MAVA is launching a new program focused on increasing investments for DC startups

The Mid-Atlantic Venture Association (MAVA) is launching a new program called Forefront to help increase investment interest for D.C. startups.

The Franklin Square-based nonprofit is a membership-based organization that supports private equity and venture capital firms through programming and resources. The new program is part of an initiative MAVA has to expand access to capital and investor resources for area founders.

Forefront 2020 is slated for April 29 to 30 in D.C. and will feature a showcase for startups plus an open invite to investors. Investors and corporate partners from across the U.S. will spend one of these days participating in peer-to-peer discussions with leaders from investment funds and later-stage company executives. The second day of Forefront will feature a tour and showcase for investors to learn more about emerging tech companies from the D.C. area.

“Forefront takes an important step to attract investment capital and other key corporate resources necessary to advancing business and enterprise growth in an inclusive and sustainable manner,” said Julia Spicer, executive director of MAVA, in a statement.

Applications are open through March 22 for companies looking to be a part of the program. Investors and corporate partners interested in attended must request an invitation since space is limited. MAVA investor members are able to receive complimentary access to the conference.

“With the District of Columbia’s deep commitment to inclusion and diversity, and this market uniquely situated as a global hub for the private and public sectors, we look forward to convening industry leaders and capital sources to discuss opportunities for investment and to highlight the strength of the financial and entrepreneurial community in this market,” Spicer said.

Following this program, MAVA will return this fall with the second annual SURGE conference. The nonprofit first hosted this event last fall, which expands on its TechBUZZ event by inviting up to 50 tech startups to be counseled as they look to scale their companies.