Phase 3: Climate Technology Founders Fund (CTFF)

 The Climate Technology Founders Fund is designed to support teams that have proven their technology and are ready to raise capital. Our key differentiator is the ability to take the lead for other investors, setting deal documents and conducting thorough due diligence. This leadership role is essential in catalyzing market growth, driving forward the most promising clean energy ventures. 

In addition, the Founders Fund has a matching requirement, meaning founders are expected to either raise external capital or invest personal funds. As part of our mission, we are committed to supporting and growing small, minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses, which will be a central focus of our efforts moving forward. Through these initiatives, we aim to foster a diverse and resilient clean energy ecosystem. 

Program participation and financial support are subject to fund availability. Funding is limited and will be provided as approved by the Fund Oversight Committee until all allocated funds are expended. Availability is not guaranteed

Program Overview 

MEIA Investment Readiness Program is an 8-month program designed to prepare Maryland-based climate tech startups for raising investment. The program, which runs from Sept 2025 to April 2026, is a collaboration with the Maryland Department of Commerce and emphasizes recruiting startups with at least 40% underrepresented founders, including those led by women, minorities, and veterans. 

Program Activities 

The program is structured to provide key insights and knowledge from those who invest and have raised money and fund-raising coaching, more here:  

Capital-Raising Workshops: Weekly webinars and panels. Topics include: 

• Investor 101: Covering the landscape of investors, how they make money, and investor theses. 
• Investor Panel: What do investors look for, what information do they need to decide, best way to contact and get to know them. 
• Fundraising 101: Detailing the fundraising process, data rooms, outreach documents, and pitch decks. 
• Investee Panel: Lessons from experience capital raised from Angels and VCs, what steps they took, and suggestions for participants.   

1:1 Investment Coaching: Selected startups will receive personalized coaching from experienced professionals. Coaches will hold initial planning meetings and regular check-ins to review pitch decks, data rooms, and outreach campaigns. 

Investor Engagement: MEIA will facilitate introductions, meetings, and pitch sessions with climate-focused investors. 

This program is for Maryland based climate tech startups that are currently ready to raise private capital and have committed founders to raise capital.