ANNAPOLIS, MD — On Tuesday, Governor Wes Moore delivered the keynote address at the Techstars Equitech Accelerator Demo Day at M&T Bank Stadium to discuss the importance of entrepreneurship, economic growth and small business development. Techstars’ Demo Day champions and exposes underestimated communities by delivering industry-disrupting solutions that can improve the innovation of the economy of our cities. The Techstars worldwide network was founded in 2006 and helps entrepreneurs succeed by spreading the message that great ideas can come from anywhere.

“My administration is committed to making Baltimore City a place where dreams come to life – a place where entrepreneurs can turn ideas into businesses into new jobs – a place where your ambition is rewarded,” said Gov. Moore. “At the center of that mission is tech entrepreneurship. When you create a new tech platform—you don’t just create wealth for yourself, you help others solve problems.”

The governor was joined by Techstars Managing Director Adam Phillips and UpSurge Baltimore CEO Jamie McDonald.

The Techstars Equitech Accelerator event introduced ten high-growth early-stage startup companies pioneering emerging tech solutions while celebrating the completion of a thirteen-week intensive program. Hailing from Baltimore and cities across the U.S., the founders will showcase their company progress and pitch tech solutions to investors, stakeholders and community partners. Techstars has invested in more than 3,100 companies with a combined market cap of approximately $156 billion.

Originally founded in 2006, Techstars Accelerators have one goal: to help entrepreneurs succeed. During each three-month program, they surround companies with the best mentors and an unrivaled network of corporate partners, investors, and alumni. They provide funding and fundraising opportunities, workshops and curated resources.

The Moore-Miller Administration is working with the Maryland General Assembly to create the Maryland Community Investment Venture Fund, which will be used to invest in financial technology companies who develop products to help small businesses in low-income communities access capital.

During the event, the governor also discussed the Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program which will provide matching grants to tech driven businesses in the state to help build infrastructure of the future – from climate technology to 3-D printing.

These pieces of legislation are part of the governor’s plan to bridge the gap between vision and success in Maryland, a plan Governor Moore laid out during his keynote address.