Ascend Fund

Ascend Fund

Status: Active (expanding Ignite Fund's success)

Geographic Scope: Baltimore and surrounding region (Baltimore Metro, Montgomery County mentioned)

Purpose: Transform Baltimore's neighborhood economies through community-rooted entrepreneurs and creative capital. Building on Ignite Fund's success to close the wealth gap by investing in people, enterprises, and ideas too often overlooked by traditional capital.

Investment Philosophy - We Invest Differently By Design:

Growing Local Neighborhood Economies

• Place-based strategies supporting entrepreneurs rooted in community
• Commitment to job creation and revitalization

Wealth Building for Founders & Families

• Capital structures prioritizing entrepreneur ownership retention
• Equity building for founders
• Local dollar circulation

Creative Capital for Mission-Minded Entrepreneurs

• Flexible, patient, aligned capital
• Capital Instruments: Venture debt, loans, revenue share, grants, hybrid instruments
• Designed to meet real-world needs

Structured Co-Investor Network

• Layered capital from individuals, foundations, corporations, CDFIs, and government partners
• Coalition of co-investors and public/private partners

Increased Focus on Job-Creating Industries

• Manufacturing
• Health & wellness
• Early childhood education
• Neighborhood retail
• Digital/tech-enabled services

Core Impact Areas Tracked:

1. Job Creation: Full-time, part-time, and contract roles
2. Entrepreneur Equity: Founders across lines of race, gender, and geography
3. Enterprise Growth: Revenue growth and business expansion
4. Neighborhood Economic Vitality: Household income, local ownership, access to goods/services/jobs

Portfolio Example:

Ways to Engage:

Contact: