Forum opens discussion around being a Black female founder in the venture capital sector
WHAT: TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, will host a free Black Female Founders Venture Capital Forum. The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. on November 15, 2023, at Coppin State University’s Tawes Center Ballroom. The forum will consist of two panels; one will highlight Black female founders, while the second panel includes leaders from the venture capital sector. The speakers will share insight into the promising outcomes of the venture capital industry and how to navigate it. Attendance is free; interested parties can learn more and register here.
![speaker collage](/sites/default/files/Speakers%20Collage.jpg)
WHY: TEDCO strives to achieve its mission daily, and one of its core values is collaboration. Through this forum, these empowering leaders will convey a compelling message to the audience through their experiences. Inspiring Black women entrepreneurs will come together to discuss the best practices of working in the venture capital sector.
WHO: Maryland is a hub of entrepreneurial innovation. However, many women-owned startups, particularly those led by Black women, face an array of challenges, including access to capital. TEDCO is focused on ensuring these innovative entrepreneurs have as much knowledge and resources as possible to close the gap and support the success of more Black female founders.
WHEN AND WHERE: From 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Coppin State University in the Tawes Center Ballroom, 2500 W. North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21256
9:30 AM: Registration & Refreshments
10:00 AM: Welcome
Host: Tammi Thomas, TEDCO
Remarks from President Anthony L. Jenkins, Coppin State University
Remarks from Maryland House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones
10:10 AM: Founders Panel and Q&A
Moderator: Tammira Lucas, TEDCO
Speakers:
- Tina Williams-Koroma, CyDeploy
- Elizabeth Clayborne, NasaClip
- Ashley Williams, Clymb
- Shawna Stepp-Jones, Divaneering Lab
- Crystal Berger, EBO
11:05 AM: Remarks from Delegate Vanessa E. Atterbeary, Chair of the Maryland House Ways and Means Committee
11:10 AM: Venture Capital Panel and Q&A
Moderator: Troy LeMaile-Stovall, TEDCO
Speakers:
- Mike Ravenscroft, Maryland Momentum Fund
- Jeff Cherry, Conscious Venture Lab
- David Warschawski, W Ventures
- Mitch Brooks, High Street Equity Partners
12:15 PM: Closing Remarks from Omar Muhammad, Morgan State University; TEDCO Board Chair; Baltimore Metropolitan Women's Business Center
Click here to see the full agenda and learn more about our guest speakers.