This Maryland startup was named to Startup Grind’s Global Class of Startups

Maryland startup Fledge Connect is in Silicon Valley to take the stage at Startup Grind’s Global conference.
The Mt. Airy–based startup was chosen as one of 50 pre-seed and seed stage companies for Startup Grind’s Global Class of Startups. The startup is involved in Startup Grind’s Columbia chapter, and made the global class from 7,000 applicants.
CEO Mike Ratti began developing the startup’s app that looks to help business professionals connect in 2013. This week marks the launch.
“It’s our market debut, and what better launching platform than this global event,” he said by phone before leaving for California last week.
The social networking app brings a number of tools into one app. Ratti, who previously founded Frederick-based Regent Education, set out to create a single platform that helps professionals “connect better, work smarter and act in the moment.” It focuses on helping to facilitate new connections through ice breakers, chat and an activity feed. The app also integrates with other social networks, as well as ridesharing and dinner reservation services.

The conference itself is held February 12-14. Ratti is pitching on Tuesday, and the program also includes a series of intensive workshops. The goal is to help companies get to the “next level,” according to Startup Grind CEO Derek Anderson.
“We are providing ‘next step’ education, exposure of the exhibition and world class-speakers plus access to the mentors and resources that can be gained through our network,” Anderson said in a statement.