Fund your Venture
The E-Fund helps University of Maryland student founders test, build, and grow new ventures through non-dilutive grants.
Three tiers, one application
$600
Start Something
For testing whether an idea is desirable, feasible, and viable through customer discovery and early experiments.
$2,000
Build Something
For developing and testing a prototype or MVP, refining the business model, and building early traction.
$5,000
Grow Something
For launched ventures with tangible demand that are ready to grow an existing customer base or pursue a new direction.
How review works
Apply in the current cycle
Choose the tier that best fits your venture's stage and submit one online application between October 2 and November 1.
Review and advising
DVCG screens applications for eligibility and helps qualified founders sharpen their materials and align the request with venture goals.
Pitch and decision
Depending on the tier, qualified applicants may be invited to meet with the team or pitch live. From there, DVCG Associates make the final investment recommendation.
October 2 – November 1
Reading nowNovember 2 – December 1
February 2 – March 1
March 2 – April 1
April 2 – May 1
What the fund includes
Actionable feedback
Applicants receive feedback they can use to strengthen their venture and their application materials.
Stage-matched diligence
The level of review rises with the award tier, from an early commitment screen to deeper diligence for growth-stage requests.
A post-award report
Funded founders report how they used the award and what they accomplished. Completing the report is required to remain eligible for future Dingman-Lamone funding.
Post-investment support
After an award, DVCG remains a resource for project support, industry connections, growth strategy, and wherever else we can help move the venture forward.
Built around useful feedback
DVCG reviewers help eligible applicants refine their materials and connect the funding request to clear venture goals. The process is designed to give founders useful direction, whether or not an award is made.
Who can apply
University of Maryland student founders
The E-Fund supports students building ventures at the University of Maryland.
Apply at the right stage
You do not need to complete or receive an earlier tier first. Apply directly to the tier that matches your venture's progress and needs. Involvement in other startup programs is considered if applying directly into Tier 2 or Tier 3
Complete the tier pre-work
Each tier asks for evidence appropriate to its stage, such as customer discovery, a build plan, prototype progress, traction, or a growth plan.
A clear next milestone
Submit a budget showing how the award will help your venture reach its next stage, whether you are testing an idea, building a product, or growing traction.
More about the fund
The About page covers how the fund is run and how we support our founders.