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:

  1. 4 hours of access to the Entrepreneurs in Residence and Managing Director per month during weekly or bi-weekly consultation sessions
  2. Access to conference room space when available, fax machines, and other office features
  3. One promotion in the Dingman Center Monthly Newsletter
  4. Listing on the Dingman Center website
  5. Introductions to Board Members and our Inner Circle
  6. Invitations to DCE Events like the Dingman Day Lunch and the Tech Visionary
  7. Access to highly qualified MBA interns
  8. Discounts to Partnered Events
  9. Access to reviews by CAN
  10. 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:

  • E-mail at dingmanportfolio@rhsmith.umd.edu (specify in the subject line: “Dingman Portfolio Company Application”)

  • 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