Resource Roundup: Mindgrub Ventures is providing funding and support for tech startups

 Resource Roundup.is a look at open applications and new business and career-building programs around the region. Want to tell us about a program or new opportunity for entrepreneurs and technologists? Email us at baltimore@technical.ly.

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Baltimore-based tech agency Mindgrub is launching a venture capital arm that partners with early-stage tech startups.

Mindgrub Ventures provides investment to startups working in areas such as augmented reality, service technologies and app-enhanced services.

“Mindgrub Ventures works with and invests in SaaS companies in disruptive markets that are driving the convergence of man and machine: the singularity point from which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” Todd Marks, Mindgrub Ventures’ managing partner, said in a statement.

Along with Marks, who is the founder of Mindgrub, the Mindgrub Ventures team includes 30-year software development industry veteran Vijay Lakshman and technology exec Lawrence Baird.

In addition to gaining financial capital, investment expertise and strategic support, Mindgrub Ventures portfolio companies can exchange equity for product development services from Mindgrub Technologies.

Existing companies in the portfolio include mobile augmented reality platform Magikmo, app-based car wash service SpotWash, medical cannabis app Tetragram and business networking app Treble.

The launch of the venture arm comes as Mindgrub is opening up space inside its Locust Point HQ for startups, as well.

F3 Tech applications open

Applications are open for the next cohort of the F3 Tech Accelerator, an early-stage program that supports companies working in agtech, aquatech and cleantech. This year’s program starts on September 7. The focus for the next cohort: Companies working in alternative feed, energy storage, crop health, advanced chemical discovery and agricultural biotech solutions.

Based on the Eastern Shore, the accelerator has $450,000 in funding and professional services for participants in this year’s program, and it doesn’t take equity. Along with funding, it offers executive support and connections to industry partners to help validate technology.

Companies have until June 30 to apply.

Support for women entrepreneurs

The Baltimore chapter of ATHENAPowerLink is set to support women entrepreneurs with a free, year-long program that provides participants with guidance, support, and advice from business experts.

Coming up on Wednesday, May 19, the Towson University-based program will host an info session to offer a chance to learn more about the program. Hear from Eileen Levitt, the founder of The HR Team and an ATHENAPowerLink governing board member; and Tamera Rush, the CEO of TENAX Technologies and a past participant in the Baltimore program. Those interested can register here.

Relief funding for nonprofits

On June 1, the 2021 Baltimore Nonprofit Relief Fund opens, providing a new round of COIVD-19 aid for nonprofits in the city.

Launched in 2020 by Baltimore city government and the Baltimore Civic Fund, this is the second round for the fund. It provides up to $50,000 for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations in Baltimore City.

What makes this grant stand out is that it’s not reimbursement only. Organizations can apply to use funds for support for both past expenditures and future projected needs to address the effects of COVID-19, and mitigate its negative economic impacts.

To stay updated on when the application becomes available those interested can sign up for updates at the Baltimore Civic Fund site.

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Here are a few quick updates from past roundups:

• Applications for this fall’s Baltimore-based Techstars Equitech accelerator are open until July 28. Plus, Techstars is hiring a pair of positions to manage the accelerator locally, including managing director and program manger.
• The Emergency Broadband Benefit launched last week, making federal funds available for home internet. Households can get up to $50 month towards broadband service and receive an $100 credit towards laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. Apply here.
• Baltimore Innovation Week is here. Through May 20, there are tons of resources and experts for entrepreneurs and technologists looking to bring new ideas to solve problems in Baltimore.

Donte Kirby is a 2020-2022 corps member for Report for America, an initiative of The Groundtruth Project that pairs young journalists with local newsrooms. This position is supported by the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.