollars to invest and must make hard choices between promising companies, so meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.
The Builder Fund and the Inclusion Fund set different ownership thresholds for who they target: the Builder Fund requires no less than 50% of the founders to demonstrate social and economic disadvantage, while the sibling Inclusion Fund requires at least 30% company ownership by one or more individuals who have demonstrated that disadvantage, and requires the company stay controlled or managed by disadvantaged individuals for at least a year after investment.
How it works
TEDCO's investment team evaluates the merits of each investment using a variety of criteria before making a final decision, beyond just checking the basic eligibility boxes.
If an application is approved, TEDCO carries out additional diligence, and its legal team drafts investment documents confirming eligibility and other required provisions.
A rejected applicant may reapply no sooner than 6 months after the initial application, and only if significant commercial progress has been made in the meantime.
Who can apply
The company must be an early-stage Maryland technology-based company with at least one full-time employee.
No less than 50% of the founders must demonstrate social and economic disadvantage.
Founders, officers, and managers must agree to receive executive support as part of the investment.
How to apply
- Submit an application through the MYTEDCO Portal.
Frequently asked
How is the Builder Fund different from TEDCO's Inclusion Fund?
The Builder Fund requires that no less than 50% of a company's founders demonstrate social and economic disadvantage, while the Inclusion Fund sets a lower ownership bar of at least 30% and adds a one-year post-investment control requirement.
Does meeting the eligibility criteria guarantee funding?
No. TEDCO's investment team weighs each application on its merits, and TEDCO says it has limited dollars to invest and must make hard choices between promising companies.
Where do I apply?
Through the MYTEDCO Portal, TEDCO's online application system.
Can I reapply if I'm rejected?
Yes, but not sooner than 6 months after the initial application, and only if the company has made significant commercial progress in the meantime.
More funding in Maryland
Concept Capital
TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation) · Maryland
Rural or underrepresented Maryland tech founders can get a zero-interest convertible note of $25,000 to $50,000 plus mentoring.
Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII)
TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation), with Johns Hopkins, Morgan State, UMB, UMBC and UMD College Park · Maryland
TEDCO's university-technology commercialization fund pairs Maryland research institutions with startups to take licensed IP from lab to company.
Venture Fund
TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation) · Maryland
Maryland's state venture arm invests $500,000 to $1.5 million directly in promising early-stage Maryland companies.
Inclusion Fund
TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation) · Maryland
Maryland tech startups with meaningful ownership by disadvantaged founders can get equity funding through TEDCO's Inclusion Fund.
Rural Business Innovation Initiative (RBII)
TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation) · Maryland
Small rural Maryland tech businesses get free mentoring, strategy help, and connections to funding, with no cost to the company.
Seed Fund
TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation) · Maryland
Maryland technology companies under 5 years old and under 250 employees can raise equity capital meant to make them venture-fundable.
All 8 programmes in Maryland →
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.