These 9 startups are entering Towson University’s StarTUp Accelerator

Towson University’s StarTUp Accelerator this week named a new cohort of companies that will take part in the eight-week program this summer.

TU debuted the accelerator program last year as the university launched a new name for its entrepreneurship-focused programming. The latest cohort has nine ventures, mixing students and entrepreneurs from around the Baltimore area. Each will receive $10,000, programming and mentorship. The ventures may also get to share space in TU’s StarTUp at the Armory, a new space for entrepreneurs that’s set to come online in downtown Towson, COVID-permitting.

“We had a very competitive application field, but landed on nine diverse ventures, ranging from a 501c3 social venture to for-profit tech platforms,” said Patrick McQuown, TU’s executive director of entrepreneurship, in a statement. “Three ventures are women-owned, five are minority-owned, and TU students and alumni lead four of the ventures.”

Here’s a look at the companies:

• Minutes 4 Moms — Founded by Delaney Fox, the service offers care providers and professional growth opportunities.
• Everdura — The multicultural grocery delivery service specializes in Latin American produce. It was founded by Emily Miller and Liz Nunez.
• Plugged Technologies Inc. — A SaaS diversity recruiting venture that connects HBCUs with large companies to create job opportunities. It was founded by Victor Ehienulo and Madiagne Sarr.
• Good Choice Productions — The nonprofit founded by Syracuse University football players Terrel K. Hunt, Wayne Morgan and Jeremiah Kobena works to ensure athletes have mental health care, financial literacy, life planning and career guidance to prepare for the time when their careers end.
• Pretzl — Veena Radhakrishnan and Patrick Dempsey founded the online discussion platform allowing students to tap into trending ideas and themes.
• MuSchool — Miguel Rodriguez founded an application that allows for personalized feedback from global influencers via paid, short-form messages.
• RENNDVOUS — An online vehicle sales marketplace for collector and modified vehicles. It was founded by Brendon Mellinger, Michael Wyman, Jack Bauerle and Josh Bloom.
• CAMSKNS — Colin Dougherty founded the consumer-facing company focused on protection and customization of end-users’ cameras, drones, lenses and GoPros.
• Flave — Jal Irani and Derek Battle are returning to the cohort as mentors after being cohort members last year. Read about their app, which is focused on gamifying dining at local restaurants.