KoolSpan Selected As Finalist in StartUp Maryland’s “Pitch Across Maryland” Celebrating Entrepreneurship and Innovation

KoolSpan demonstrates its innovation and growth potential as one of eight top finalists selected from 168 pitches

Bethesda, MD. – November 15, 2012

KoolSpan Inc., leading global provider of encrypted solutions for connected devices, announced its selection as a finalist for Startup Maryland’s “Pitch Across Maryland”.

There were 168 innovators and entrepreneurs from around the state that pitched startup companies during the three-week Pitch Across Maryland tour. Gregg Smith, CEO, pitched KoolSpan during the tour at UMBC’s bwtech. To watch Smith’s pitch video, click here.

A panel of entrepreneur and investor experts whittled down the 168 pitches to select the top 8 finalists based on those that presented the strongest potential for high growth. On November 13th, KoolSpan and the other finalists pitched again to a panel of judges at 2012 Maryland Entrepreneur Expo.

“It was a great experience to network with fellow entrepreneurs and start-ups in the Maryland region,” said Smith. “We commend Startup Maryland for supporting this region’s entrepreneur community and I look forward working with the organization to help this region’s start-ups grow their business.”

“These videos are a testament to the strength, dedication and diversity of Maryland’s entrepreneurial community,” said Startup Maryland co-chair Mike Binko in a press release. “When we launched the Pitch Across Maryland tour we thought we might have 40 to 50 entrepreneurs join us on the Tour Bus and pitch, so 168 is phenomenal. Including all the rallies and events we held more than 200 startups actually participated in the tour.”

During the Pitch Across Maryland tour, there were 25 stops at incubators, economic development agencies, universities and landmarks around the state. At each stop there were rallies to share information about the different resources in Maryland for entrepreneurs and start-up businesses. Business leaders from around the state visited each stop as well, sharing advice with fellow leaders.

Startup Maryland is a regional initiative launched out of the Startup America Partnership. It’s goal is to bring entrepreneurial resources together, increase access to resources, capital, deal flow and boost awareness, while bringing together entrepreneurs in a community of support to drive greater economic outcomes.

About KoolSpan:
KoolSpan is the leading global provider of encrypted solutions for connected devices. The foundation for all KoolSpan solutions is the TrustChip®, a microSD-based hardware token for mobile devices, laptops, tablets and servers. Supported by a strong patent portfolio, KoolSpan offers a robust API for application developers and system integrators, as well as encrypted voice and text applications for wireless carriers, enterprise and government deployments. The FIPS 140-2 Validated solution has been tested and deployed in 49 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.koolspan.com.

Francis Knott

Francis Knott has over 17 years of mobility, technology, interactive media, software and healthcare experience. Mr Knott is an expert at building companies, growing revenue and launching and marketing new products. In the past, he has worked in software and product development, mobile social media, and mobile applications development.