McKeever (Mac) Conwell,II

McKeever (Mac) Conwell II is the Founder and Managing Partner at RareBreed Ventures, a pre-seed venture capital fund based in Baltimore, Maryland. He has a background as a software engineer and previously worked as a contractor for the Department of Defense, where he held a top-secret clearance. Conwell is recognized for his dual experience as a founder, having launched two startups—one of which successfully exited by selling its intellectual property to a Fortune 100 company, while the other faced challenges that led to its closure.134

Career and Ventures

Conwell founded RareBreed Ventures in September 2020 after leaving the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), where he was involved in seed-stage investments. His venture fund focuses on investing in exceptional founders, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, aiming to bridge the funding gap that minority entrepreneurs often face. RareBreed Ventures typically invests between $100,000 to $250,000 in early-stage startups.256

In addition to his role at RareBreed, Conwell serves as a board member for the Digital Harbor Foundation and has been an advisor for various initiatives aimed at supporting educational and entrepreneurial efforts in the community.27 He is also a Kauffman Fellow, which is a prestigious program designed for emerging leaders in the venture capital space.23

Education and Recognition

Conwell holds a degree in Computer Science from Morgan State University and completed the Venture Capital Unlocked program at Stanford University in 2019. He has received accolades such as the Baltimore Business Journal's Tech 10 award, recognizing his contributions to the local tech ecosystem.247

Personal Insights

Conwell's journey reflects his commitment to enhancing diversity in the startup landscape. He emphasizes the importance of uplifting underrepresented voices and believes that true diversity in thought can only emerge from diverse backgrounds. His experiences, both positive and negative, have shaped his approach to venture capital and community engagement, making him a notable figure in the Baltimore startup scene.67