Detroit Venture Partners

Detroit Venture Partners, LLC is a venture capital firm headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, established in 2010. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, focusing on technology sectors such as internet, digital media, marketing technology, consumer web, mobile software, social media, advertisement technology, enterprise SaaS, and e-commerce. Detroit Venture Partners typically invests between $0.25 million and $0.75 million per transaction, with the capacity for follow-on investments ranging from $2 million to $3 million. The firm primarily targets companies based in the United States, emphasizing opportunities in Detroit and Ontario. Notably, it does not invest in biotech or advanced manufacturing sectors, preferring to support passionate entrepreneurs capable of both dreaming and executing innovative ideas.

Jake Cohen

Partner

Brandon Epstein

Senior Associate

Kate Hernandez

Venture Partner

Gabe Karp

Operating Partner

Lindsey Kilbride

Investor

Haemi Kim

Director of Finance

Aaron McClendon

Analyst

Jared Stasik

Partner

Cory Tincher

Investor

Past deals in Michigan

Hush

Seed Round in 2022
Hush is a provider of digital privacy management services used to help families protect their digital identities. It specializes in offering comprehensive privacy control, data management, and determining physical safety, financial security, and reputation. It is a consumer service organization helping families take back control of their digital lives. It starts by finding the entire digital footprint (text, images, video, audio, etc.) across the surface, deep and dark web and all social media. The organization then identifies items that put clients at risk financially, physically, and reputationally and should be removed - the things that can and likely will be used by a bad actor.

Airspace Link

Series B in 2022
Airspace Link digitizes local airspace for urban air mobility. It provides government, citizen, and business drone solutions to support local government airspace management, fostering citizen empowerment, and business innovation through consumer and b2b air logistical support and services. It was founded in 2018 and is based in Detroit, Michigan.

EXO Freight

Series A in 2022
EXO Freight operates a managed transportation marketplace tailored for open deck carriers and shippers. The company has developed digital transportation software that facilitates a marketplace where open deck shippers and carriers can connect efficiently. By leveraging optimized technology and employing a blend of technologists and logisticians, EXO Freight enables its customers to discover efficiencies, reduce costs, and access carrier services. This innovative approach aims to streamline the logistics process in the open deck shipping sector, benefiting both shippers and carriers.

Livegistics

Seed Round in 2022
Livegistics is a software company that provides construction and heavy hauling industries with cloud based logistical tracking technologies. The company allows the contractors to operate more efficiently, while also equipping owners/municipalities/construction managers with the real-time data and analytics. Livegistics was founded in 2017 by Darren Fish and Randy Bailey.

Trustpage

Seed Round in 2021
Trustpage provides AI-assisted trust centers for software teams, giving customers and vendors a single place to collaborate on security, privacy, and reliability. Customers get questions answered faster and more accurately while vendors are no longer stuck using email, spreadsheets, and external portals to communicate trust. Vendors also gain complete visibility into the trust process, helping them shorten sales cycles and better prioritize roadmaps.

Navv Systems

Seed Round in 2021
Navv Systems, is a software solutions and platform company that uses Indoor Positioning technology (IPS) to provide traffic control for hospitals, warehouses, manufacturing, and other large, complex organizations.

Down to Ride

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Down to Ride (DTR) is a mobile application designed to facilitate group cycling among friends, launched in July 2020. The app enables users to connect with their friends to determine who is available for a ride on a particular day. By allowing cyclists to join rides with their friends, DTR enhances social engagement within the cycling community. The application is available for both iOS and Android platforms in the United States. DTR is owned by Social Active, LLC, a startup that emerged from Tome, Inc., and is supported by venture capital.

Autobooks

Series B in 2021
Autobooks, Inc. specializes in providing integrated payment and accounting software designed for small businesses, delivered through financial institutions. Founded in 2015 and based in Detroit, Michigan, the company offers an intelligent, cloud-based accounting platform that seamlessly connects bank accounts with essential financial tools. This integration helps to expedite cash flow, streamline account reconciliation, and support business growth. Autobooks provides a range of products, including applications for invoicing, bill payment, merchant services, treasury solutions, and automated accounting and bookkeeping. Originally known as Automated Booking, Inc., the company rebranded in March 2018 to reflect its focus on offering a comprehensive financial solution.

Sift

Series A in 2020
A connected company is a powerful company. At Sift, we created the easiest way to unleash the power of your people to propel your organization forward. We make finding the right expert at the right time, or connecting to anyone in your organization on the go simple—allowing you to drive organizational performance while saving you time. Sift helps you take your organization into the people-first, digital age with a solution that is as simple as it is powerful.

Signal Advisors

Seed Round in 2020
Signal Advisors USA, Inc. is an insurance marketing organization based in Detroit, Michigan, that specializes in the distribution of financial products for independent financial advisors. Established in 2018 and formerly known as Trueadvisors, the company operates a technology-enabled platform focused on the sale of life insurance and annuity products. This platform provides a range of services designed to assist financial advisors in growing their businesses. Through a combination of industry expertise, advanced technology, marketing support, and peer-to-peer coaching, Signal Advisors empowers advisors to enhance their practices and achieve greater success in a competitive market.

Airspace Link

Seed Round in 2020
Airspace Link digitizes local airspace for urban air mobility. It provides government, citizen, and business drone solutions to support local government airspace management, fostering citizen empowerment, and business innovation through consumer and b2b air logistical support and services. It was founded in 2018 and is based in Detroit, Michigan.

Airspace Link

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Airspace Link digitizes local airspace for urban air mobility. It provides government, citizen, and business drone solutions to support local government airspace management, fostering citizen empowerment, and business innovation through consumer and b2b air logistical support and services. It was founded in 2018 and is based in Detroit, Michigan.

Aatmunn

Series A in 2018
Guardhat is a multi-product, feature-packed intelligent safety system that integrates cutting edge wearable technology and advanced proprietary software. It is equipped to detect, alert and help prevent hazardous industrial work-related incidents. It is designed to collect and analyze data to support and improve industrial worker safety programs.

Bloomscape

Seed Round in 2018
Bloomscape, Inc. is an online retailer based in Detroit, Michigan, specializing in houseplants and plant care tools. Founded in 2017, the company offers a variety of potted plants, including species such as tradescantia zebriana, pinstripe, hedgehog aloe, and philodendron heartleaf, among others. Bloomscape simplifies the plant purchasing process by delivering ready-to-go plants directly to customers' doors. Additionally, the company provides a Plant Mom service, which allows customers to seek expert advice on plant care. By focusing on enhancing the overall experience of buying and caring for plants, Bloomscape aims to make home gardening accessible and enjoyable for its customers.

StockX

Series B in 2018
StockX operates a live bid/ask marketplace for buying and selling limited edition and high demand sneakers. Its marketplace enables users to anonymously buy and sell limited edition consumer products with stock market-like visibility. StockX’s platform allows users to create their own personalized sneaker portfolio by uploading their current collection and compare and contrast their sneaker collection to other users on the platform. The company was founded in March 2015, with its headquarters in Detroit in Michigan.

Autobooks

Series A in 2018
Autobooks, Inc. specializes in providing integrated payment and accounting software designed for small businesses, delivered through financial institutions. Founded in 2015 and based in Detroit, Michigan, the company offers an intelligent, cloud-based accounting platform that seamlessly connects bank accounts with essential financial tools. This integration helps to expedite cash flow, streamline account reconciliation, and support business growth. Autobooks provides a range of products, including applications for invoicing, bill payment, merchant services, treasury solutions, and automated accounting and bookkeeping. Originally known as Automated Booking, Inc., the company rebranded in March 2018 to reflect its focus on offering a comprehensive financial solution.

Sweet

Seed Round in 2017
Sweet is a service designed to help consumers reduce their mobile phone expenses without compromising on coverage. The company identifies opportunities for savings, as nearly 70% of U.S. wireless subscribers are currently overpaying for their plans. Customers can save an average of $300 per year by utilizing Sweet's platform, which simplifies the process of switching carriers. By handling communications with service providers, Sweet ensures a quick and easy sign-up experience. The company prioritizes customer privacy and security, employing advanced encryption methods to protect personal information. Sweet collaborates with major carriers to provide nationwide coverage and reliable service. The company is supported by experienced entrepreneurs from well-known firms, enhancing its credibility in the telecommunications market.

Aatmunn

Venture Round in 2017
Guardhat is a multi-product, feature-packed intelligent safety system that integrates cutting edge wearable technology and advanced proprietary software. It is equipped to detect, alert and help prevent hazardous industrial work-related incidents. It is designed to collect and analyze data to support and improve industrial worker safety programs.

Autobooks

Series A in 2017
Autobooks, Inc. specializes in providing integrated payment and accounting software designed for small businesses, delivered through financial institutions. Founded in 2015 and based in Detroit, Michigan, the company offers an intelligent, cloud-based accounting platform that seamlessly connects bank accounts with essential financial tools. This integration helps to expedite cash flow, streamline account reconciliation, and support business growth. Autobooks provides a range of products, including applications for invoicing, bill payment, merchant services, treasury solutions, and automated accounting and bookkeeping. Originally known as Automated Booking, Inc., the company rebranded in March 2018 to reflect its focus on offering a comprehensive financial solution.

StockX

Series A in 2017
StockX operates a live bid/ask marketplace for buying and selling limited edition and high demand sneakers. Its marketplace enables users to anonymously buy and sell limited edition consumer products with stock market-like visibility. StockX’s platform allows users to create their own personalized sneaker portfolio by uploading their current collection and compare and contrast their sneaker collection to other users on the platform. The company was founded in March 2015, with its headquarters in Detroit in Michigan.

FarmLogs

Series C in 2017
Their mission is to help bring farmers the future of farming. They challenge what is possible and invent new ways of applying cutting-edge technology to the world's oldest and most foundational industry. Farmers are the core of agriculture and they help them use technology to be more successful. Farmer success is their success. They will never make a decision that doesn't benefit farmers. Their world depends on agriculture. By making farming more efficient and helping farmers grow more using less, they have the opportunity to make a massive positive impact. And, they've brought together a world-class team to make it happen.

GINKGOTREE

Series A in 2015
Ginkgotree is a course content platform for teachers and trainers to build online curriculums. Ginkgotree’s beta launched in October 2012, and their MVP was pushed out at the end of December. They currently have over 250 individual faculty signups, and their first paid pilot is underway with several more institutions jumping on for Summer and Fall 2013.

Aatmunn

Seed Round in 2015
Guardhat is a multi-product, feature-packed intelligent safety system that integrates cutting edge wearable technology and advanced proprietary software. It is equipped to detect, alert and help prevent hazardous industrial work-related incidents. It is designed to collect and analyze data to support and improve industrial worker safety programs.

Campless

Venture Round in 2015
Campless collect data about the resale marketplace, analyze it, and report back to you. Their primary data source is eBay. They analyze over 13 million eBay auctions (and counting) to provide many statistics about sneakers. The Campless Sneaker Price Guide is their foundational work, but there’s a lot more to sneakerhead data than price, including the number of pairs are on the market, is the price increasing or decreasing, etc. In some cases, they dig deeper and extract insights about the sneakerhead market, such as “ Are Jordan retail prices outpacing inflation? “, “ Which eBay sellers have the best prices? ”, “ Do sneaker prices vary by size? “, and more esoteric questions like “ Are sneakers more like stocks or drugs? “. The Blog link on the top menu bar is a collection of those insights. Because the more information you have, the better decisions you can make. Whether you collect sneakers for love or for profit, the goal of Campless is the same: to provide you with sneaker information not available elsewhere, for you to browse at your leisure, or use to buy more kicks. So feel free to keep camping because you love it, not because you have to. Know more, camp less.

AYAH

Series A in 2015
Are You a Human is the curator of The Verified Human Whitelist™, which allows anyone using it to be certain they are addressing a verified human before they serve content, services or ads. Automated programs, called bots, account for 59% of overall internet traffic today – and, as the world becomes more digital, this will only increase. Bots clutter the Internet with fake social media profiles, hacked accounts and are responsible for nearly all fraud. Ultimately, they make it more difficult for real humans to get what they need from the Internet, and more difficult for companies to address humans with high quality content and services cost-effectively. This includes e-commerce, online banking, social media, and, of course, media and advertising. Instead of searching for bots, which evolve in a matter of days, they find and verify humans by analyzing natural user behavior across millions of websites. After they have consistently seen and verified a user as human, they’re added to the Whitelist™, and then re-verified over and over again each day. Bots can’t consistently look and act like real humans on every page, every day, so they’re never added to the list, and all that's left are real humans.

GINKGOTREE

Series A in 2015
Ginkgotree is a course content platform for teachers and trainers to build online curriculums. Ginkgotree’s beta launched in October 2012, and their MVP was pushed out at the end of December. They currently have over 250 individual faculty signups, and their first paid pilot is underway with several more institutions jumping on for Summer and Fall 2013.

reach | influence

Venture Round in 2015
[ri] provides a platform for shopper engagement programs by uniting transaction data with electronic communications to deliver personalized messages and offers to your customers. Their team of IT, Design and Program Management specialists bring loyalty from vision to execution with the capacity to efficiently launch and manage new loyalty programs or assist in using collected data to deliver greater results.

iRule

Venture Round in 2014
iRule is a mobile app that converts a mobile device into a universal remote control for lights, audios, and videos. The company was founded in 2009 by two enthusiast geeks with a passion for movies, home theater, and consumer electronics.

reach | influence

Series C in 2014
[ri] provides a platform for shopper engagement programs by uniting transaction data with electronic communications to deliver personalized messages and offers to your customers. Their team of IT, Design and Program Management specialists bring loyalty from vision to execution with the capacity to efficiently launch and manage new loyalty programs or assist in using collected data to deliver greater results.

LevelEleven

Seed Round in 2014
As of May 6, 2020, LevelEleven LLC was acquired by Geopointe LLC. LevelEleven LLC operates a sales performance platform that enables sales and marketing managers to identify and track the metrics that matter in their sales process. Its platform enables users to identify key sales behaviors; keep the team focused on those metrics and spike performance; and set daily, weekly, and monthly goals to motivate reps. LevelEleven LLC was founded in 2012 and is based in Detroit, Michigan.

AYAH

Venture Round in 2014
Are You a Human is the curator of The Verified Human Whitelist™, which allows anyone using it to be certain they are addressing a verified human before they serve content, services or ads. Automated programs, called bots, account for 59% of overall internet traffic today – and, as the world becomes more digital, this will only increase. Bots clutter the Internet with fake social media profiles, hacked accounts and are responsible for nearly all fraud. Ultimately, they make it more difficult for real humans to get what they need from the Internet, and more difficult for companies to address humans with high quality content and services cost-effectively. This includes e-commerce, online banking, social media, and, of course, media and advertising. Instead of searching for bots, which evolve in a matter of days, they find and verify humans by analyzing natural user behavior across millions of websites. After they have consistently seen and verified a user as human, they’re added to the Whitelist™, and then re-verified over and over again each day. Bots can’t consistently look and act like real humans on every page, every day, so they’re never added to the list, and all that's left are real humans.

Quikly

Series B in 2014
Quikly is a digital marketing platform that empowers marketers to consistently acquire, activate, and retain customers, which leads to superior ROI. Leveraging elements of consumer psychology, their solutions deliver highly effective and measurable results across nearly every marketing initiative. Quikly’s technology provides an immediate way for brands to boost digital activation and engagement within existing channels like email, social, and mobile to deliver meaningful revenue over a short period of time. Quikly was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan.

Spirit Shop

Seed Round in 2014
SpiritShop.com is the leading online apparel and merchandise retailer for officially licensed high schools and amateur sports teams in the US. Spirit Shop sells through its own 100,000 online school and team stores offering more than 20,000 products with stock and customizable designs. Spirit Shop also integrates its ecommerce platform for online retailers, team registration software companies, sports leagues, national and state athletic associations as well as national sports media companies including CBS MaxPreps, USA Today HS Sports, Varsity News Network and more.

BoostUp

Seed Round in 2013
BoostUp, LLC operates a social saving platform that enables consumers to save up and get monetary "boosts" toward life's big purchases like a car, home, wedding or trip. Its payment savings platform allows family, friends, and business partners of BoostUp to match their savings. Its platform enables users to create an account and connect their bank; set daily savings plan and turn on roundups; send crowdfund page to family and friends for gifts; and save and raise money for purchases. BoostUp, LLC was formerly known as Motozuma, LLC. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan.

LevelEleven

Seed Round in 2013
As of May 6, 2020, LevelEleven LLC was acquired by Geopointe LLC. LevelEleven LLC operates a sales performance platform that enables sales and marketing managers to identify and track the metrics that matter in their sales process. Its platform enables users to identify key sales behaviors; keep the team focused on those metrics and spike performance; and set daily, weekly, and monthly goals to motivate reps. LevelEleven LLC was founded in 2012 and is based in Detroit, Michigan.

GINKGOTREE

Series A in 2013
Ginkgotree is a course content platform for teachers and trainers to build online curriculums. Ginkgotree’s beta launched in October 2012, and their MVP was pushed out at the end of December. They currently have over 250 individual faculty signups, and their first paid pilot is underway with several more institutions jumping on for Summer and Fall 2013.

UpTo

Series A in 2013
UpTo is a modern calendar that gives a more complete view of everything coming up that matters without the clutter. It creates a beautiful web calendar for their business or organization. The platform brings calendar to life and allows them to easily add events, without an IT department. Add events through an online account and watch them sync seamlessly across UpTo's mobile app and web calendars. Upto was established in 2011 and is based in Detroit, Michigan, United States.

Chalkfly

Series A in 2013
Chalkfly is reinventing the experience of buying office and school supplies online. With over 50,000 products, 24/7 customer service, a 365 return policy and a mission to change the world - Chalkfly is bringing excitement and purpose to the office supply world. Chalkfly customers can choose a teacher to receive five percent of their purchase. We believe that doing good is good business and we're committed to supporting the communities in which we serve. Founded in late 2012, Chalkfly is ranked as one of the fastest growing e-commerce companies in country (we’re the youngest member of the Internet Retailer’s Second 500 for 2013). Chalkfly is also proud to be ranked as one of Turnstone’s 2013 Best Young Companies To Work For. We’re proudly based in Detroit and through our amazing team and commitment to education, we hope to change the way supplies are bought online. Chalkfly is currently fundraising. We'd welcome the chance to explore partnership opportunities. Please reach out to smile@chalkfly.com if interested. Thank you!

Quikly

Series A in 2013
Quikly is a digital marketing platform that empowers marketers to consistently acquire, activate, and retain customers, which leads to superior ROI. Leveraging elements of consumer psychology, their solutions deliver highly effective and measurable results across nearly every marketing initiative. Quikly’s technology provides an immediate way for brands to boost digital activation and engagement within existing channels like email, social, and mobile to deliver meaningful revenue over a short period of time. Quikly was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan.

iRule

Seed Round in 2013
iRule is a mobile app that converts a mobile device into a universal remote control for lights, audios, and videos. The company was founded in 2009 by two enthusiast geeks with a passion for movies, home theater, and consumer electronics.

LevelEleven

Seed Round in 2012
As of May 6, 2020, LevelEleven LLC was acquired by Geopointe LLC. LevelEleven LLC operates a sales performance platform that enables sales and marketing managers to identify and track the metrics that matter in their sales process. Its platform enables users to identify key sales behaviors; keep the team focused on those metrics and spike performance; and set daily, weekly, and monthly goals to motivate reps. LevelEleven LLC was founded in 2012 and is based in Detroit, Michigan.

Quikly

Series A in 2012
Quikly is a digital marketing platform that empowers marketers to consistently acquire, activate, and retain customers, which leads to superior ROI. Leveraging elements of consumer psychology, their solutions deliver highly effective and measurable results across nearly every marketing initiative. Quikly’s technology provides an immediate way for brands to boost digital activation and engagement within existing channels like email, social, and mobile to deliver meaningful revenue over a short period of time. Quikly was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan.

AYAH

Venture Round in 2012
Are You a Human is the curator of The Verified Human Whitelist™, which allows anyone using it to be certain they are addressing a verified human before they serve content, services or ads. Automated programs, called bots, account for 59% of overall internet traffic today – and, as the world becomes more digital, this will only increase. Bots clutter the Internet with fake social media profiles, hacked accounts and are responsible for nearly all fraud. Ultimately, they make it more difficult for real humans to get what they need from the Internet, and more difficult for companies to address humans with high quality content and services cost-effectively. This includes e-commerce, online banking, social media, and, of course, media and advertising. Instead of searching for bots, which evolve in a matter of days, they find and verify humans by analyzing natural user behavior across millions of websites. After they have consistently seen and verified a user as human, they’re added to the Whitelist™, and then re-verified over and over again each day. Bots can’t consistently look and act like real humans on every page, every day, so they’re never added to the list, and all that's left are real humans.

Quikly

Series A in 2012
Quikly is a digital marketing platform that empowers marketers to consistently acquire, activate, and retain customers, which leads to superior ROI. Leveraging elements of consumer psychology, their solutions deliver highly effective and measurable results across nearly every marketing initiative. Quikly’s technology provides an immediate way for brands to boost digital activation and engagement within existing channels like email, social, and mobile to deliver meaningful revenue over a short period of time. Quikly was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan.

UpTo

Seed Round in 2011
UpTo is a modern calendar that gives a more complete view of everything coming up that matters without the clutter. It creates a beautiful web calendar for their business or organization. The platform brings calendar to life and allows them to easily add events, without an IT department. Add events through an online account and watch them sync seamlessly across UpTo's mobile app and web calendars. Upto was established in 2011 and is based in Detroit, Michigan, United States.

hiredMYway.com

Venture Round in 2011
hiredMYway.com helps you simply, but strategically market your positions to more than 30 of the leading websites in online recruiting based on the where they are most likely to have success.

AYAH

Venture Round in 2011
Are You a Human is the curator of The Verified Human Whitelist™, which allows anyone using it to be certain they are addressing a verified human before they serve content, services or ads. Automated programs, called bots, account for 59% of overall internet traffic today – and, as the world becomes more digital, this will only increase. Bots clutter the Internet with fake social media profiles, hacked accounts and are responsible for nearly all fraud. Ultimately, they make it more difficult for real humans to get what they need from the Internet, and more difficult for companies to address humans with high quality content and services cost-effectively. This includes e-commerce, online banking, social media, and, of course, media and advertising. Instead of searching for bots, which evolve in a matter of days, they find and verify humans by analyzing natural user behavior across millions of websites. After they have consistently seen and verified a user as human, they’re added to the Whitelist™, and then re-verified over and over again each day. Bots can’t consistently look and act like real humans on every page, every day, so they’re never added to the list, and all that's left are real humans.