Invest Michigan

Invest Michigan is a non-profit funded by the Michigan Strategic Fund. As fund manager for both the Michigan Pre-Seed Fund 2.0 and the University Commercialization Fund, Invest Michigan invests in early-stage high tech businesses located in Michigan. The Michigan Pre-Seed Fund 2.0 is an investment fund aimed at supporting pre-seed and seed stage technology companies located in Michigan. The MPSF 2.0 offers equity or convertible debt initial investments ranging from $50,000 – $150,000 with the goal of supporting our portfolio companies with additional follow-on investments. The University Commercialization Fund provides funding of up to $100,000 for the commercialization of technologies originating from any of the 15 Michigan public universities. A signed option or license agreement from the Technology Transfer Offices is required.

Charlie Moret

President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Invest Michigan

13 past transactions

Refraction AI

Seed Round in 2021
Refraction AI, Inc. is an autonomous delivery robot company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded in 2017. The company focuses on building and deploying robotic platforms designed for last-mile goods delivery in urban environments. Its primary product, the REV-1, autonomously navigates urban settings using a combination of cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors. The robot is capable of picking up items from restaurants, pharmacies, and grocery stores, delivering them directly to customers' homes. This service aims to provide a faster, cheaper, and safer delivery option, addressing the growing demand for efficient logistics solutions. Additionally, the robots can be remotely monitored and teleoperated, ensuring operational flexibility in diverse weather conditions.

Shoulder Innovations

Venture Round in 2020
Shoulder Innovations is a medical device company that has developed inset glenoid fixation technology, creating the most robust and stable glenoid platform in the industry. The company's Total Shoulder Replacement System addresses the most significant issue in shoulder arthroplasty: unreliable fixation of the glenoid implant. It also leverages this technology to create simple surgical instrumentation, which reduces operative time and cost. Shoulder Innovations designs and commercializes innovative products that demonstrate the potential for improved patient care and reduced overall cost to the healthcare system. Published results show Shoulder Innovations’ solution provides greater post-surgical implant stability, addressing the leading cause of revision surgery.

Ripple Science

Venture Round in 2020
Ripple Science Corporation specializes in developing web-based software aimed at enhancing the recruitment and management of participants in clinical, translational, and social science studies. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company offers solutions that streamline various aspects of the research process, including participant tracking, recruitment campaign management, and task management. Ripple Science's flagship product, Ripple SaaS, leverages sales and marketing automation tools to expedite participant recruitment, significantly benefiting academic researchers and clinical trial sites. Currently, its software is utilized by over 75 academic and research centers globally, including prestigious institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and the University of California, Los Angeles. By addressing the challenges of patient recruitment and engagement, Ripple Science enables researchers to enhance communication and collaboration, leading to more efficient study operations and quicker completion times.

Orbion Space Technology

Series A in 2019
Orbion Space Technology, based in Houghton, Michigan, specializes in the development and manufacture of plasma propulsion systems for small satellites. Founded in 2016, the company provides advanced electric propulsion technology that enhances satellite functionality by enabling precise maneuverability in space. Orbion's thrusters facilitate essential tasks such as the last-mile delivery of spacecraft from launch vehicles to their designated orbits, extending the operational life of satellites, and ensuring safe de-orbiting at the end of their missions. By offering a cost-effective solution that can significantly reduce operational expenses for spacecraft operators, Orbion contributes to the growing demand for efficient propulsion systems in the rapidly evolving space industry.

ONL Therapeutics

Convertible Note in 2019
ONL Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutics to protect and improve vision in patients with retinal diseases and conditions. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company specializes in creating photoreceptor protective agents that target the FAS apoptotic pathway. Its drug programs aim to safeguard photoreceptors, thereby enhancing outcomes for patients undergoing surgeries related to retinal detachment and other serious vision-threatening issues. Through its research and development efforts, ONL Therapeutics seeks to provide effective solutions for preserving sight and improving the quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions.

GreenMark Biomedical

Seed Round in 2019
GreenMark Biomedical Inc. is a healthcare company focused on developing minimally invasive technologies utilizing biopolymer nanoparticles derived from natural starch. Founded in 2016 and based in East Lansing, Michigan, with a laboratory in Ann Arbor, the company aims to enhance diagnostic and treatment capabilities in dentistry and oncology. GreenMark offers a mouth rinse product that highlights cavities and early-stage lesions, allowing dentists to accurately assess dental issues using standard dental curing lamps. Additionally, the company is working on medical applications that target anti-cancer drug delivery, facilitating site-specific treatments. Through its innovative approach, GreenMark Biomedical seeks to provide effective health-based solutions that improve patient care.

SpellBound

Seed Round in 2018
SpellBound is a company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that specializes in providing immersive augmented reality tools aimed at enhancing the experience of pediatric patients undergoing medical treatment. Founded in 2015, SpellBound's platform leverages existing iOS and Android devices used by hospital staff and families to bring educational content, such as books and printed materials, to life in three dimensions. This technology is designed to assist children in coping with medical procedures by offering procedural support that helps manage acute pain and improves patient education. By transforming the hospital environment digitally, SpellBound enables therapists to reduce trauma for young patients while also lowering costs for healthcare facilities.

Fusion Coolant

Series C in 2018
Fusion Coolant Systems, Inc. specializes in manufacturing and marketing advanced coolant and lubrication systems for various manufacturing industries. The company offers products such as Pure-Cut 1000 and LUBE-CUT 1600, which utilize supercritical carbon dioxide for dry lubrication and efficient cooling during cutting processes. These systems are designed to enhance production rates and extend tool life while addressing the limitations of traditional metalworking fluids, which often contain harmful chemicals and contribute to environmental pollution. Fusion Coolant's patented CHiP Lube system represents a significant advancement in metalworking technologies, improving operational efficiency and promoting worker safety. The company serves diverse sectors, including medical, aerospace, automotive, and power generation, and also provides infrastructure solutions like carbon dioxide storage tanks and pumps. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Canton, Michigan, with an office in Saint-Priest, France, Fusion Coolant has established a strategic partnership with Air Liquide to further its innovations in coolant technology.

Bloomscape

Seed Round in 2018
Bloomscape, Inc. is an online retailer based in Detroit, Michigan, specializing in the sale of houseplants and related care tools. Founded in 2017, the company provides customers with a variety of fully grown potted plants, including popular species such as tradescantia zebriana, pinstripe, and spider plants. Bloomscape focuses on enhancing the plant-buying experience by delivering ready-to-go plants directly to customers' doors, along with essential post-purchase care instructions. Additionally, the company offers a Plant Mom service, allowing customers to seek expert advice on plant care. Bloomscape aims to foster strong relationships between customers and their plants, simplifying the process of purchasing and maintaining indoor greenery.

Fifth Eye

Seed Round in 2018
Fifth Eye Inc. is a medical software company that specializes in developing real-time analytics systems for monitoring hemodynamic instability in patients. The company's innovative software continuously analyzes a patient's clinical data to provide early warnings of potential health issues, allowing healthcare professionals to intervene proactively. It delivers rapid assessments, with initial scoring in just five minutes, and offers continuous monitoring without the need for baseline data or integration with electronic health records. By utilizing advanced artificial intelligence and real-time ECG data, Fifth Eye's system enhances clinical decision-making, aiming to improve patient outcomes, prevent adverse events, and reduce hospital stays and costs. Founded in 2017 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Fifth Eye was previously known as Trove Analytics, Inc., before rebranding in June 2018.

Mi Padrino

Seed Round in 2018
Mi Padrino is an event planning service tailored for the Hispanic community, assisting families in organizing, planning, and funding significant cultural celebrations such as Quinceañeras, weddings, and baptisms. Founded by Kim Gamez, who recognized the complexities involved in coordinating these traditional events, Mi Padrino offers an innovative platform that simplifies the process. The service allows users to manage event details and share them with friends and family worldwide, ensuring that loved ones can participate in celebrations regardless of their location. Additionally, the platform facilitates the acceptance of funds from sponsors, making financial contributions more accessible and efficient. Overall, Mi Padrino provides a comprehensive solution for families to honor their traditions while embracing modern technology.

Ripple Science

Seed Round in 2018
Ripple Science Corporation specializes in developing web-based software aimed at enhancing the recruitment and management of participants in clinical, translational, and social science studies. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company offers solutions that streamline various aspects of the research process, including participant tracking, recruitment campaign management, and task management. Ripple Science's flagship product, Ripple SaaS, leverages sales and marketing automation tools to expedite participant recruitment, significantly benefiting academic researchers and clinical trial sites. Currently, its software is utilized by over 75 academic and research centers globally, including prestigious institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and the University of California, Los Angeles. By addressing the challenges of patient recruitment and engagement, Ripple Science enables researchers to enhance communication and collaboration, leading to more efficient study operations and quicker completion times.

Ripple Science

Pre Seed Round in 2017
Ripple Science Corporation specializes in developing web-based software aimed at enhancing the recruitment and management of participants in clinical, translational, and social science studies. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company offers solutions that streamline various aspects of the research process, including participant tracking, recruitment campaign management, and task management. Ripple Science's flagship product, Ripple SaaS, leverages sales and marketing automation tools to expedite participant recruitment, significantly benefiting academic researchers and clinical trial sites. Currently, its software is utilized by over 75 academic and research centers globally, including prestigious institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and the University of California, Los Angeles. By addressing the challenges of patient recruitment and engagement, Ripple Science enables researchers to enhance communication and collaboration, leading to more efficient study operations and quicker completion times.
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