Maryland-based company aims to create AI-powered travel app
COLUMBIA, Md., (March 19, 2026) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $100,000 Pre-Seed Builder Fund investment in Nowy.
“Today, social media is where most travelers discover their next destination but going from a 30-second video or a saved folder of hundreds of posts to an actual booked trip is still a frustrating process,” said Branda Fan, Nowy founder and CEO. “Nowy means ‘Now We Go’ — it’s inspired by a simple belief that when you see a place that moves you, you should be able to go. Thanks to this funding from TEDCO, Nowy can continue to expand our outreach efforts and better support platform updates.”
Nowy, located in Frederick, Md., is an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered travel platform created to process travel content across major social media platforms and identify every place and experience mentioned. It then aims to assemble a personalized, bookable itinerary with routing, mapping, price monitoring and booking capabilities.
“The boom of artificial intelligence has created a path for entrepreneurial innovators, like Branda, to create new businesses,” said Jean-Luc Park, deputy chief investment officer & senior director of Social Impact Funds at TEDCO. “TEDCO is here to support the continued growth these innovators are bringing to Maryland. Through the Social Impact Funds, founders will not only receive access to much needed funding, but also to resources and mentorship opportunities.”
TEDCO’s Pre-Seed Builder Fund pairs funding with hands-on support. Portfolio companies gain access to mentorship, operational guidance and TEDCO’s statewide network, helping founders navigate early growth and prepare for future investment.
“The entrepreneurial journey requires many things, especially time, talent and opportunities for funding,” said TEDCO CEO, Troy LeMaile-Stovall. “Maryland offers all of that and more, particularly for those in the technology and life sciences sectors. The state has been named the number one place for professional and technical workers, the third ranked for technology and science workforce, and the third ranked state for AI jobs; residential entrepreneurs looking to expand are more likely to find everything they need in our state.”
TEDCO delivers funding, expertise and connections to help early-stage technology and life sciences companies start, grow and scale in Maryland. Entrepreneurs interested in TEDCO’s Social Impact Funds can visit tedcomd.com/funding/social-impact-funds.