Kory Bailey is a national thought leader in ecosystem building and equitable economic growth, with more than a decade of experience across startups, big tech, and economic development. Most recently, Kory served as CEO of UpSurge Baltimore and Chief Ecosystem Officer for the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC), where he focused on strengthening the region’s innovation economy by building trusted networks, founder-centered programs and reducing barriers to early-stage startup growth.
During Kory’s tenure, UpSurge launched and stewarded statewide and nationally recognized programs supporting founders, innovators, and emerging tech talent, earning the organization multiple honors, including Technical.ly's 2024 Money Move of the Year (Pava LaPere Legacy of Innovation Act), 2025 Program of the Year (Maryland Student Venture Showcase) and recognition as one of Baltimore Business Journal’s 2025 CEO of the Year & Power 10 Honorees. Kory's leadership helped expand access to capital, mentorship, and networks while elevating Baltimore’s visibility as a collaborative and credible startup ecosystem.
A multiple-time entrepreneur, angel investor, and former professional athlete, Kory is a champion of founders, practitioner of the Boulder Thesis, and a strong advocate of increasing all seven forms of capital to drive innovation and inclusive growth. As a father of three and Baltimore City resident, he is deeply committed to building systems and practices that outlast individual leadership and generate enduring opportunity for future generations.