Moderated by Maj. General Genaro (Gino) Dellarocco (Ret.), the Veterans Transition Initiative program’s business panel was geared toward veterans who are interested in entrepreneurship or learning how to boost their businesses. Featuring representatives from the Department of Veteran Affairs, Lockheed Martin Corporation and the U.S. Small Business Administration, panelists motivated attendees and provided the ins and outs for business success.

1. Veterans’ Opportunity Fund
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2. Veterans’ Opportunity Fund
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TEDCO Grant Programs
• Technology Validation Program
• TechStart
• University Technology Development Fund
• Patent Assistance Program
• Maryland Innovation Initiative
• Rural Business Innovation Initiative
• Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund
• Pre-Clinical & Clinical Program
• Investigator Initiated Program
• Exploratory Research Program
• Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program

3. Veterans’ Opportunity Fund
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TEDCO Funding Programs
Proof of Concept
Product Design
Tech Commercialization Fund – $75,000
Basic Research
Rural Business Innovation – $7500
University Laboratory Corporate Activity
Tech. Validation – $50,000
Stem Cell Research Fund $110K - $750M
Commercial Launch
F, F, F & F Seed, SBIR & TBED
MD Innovation Initiative – $200,000
TEDCO Affinity Funds – $500,000
Patent Support – $10,000
Grants, Corp. R&D Angels & Venture

4. Veterans’ Opportunity Fund
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TEDCO Investment Programs
• Technology Commercialization Fund
• TEDCO Affinity Funds
– Propel Baltimore Fund
– Veterans’ Opportunity Fund
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– Orange Knock Cyber Fund
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– Chesapeake Crescent Fund1
1-Currently in formation stage

5. Veterans’ Opportunity Fund
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Why a Veteran Fund
• First venture capital fund dedicated to veterans
• Over 20 million veterans of the United States Armed Forces
• Military is reducing its size
• Service in America’s Armed Forces is a leading indicator of
future success

6. Veterans’ Opportunity Fund
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Veterans’ Opportunity Fund
VOF invests in businesses that are owned by
veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Initial fund size: $35 million
• Initial portfolio investment: $1.0 + million
• Industry focus: Technology, business services,
specialized manufacturing and healthcare
• Differentiation: Veteran focus
• Partners: Gino Dellarocco, Stuart Sutley, Chris College,
Rob Rosenbaum, Randy Domolky

7. Veterans’ Opportunity Fund
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Investment Thesis
• Service in America’s Armed Forces is a leading indicator
of future success
• The Veteran business network is a powerful way to
accelerate growth
• A fund which is solely focused on veterans will benefit
from focus, brand recognition and critical mass
• No competition: traditional organizations working with
veterans are training and/or mentorship oriented, not
focused on providing investment dollars