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Portfolio Company Application Process
Welcome to the Dingman Center Portfolio Company Program! By joining this
program, you will have the opportunity to be mentored and advised by our expert
Entrepreneurs in Residence and the chance to present to our
Capital
Access Network (CAN).
As a participant in the program, entrepreneurs will receive:
- 4 hours of access to the Entrepreneurs in Residence and Managing
Director per month during weekly or bi-weekly consultation sessions
- Access to conference room space when available, fax machines, and other
office features
- One promotion in the Dingman Center Monthly Newsletter
- Listing on the Dingman Center website
- Introductions to Board Members and our Inner Circle
- Invitations to DCE Events like the Dingman Day Lunch and the Tech
Visionary
- Access to highly qualified MBA interns
- Discounts to Partnered Events
- Access to reviews by CAN
- Introductions to recommended service providers like lawyers and
accountants as needed
In return for these services, the Portfolio Company agrees to provide the
Dingman Center with $25,000 in equity every six months.
Download an example portfolio agreement
The following provides an overview of the application and approval process.
1. Application
Prospective entrepreneurs can submit an application to the
Dingman Center via:
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E-mail at
dingmanportfolio@rhsmith.umd.edu (specify in the subject line:
“Dingman Portfolio Company Application”)
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Fax at 301.314.7973 (specify in the subject line: “Dingman Portfolio
Company Application”)
Download application
form
In addition to the application form, entrepreneurs should submit an Executive
Summary of your business plan, resume, and/or an extensive description of your
business problem.
Applications will be reviewed by the Managing Director and Associate
Director.
2. Initial Consultation
After accepting the application, the Dingman Center will contact the
prospective entrepreneur to set up meeting for initial consultation. The initial
consultation will allow entrepreneurs to further define their specific business
issue(s) and provide the Center with a better understanding of the
entrepreneur's specific needs. These consultations are typically defined via
email or phone.
General discussion items for initial consultation are listed below.
- Management team
Who?
What backgrounds and experiences do they bring?
- Product
What is your value proposition
How does it work?
- Customer Profile
Who?
What are their unmet needs?
- Market Potential
Size
Segments
Growth
- Competitors – any existing?
- Profit Margins- unit sales less unit costs
- Distribution strategy- how will you sell?
Learn about common mistakes made by entrepreneurs
3. Virtual Board of Advisors
After favorable initial consultation has been completed, the Dingman Center
will match the entrepreneur with an appropriate Managing Director and/or
Entrepreneur in Residence (“Virtual Board of Advisors”) and provide the Virtual
Board of Advisors (VBA) with a description of the issues and/or the executive
summary of the business plan. The VBA will meet with the entrepreneur during
one- to two-hour sessions to analyze their business issue(s) and develop the
necessary steps to solve your problems and improve your business. For companies
seeking capital, your VBA can assist in preparing an investor presentation,
polishing financials, and reviewing your business plan.
Biographical data of our
Entrepreneurs
in Residence and
Dingman
Directors
4. Access to Capital (Optional)
Upon recommendation of your VBA, you have the opportunity to gain efficient
access to capital through the Center's Capital Access Network (CAN). Learn
more about our angel investor network
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