Is Baltimore a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Baltimore has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Baltimore gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Baltimore

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Baltimore offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Baltimore's early-stage funding scene is active, supported by local VC firms, angel networks, and government initiatives. Notable investors include TCP Venture Capital, Baltimore Angels, Squadra Ventures, and TEDCO, which offers various funding programs including gap funding to bridge the gap between seed and later-stage investments. The city also benefits from university-affiliated resources like the Dingman Center at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures. Despite this, challenges persist, such as a need for more robust early-stage funding and a decline in angel investments, sometimes leading companies to seek capital elsewhere. While overall VC activity can fluctuate, with a recent report showing a decrease in total invested capital in Q1 2025 compared to the previous quarter, the number of deals remained relatively consistent, suggesting smaller average check sizes. There's also a recognized "mind-to-market" gap in commercializing research and a need for more local money in venture capital.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Baltimore has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Baltimore has a growing startup and innovation ecosystem with a focus on sectors like Healthtech, Foodtech, and Software & Data. The city features numerous coworking spaces like Spark Baltimore and Co-Balt Workspace, fostering collaboration. A variety of tech events, conferences, and meetups occur regularly, providing networking and learning opportunities. The ecosystem offers support for early-stage founders through various accelerators, incubators, and organizations like ETC Baltimore and UpSurge Baltimore. While structured programs exist, there are also resources emphasizing personalized support and mentorship, particularly for underrepresented founders and those in specific sectors like social impact and life sciences. The support landscape appears to cater to both early-stage and more mature startups through a mix of tailored assistance and competitive programs.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Baltimore can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Baltimore, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Baltimore is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Baltimore has a solid talent pool for startups, fueled by its numerous educational institutions like Johns Hopkins University, Loyola University, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore. These universities offer relevant programs and contribute to a highly educated workforce. The city has strong industry-specific skills, particularly in healthcare, biotechnology, and cybersecurity, driven by institutions like Johns Hopkins and UMBC. Baltimore's proximity to Washington, D.C. also provides access to a diverse talent pool with experience in government contracts and various sectors. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a strong network and a focus on building the startup ecosystem. Initiatives and incubators like ETC Baltimore and bwtech@UMBC connect startups with the necessary talent and resources. While challenges exist in attracting experienced C-suite talent, efforts are underway to grow and retain skilled individuals locally.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Baltimore can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Baltimore boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Baltimore offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring numerous incubators and accelerators like ETC (Emerging Technology Centers), bwtech@UMBC, and Techstars Equitech Accelerator, providing mentorship, resources, and networking. Co-working spaces also contribute to this infrastructure. Funding opportunities are available through various sources, including venture capital firms and angel investors, as well as programs like the Baltimore Micro Loan Fund and Business Boost Microgrants. Government initiatives and state-affiliated organizations play a significant role. The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) offers funding and support programs. The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) provides loans and assistance. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development offers grants. The Baltimore Innovation Initiative (BII), supported by TEDCO, aims to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem within higher education institutions. Baltimore's designation as a federal Tech Hub, focusing on AI and biotechnology, is expected to bring significant federal funding and create a startup advancement network. These combined resources help startups access capital, gain expertise, and connect with the community to foster growth.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Baltimore. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Baltimore Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Baltimore provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Launching a startup in Baltimore presents unique challenges. While Baltimore has a growing tech ecosystem and is more affordable than some major tech hubs like San Francisco or Boston, competition exists within its key sectors like healthcare and IT. The cost of living, while lower than some major cities, still needs to be factored into startup costs and employee compensation. Navigating regulatory issues, including obtaining necessary licenses and permits, understanding tax obligations, and complying with state and local laws, requires careful attention. Industry-specific regulations, particularly in sectors like healthcare, can add further complexity.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Baltimore or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Baltimore offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash