Are you working on a venture or interested in working on one? Do you enjoy making cool things while meeting motivated, creative people? At Startup Shell you’ll experience: A community: We hang out in the space often! We host talks/workshops, collaborate on projects, and cultivate lasting connections at events like retreats and celebrations. An incubator: A community of over 130 ventures with a combined valuation of over $60 million that can provide your venture with resources like mentorship, legal advice, talent, discounts on services, and a strong network of alumni. A workspace: 24/7 access to our coworking space. Open House is a great opportunity to learn more about the Shell, the application process, and to chat with directors and current members.

Juliana Neelbauer is a shell alum and top startup/technology lawyer. She will be talking about how the pandemic has changed the investing landscape and how founders can find success in uncertain times.

Learn about the entrepreneurship ecosystem at UMD - hear success stories, learn about getting funding, and other tips to launch your company.

Sheller Ilana Pelzman and Terp Designers give a crash course on beautiful design!

Pitch your startup (or watch others pitch) for cash prizes Join Contrary for a DC, Maryland, Virginia pitch competition featuring student- and recently-graduated-founders, and hear pitch Q&A and feedback from esteemed founders and investors. If you're a founder, apply for the opportunity to receive valuable feedback from our panel of judges, as well as a shot at the winning cash prizes. Access the founder application here. Startup Shell Alumni Mackenzie Burnett and Juliana Neelbauer are helping judge!