COLUMBIA, Md. (October 5, 2015) – In its ongoing efforts to support and excite the Maryland entrepreneur community, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) announced today that Jennifer Fleiss, co-founder of Rent The Runway, will be a keynote speaker at the 2015 Entrepreneur Expo on Tuesday, November 17 at the BWI Airport Marriott in Linthicum Heights, Md. Network 2000, a non-profit organization whose mission is to accelerate the success and leadership of accomplished women by expanding their impact and influence through advocacy, education and mentorship, is the keynote sponsor.
Jennifer Fleiss is the co-founder and Head of Special Projects at Rent the Runway, a business that has transformed the retail industry by making designer dress and accessory rentals a convenient and accessible luxury experience for millions of women. With over 5 million members, 350 employees and 300 designer brands, Rent the Runway is the largest rental platform in the world, democratizing luxury for women everywhere. She co-founded the company in 2009 with Jennifer Hyman and has since raised $125 million in venture capital. Fleiss has been honored with numerous recognitions including: Inc. Magazine’s “30 Under 30”; Fortune Magazine’s “40 Under 40” and “Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs”; and Fast Company’s “Most Influential Women in Technology”. Rent the Runway founders Fleiss and Hyman recently launched “Project Entrepreneur”, a new mentoring program to support women entrepreneurs with tools, training and networks to build successful companies.
“Entrepreneur Expo is TEDCO’s signature event that thrives on creating additional opportunities for entrepreneurs to find partners, investors and mentors,” said Rob Rosenbaum, president and executive director of TEDCO. “We are very excited to bring such a dynamic entrepreneur as Jennifer Fleiss to the Expo. In our fifth year, we continue raising the bar by bringing one of the top women entrepreneurs in the nation to Maryland.”
Coinciding with Global Entrepreneurship Week, which includes worldwide activities in recognition of the entrepreneurial spirit, TEDCO will host this large-scale entrepreneurial event, featuring 50 dynamic sessions for beginner to experienced entrepreneurs.
“I’m excited to be part of Maryland’s booming entrepreneurial community at the Entrepreneur Expo,” said Jennifer Fleiss. “Starting a company is really hard work. I’m looking forward to sharing my story and some of the lessons I learned as we grew Rent The Runway from an idea to a successful company.”
“Network 2000 celebrates women, whether through innovation or leadership. Rent the Runway and Jennifer Fleiss are key examples of both. Jennifer’s ingenuity reflects how the unique perspectives women possess can change the world,” said Traci Barnett, President of Network 2000. “When we learned of Jennifer’s involvement with TEDCO, we jumped at the opportunity to herald such an inspirational and powerful story. It’s women like Jennifer whose passion continues to change the world.”
Last year’s Entrepreneur Expo drew more than 600 people, and this year’s lineup of programming and speakers is expected to draw even more of the region’s top entrepreneurs, business owners, investors, legislators and researchers. The event sponsors include Southern Maryland Innovation and Tech, Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore, hotdesks, Saul Ewing and Womble & Carlyle.
For additional information, online registration, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, visit http://expo.tedco.md. Early bird pricing is available until Wednesday October 7, 2015.