MBA alum and former Dingman Scholar Matt Fleischer put passion into promise to create a successful beer company Zoey Rawlins, founder of Shop DC and former Dingman Scholar, launched her business by following trends in the marketplace Run by students, The Smith Store offers promotional branded apparel, accessories and gifts The Dingman Center supports entrepreneurs throughout the Washington D.C. Metro Area and beyond The Dingman Center is located at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland

Capital Access Network - Overview

Where Opportunity Happens

Overview  ♦  Application Process  ♦  Our Investors  ♦  Sponsors  ♦  Presenting Companies

"The Dingman Center's Capital Access Network provided Sensics with an opportunity to present our business in front of investors that we otherwise would not have had access to. As a direct result of this presentation we were able to secure a six figure investment from angel investors. Sensics would not have been able to advance our business as rapidly without this infusion of capital."

- Lawrence Brown, PhD, President of Sensics

In partnership with tech councils, incubators, and state-funded institutions, the Capital Access Network (CAN) enables entrepreneurs of start-up companies in Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, and Delaware to connect with active, accredited angel investors. The purpose of the Capital Access Network (CAN) is to provide open and efficient access to early-stage capital for entrepreneurs in the DC Metro area. With this goal in mind, the program offers a three-step approach to entrepreneurs:

Step 1: Assessment and Mentoring
Companies that are interested in seeking funding are evaluated for fit with the program and receive hands-on coaching from the Dingman Center Team until deemed ready to present. Coaching sessions assist companies in preparing their investor presentation, polishing their financials, and reviewing their business plan.
 

Step 2: Direct Distribution
Every month, executive summaries are sent to the Dingman Center's network of angel investors, along with brief highlights from coaching sessions -- companies presenting at the next angel breakfast are highlighted.
Open the door of opportunity for a promising business. Become a Dingman Center Angel Investor.

Step 3: Angel Breakfasts
Selected companies are invited to present to a group of interested investors at a breakfast event. The number of companies selected range from 2-4 companies per breakfast. Companies will have an opportunity to address follow-up questions through subsequent email distribution to investors. Interested angels will commence due diligence with the entrepreneur via coordination with the Dingman Center.

Step 4: Ongoing Support
The Dingman Center assists the company with follow-on support for funding and due diligence inquiries, monitors interested parties, makes additional introductions and offers consulting services to companies invited to join our portfolio.

"CAN is a great opportunity for fledgling businesses to get a shot at and feedback from quality investors. It puts them right in the center of all these important entrepreneurial players."
                                                                 - Adam Lehman, Entrepreneur-in-Residence

 

Contact CAN if you have additional questions,

or go straight to our application process.