A strong entrepreneurial mindset and skill set are essential for anyone involved in building technology companies and organizations. Idea Factory's learning and development initiatives equip students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to successfully navigate entrepreneurship and innovation, with the following goals:
Nation's first living-learning entrepreneurship program, now adapted into a non-residential student startup accelerator
20+ undergraduate and graduate courses offered, enrolling over 5,000 seats annually
Fall semester course introducing freshmen to entrepreneurial opportunity analysis
Competitive grant program funded by Hinman CEOs alumni to support student startup ventures
Online undergraduate and graduate courses in entrepreneurship and innovation
Seed funding to Idea Factory students to support early-stage startup development
15-credit interdisciplinary minor open to all University of Maryland students
14 non-credit courses and 3 specializations, serving over 1,000,000 learners worldwide
Online master's degree, integrating award-winning academics with a virtual startup incubator
8 non-credit courses and 2 professional certificates, serving over 100,000 learners
Online master's program designed for aspiring and early-career product managers
Equips students with skills in product management, business modeling, innovative thinking, and product development and operations
Provides students with expertise in innovation management, market development, data-driven decision-making, and strategic negotiation
Hinman CEOs has been instrumental in nurturing numerous successful startups. Below are some notable companies that emerged from the program. View a larger list of Hinman CEOs companies here.
Founded in 2003 by Anthony Casalena during his time in the Hinman CEOs Program, Squarespace offers an all-in-one platform for building an online presence. The company has grown significantly, employing over 1,000 people and serving as the foundation for millions of websites and online stores. Squarespace listed on the NYSE in 2021 and later went private in 2024 in a $6.9 billion all-cash deal with private-equity firm Permira.
Co-founded by Zac Bookman in 2012, OpenGov provides cloud-based software for public sector budgeting, performance management, and citizen engagement. The company has been recognized for its innovative solutions in enhancing government transparency and efficiency. Cox Enterprises purchased OpenGov in 2024 for $1.8 billion.
Founded in 2013 by Timothy Hwang, Gerald Yao, and Jonathan Chen, FiscalNote is a predictive analytics company specializing in government affairs and regulatory intelligence. The company raised over $230 million in venture capital and financing, with notable investors including Mark Cuban, Jerry Yang, Steve Case, and New Enterprise Associates (NEA). FiscalNote is listed on the NYSE.
Founded in 2019 by Alex Leishman and Andrew Benson, River Financial is a financial services firm specializing in Bitcoin investment solutions. The company has secured $70 million in total funding and has grown its workforce to 122 employees. With an estimated annual revenue of $16 million, River Financial offers services such as zero-fee recurring Bitcoin purchases, secure wallet management, and personalized client support, establishing itself as a notable player in the fintech industry.
Founded by Tyler Denk in 2021, beehiiv is a newsletter platform designed to support growth and monetization for creators and businesses. The company has raised $51 million in funding and employs around 75 individuals. beehiiv serves prominent clients such as The Ringer, Texas Tribune, and Product Hunt, reflecting its significant impact in the media and information services industry.
These companies exemplify the diverse ventures fostered by the Hinman CEOs Program, reflecting its commitment to cultivating entrepreneurial talent and innovation.
Idea Factory Impact Report 2025
This report is one chapter. Read the rest of the 2025 Impact Report across the Idea Factory family.
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