TEDCO Invests in University Startups

Edtech company aims to help students and professionals navigate education, workforce and entrepreneurial opportunities through personalized solutions

COLUMBIA, Md. (September 23, 2026) – TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announced a $282,000 investment in University Startups, a Bethesda-based education technology company developing software that helps students and lifelong learners explore opportunities through personalized digital pathways. The investment was made through TEDCO's evergreen Venture Funds, which supports the growth of innovative Maryland companies developing technologies that address evolving economic and workforce needs.

"As the future of work continues to evolve, individuals with disabilities need clearer and more personalized pathways to educational and career success," said Marc Steren, co-founder and co-CEO of University Startups. "This investment from TEDCO will help us continue expanding technology solutions that connect students and lifelong learners with disabilities the opportunities to develop skills, gain experience and pursue their goals in a rapidly changing economy." 

Founded by Steren and John Jabara, University Startups provides a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform designed to support career exploration, college readiness, workforce development, internships and entrepreneurship for learners with disabilities. Developed with input from teachers, special education directors, learners with disabilities and technical support from AWS, the platform was created to empower learners with disabilities with a better future and administrators with legal compliance. 

"University Startups operates in the education technology and workforce development sectors," said Katherine Hill Ritchie, senior director of Venture Funds at TEDCO. "The company’s platform was designed to help users identify education, career, internship and entrepreneurship opportunities based on their interests. We hope TEDCO’s investment will support the company’s work in Maryland."

As organizations, educational institutions and employers increasingly seek innovative approaches to preparing students and workers for emerging opportunities, University Startups aims to bridge the gap between education and career development through accessible technology solutions.

"Maryland’s innovation economy is strengthened when more individuals have access to the tools and opportunities needed to pursue education, develop skills and participate in the workforce," said Troy LeMaile-Stovall, CEO of TEDCO. "University Startups is developing technology designed to help learners with disabilities navigate educational and career pathways, and we are pleased to support a Maryland company working to address these challenges through innovation."

For more information about TEDCO's funding opportunities, visit https://www.tedcomd.com/investment-funding.