TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, has invested $250,000 in Alchemity, a College Park-based climate tech company. The investment comes through TEDCO's GAP Investment Fund. Alchemity develops modular reactor systems that convert greenhouse gases and underutilised waste into carbon-neutral products at price parity. The company previously received a Company Formation award from TEDCO's Maryland Innovation Initiative in 2023. CEO Emir Dogdibegovic said the funding will allow Alchemity to validate technical performance at scale and reduce commercialisation risk by increasing technology readiness. TEDCO's Teddy Gresser noted the investment supports alternative energy solutions addressing growing societal demands. Maryland ranks fourth in energy efficiency and has committed to a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2031.

Blackbird Labs, founded by Ben Leventhal, has raised $50 million for its blockchain-based payment and loyalty app for restaurants. The platform, already used by 1,000 restaurants, plans to launch a cross-restaurant points service called Blackbird Club and expand beyond New York, San Francisco, and Charleston. The funding round is led by Spark Capital, with participation from Coinbase Ventures, Amex Ventures, and Andreessen Horowitz. Blackbird's last valuation was approximately $124 million.