Red Cedar Ventures (RCV), established in 2014, is a venture capital firm based in East Lansing, Michigan, and operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the MSU Research Foundation. It is recognized as the first venture fund in mid-Michigan, focusing on early-stage investments in high-tech startups that are commercializing intellectual property developed at Michigan State University. RCV aims to support the growth of technology-focused entrepreneurs and companies throughout the state, fostering innovation and economic development in the region.

Michigan Rise is a venture capital firm established in 2020 and based in East Lansing, Michigan. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Michigan State University Research Foundation, it focuses on investing in technology startups within the state. The firm prioritizes sectors such as advanced automotive and mobility, advanced manufacturing and materials, agricultural processing technology, alternative energy, homeland security and defense technology, information technology, life sciences, therapeutics, and medical devices. Michigan Rise aims to support the commercialization of innovative technologies by providing capital, coaching, and assistance with grant funding to Michigan entrepreneurs and startups, thereby contributing to the region's economic development.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), established in 1999, is a public-private partnership agency based in Lansing, Michigan. It is dedicated to fostering economic growth and job creation across the state. The MEDC achieves this by offering a range of business assistance services and capital programs, including business attraction and acceleration, entrepreneurship support, talent enhancement initiatives, and urban and community development projects. Additionally, it promotes tourism, film, and digital media industries, as well as arts and cultural affairs, through various incentives and grants. The MEDC works with businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities both locally and globally to strengthen Michigan's economy.

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.

Detroit Venture Partners, LLC, established in 2010, is a Detroit-based Venture Capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies, primarily in the United States with a focus on the Detroit and Ontario regions. The firm specializes in growth capital investments, typically ranging from $0.25 million to $0.75 million per transaction, and may follow on with investments up to $3 million. Detroit Venture Partners concentrates on sectors such as internet, digital media, marketing technology, direct-to-consumer, sports and entertainment, social media, e-commerce, and software, excluding biotech and advanced manufacturing. The firm's mission is to support passionate entrepreneurs building meaningful companies, with a particular interest in helping to revitalize the Detroit area through entrepreneurial efforts.

Invest Detroit is a development financial institution and source of private sector financing based in Detroit, Michigan. As a mission-driven lender, investor, and partner, it supports business and real estate projects that ignite economic growth in Detroit and the surrounding region. The organization backs entrepreneurial activity through programs and funds such as Detroit Innovate, an early-stage investment initiative focused on the Detroit region. Its activities aim to cultivate a robust local ecosystem by providing capital, strategic guidance, and partnerships to scale high-potential startups and attract investment. Managed by a professional leadership team, Invest Detroit seeks inclusive growth across technology, manufacturing, mobility, and related sectors, while maintaining a focus on long-term community development and job creation in Detroit and Michigan.

Beringea is an international venture capital and private equity firm, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Michigan with offices in London and Manchester. It targets equity and debt investments in growth‑oriented companies across the United States, United Kingdom and Europe, focusing on sectors such as media, health care and life sciences, Internet technologies, advanced manufacturing, clean tech and specialized consumer goods. The firm supports entrepreneurs and management teams with capital and strategic guidance to help develop growth opportunities and create value.

eLab Ventures, established in 2012, is a California-based venture capital firm with a strategic presence in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It invests in early-stage technology startups, focusing on those with disruptive innovations, strong teams, and capital-efficient models, primarily in the AI, big data, IoT, and security sectors. The firm aims to bridge emerging entrepreneurial markets outside Silicon Valley, fostering world-changing ideas by connecting entrepreneurs with necessary capital and expertise.

Tappan Hill Ventures, established in 2014 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a venture capital firm focusing on seed, early, and select late-stage investments. The company primarily targets software, network connectivity, and internet of things (IoT) sectors.

The New Economy Initiative (NEI), a project of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, is a significant economic development effort focused on fostering a supportive network for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Established to address a notable market failure, NEI aims to restore faith in the region's capacity to generate innovative ideas and businesses. The initiative strategically concentrates on the Greater Downtown corridor, enabling services that assist entrepreneurs and benefit the broader community. This includes providing resources such as business planning, concept testing, and access to capital, which are essential for business growth and sustainability. By connecting various service providers and facilitating collaboration among entrepreneurs, NEI seeks to stimulate the creation of new companies and jobs, ultimately enhancing economic diversity and ensuring that prosperity is accessible to all members of the community.

Service Provider Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2014 and located in Golden, Colorado. The firm focuses on co-investing in seed and series A rounds, primarily in collaboration with institutional venture funds. It targets a diverse range of sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, cannabis, cybersecurity, e-commerce, education technology, fintech, hardware, information technology, robotics, and health. By concentrating on these industries, Service Provider Capital aims to support innovative companies at critical stages of their development.

Ludlow Ventures is a Michigan-based venture capital firm that funds early-stage technology companies in the United States. Founded in 2009, it operates from Southfield with an additional office in Detroit and focuses on seed and startup investments, occasionally supporting later-stage rounds. The firm makes relatively small checks, typically in the tens of thousands to around a hundred thousand dollars, often preferring direct engagement with founders and practical, network-enabled support rather than traditional VC posturing. Ludlow emphasizes a founder-friendly, trust-based approach, aiming to become a close partner by testing products, leveraging its network, and providing hands-on guidance to help teams scale. Described as a family-oriented partnership, the team maintains a practical, straightforward style and seeks lasting relationships with entrepreneurs.

Ann Arbor SPARK is a non-profit organization established in 1982 to support businesses in the Ann Arbor region. It offers programs, resources, and proactive support including business accelerator programs, market research, strategic planning, intellectual property validation, marketing initiatives, workforce development, financial analysis, funding attraction strategies, product plan reviews, space/equipment assistance, educational opportunities, site searches, workforce solutions, incentives, export assistance, financing, and university connections. It serves businesses in life sciences, automotive R&D, engineering, alternative energies, information technologies, homeland security, print and online media, imaging/vision sectors.

Michigan Angel Fund is an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based angel investor group that makes seed and early-stage investments in Michigan startups. It concentrates on information technology, clean technology, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences, including health care, and avoids non-core sectors such as gaming or real estate. The fund typically provides between $0.2 million and $2 million to companies that are near revenue and pursuing break-even or sustainability, with a preference for ventures capable of scaling within Michigan. The organization has roots in the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and is associated with Ann Arbor SPARK, reflecting ties to local economic development efforts.

Arboretum Ventures is a Michigan-based venture capital firm, founded in 2002 and headquartered in Ann Arbor. It focuses on seed-, early-, mid-, and growth-stage investments in the healthcare sector, including services, medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare information technology, therapeutics, life science tools, and technology-enabled health care delivery. The firm makes investments across the United States, with emphasis on the Midwest and Michigan, partnering with companies at various stages to support growth in healthcare. Arboretum Ventures operates as a specialized investor in healthcare, aiming to back companies developing novel tools and technologies that advance patient care.

Denso is a global automotive technology company and supplier of advanced systems and components. It develops and manufactures thermal and powertrain control systems, electronics, and electrification solutions for major automakers, helping vehicles run more efficiently and safely. Headquartered in Kariya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, Denso was founded in 1949 as Nippondenso and is a core member of the Toyota Group. The company provides a broad range of automotive electronics and collaborates with automakers to advance mobility through world-leading products and technologies, with a focus on reducing environmental impact and improving road safety worldwide.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) leads initiatives in food, agriculture, natural resources, and rural development. It aims to expand markets for agricultural products globally, foster alternative markets domestically, improve rural infrastructure, enhance food safety, promote nutrition education, and manage public lands collaboratively.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a leading biomedical research facility in the United States, operating under the Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1887 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, NIH is the primary agency responsible for biomedical and health-related research in the country. It comprises 27 separate institutes and centers, each focusing on different disciplines within biomedical science. NIH conducts its own scientific research through the Intramural Research Program and provides significant funding for research at external institutions via the Extramural Research Program. With a workforce that includes 1,200 principal investigators and over 4,000 postdoctoral fellows, NIH has been instrumental in major medical breakthroughs, such as the development of vaccines for hepatitis and human papillomavirus, as well as the discovery of treatments for various health conditions. As the world's largest source of medical research funding, NIH continues to advance scientific knowledge and contribute to public health improvements.

The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) is a U.S. government initiative aimed at promoting economic growth and development in underserved communities. It provides financial assistance and support to Community Development Financial Institutions, which offer affordable loans, investments, and financial services to low-income individuals and communities. The CDFI Fund focuses on fostering access to capital, encouraging community revitalization, and empowering local economies. By investing in various sectors, including housing, small businesses, and community facilities, the CDFI Fund plays a crucial role in enhancing the economic opportunities available to marginalized populations, thereby contributing to the overall stability and growth of disadvantaged areas.

Norwest Mezzanine Partners, established in 2000, is a Minneapolis-based investment firm that provides junior capital solutions to middle market companies backed by private equity firms. It focuses on driving value and successful outcomes for all stakeholders by investing across various industries, including business services, consumer, healthcare, and industrials. The firm operates from offices in Minneapolis and West Palm Beach, and it has an affiliation with Norwest Equity Partners, a middle market equity investment firm with a history dating back to 1961.

UCanCerVive was founded as a 501c3 by Ryan & Kelley LaFontaine in 2016, it's our ongoing mission to provide funding for cancer research grants in the state of Michigan. From 2010 to 2016 we've raised over $1,000,000 to support the fight against cancer working with Angels of Hope and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Now officially a 501c3 foundation all profits will go towards cancer research and treatment efforts.

The Zell Lurie Commercialization Fund (ZLCF) is a pre-seed investment fund focused on identifying and promoting the commercialization of innovative ideas originating from the South-East Michigan region. By providing financial support and resources, the fund aims to facilitate the development of early-stage ventures, helping entrepreneurs transform their concepts into viable businesses. ZLCF plays a crucial role in fostering local economic growth and nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the area.

Huron River Ventures, established in 2010, is a Michigan-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies across various industries, with a focus on energy, agriculture, and technology. The firm, headquartered in Ann Arbor, seeks innovative startups in sectors such as cloud and mobile computing, artificial intelligence, automation, clean tech, and digital transformation.

Established in 2015, the Gilbert Family Foundation is dedicated to enhancing opportunity and equity in Detroit and other regions where neurofibromatosis therapy is accessible.

Techstars is a global platform that invests in and supports early-stage technology companies. Founded in 2006, it operates a mentorship-driven accelerator program, providing seed funding, intensive mentorship, and access to a network of investors and entrepreneurs. Techstars has programs in various locations worldwide, including Boston, Boulder, New York, Seattle, London, Chicago, and Austin. It invests $118,000 in each company, with $18,000 in seed funding and an optional $100,000 convertible debt note. Techstars also has industry-specific accelerator programs, such as Techstars Retail and Techstars Music, focusing on retail and music technology, respectively. Its portfolio includes over 1,000 companies with a combined market cap of $8.1 billion.

The Michigan Capital Network is a prominent investment group dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship in Michigan and the broader Midwest region. They invest in and mentor early-stage companies across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and SaaS. Their goal is to help these businesses grow into world-class enterprises by providing financial support, intellectual resources, and networking opportunities.

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., established in 1869, is a global leader in investment banking, securities, and investment management. It operates in four primary segments: Investment Banking, Institutional Client Services, Investing & Lending, and Investment Management. The company provides a wide range of services, including financial advisory services for mergers and acquisitions, underwriting services for various securities, client execution services for fixed income, currencies, commodities, and equities, securities services, and wealth advisory services. It serves a diverse client base comprising corporations, financial institutions, governments, and high-net-worth individuals. Additionally, Goldman Sachs invests in a broad array of asset classes, including debt securities, equity securities, real estate, and private equity, demonstrating its commitment to driving growth and innovation across industries.

Invest Michigan is a non-profit organization based in Northville, Michigan, established in 2014 and funded by the Michigan Strategic Fund. It serves as the fund manager for both the Michigan Pre-Seed Fund 2.0 and the University Commercialization Fund, focusing on early-stage high-tech businesses within the state. The Michigan Pre-Seed Fund 2.0 aims to support pre-seed and seed stage technology companies through initial investments ranging from $50,000 to $150,000, with the potential for additional follow-on investment. Meanwhile, the University Commercialization Fund offers up to $100,000 for the commercialization of technologies developed at any of the 15 public universities in Michigan, contingent upon a signed option or license agreement from the respective Technology Transfer Offices. Invest Michigan's mission is to foster innovation and economic growth by nurturing local entrepreneurial talent.

BioStar Capital is a Michigan-based venture capital firm focused on transformative medical technologies, with a particular emphasis on cardiology. Founded by Dr. Louis A. Cannon, the firm brings together healthcare clinicians, executives, thought leaders, and financial professionals to identify and support early- and late-stage investments in medical devices and related technologies. BioStar Capital operates multiple investment funds and employs a disciplined, holistic investment approach to mitigate risk and advance cardiovascular innovations.

Grand Angels is an angel investment group based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, founded in 2004 by Charles C. Stoddard and Craig T. Hall. The organization focuses on providing financial consultancy services and invests in early-stage companies within the business-to-business technology, advanced manufacturing, advanced agriculture technology, and life sciences sectors. Grand Angels primarily targets businesses located in Michigan, particularly in Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon counties. The firm distinguishes itself by offering mentoring alongside a patient exit strategy, allowing for a longer-term investment horizon compared to traditional investors. Since its inception, Grand Angels has invested over $8 million, typically committing amounts ranging from $250,000 to $1 million in selected ventures.

Founded in 2017 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Grand Ventures is a venture capital firm focusing on seed and early-stage investments. It primarily invests in technology companies operating in the Midwest region of the United States, with a particular interest in B2B software across various industries such as fintech, supply chain/logistics, digital health, and developer tools.

Lux Capital, established in 2000, is a New York-based venture capital firm managing over $4 billion in assets. It invests in early-stage and growth companies at the intersection of technology and sciences, focusing on sectors such as biochemistry, material science, electronics, infrastructure, and aerospace. Lux actively supports entrepreneurs, having helped build over 20 companies from scratch, and employs a strategy that enhances portfolio companies' connectivity, insights, and industry leadership.

Venture Investors, LLC, established in 1982, is a Wisconsin-based venture capital firm specializing in seed and early-stage investments in the healthcare sector, with a focus on the Midwest region. The firm invests in biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, and other technology-enabled healthcare companies. It seeks to invest $0.25 million to $2.5 million initially, with the potential for follow-on investments of up to $8 million, typically holding investments for five to seven years. Venture Investors aims to be the lead investor and prefers to invest in the form of preferred stock and/or debt with warrant coverage. The firm has offices in Madison, Wisconsin, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has over $200 million in assets under management.

Augment Ventures, established in 2011 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a private equity firm focused on early-stage investments. It targets innovative, mission-driven companies across North America that leverage digitization and data to transform traditional industries. Augment Ventures seeks diverse founding teams tackling significant real-world challenges, with a particular interest in sectors such as supply chain, fintech, health tech, and SaaS.

BlueWater Angels is a network comprising over 30 high-net-worth individuals and select organizations focused on investing in promising companies. While the primary goal is to achieve a return on investment, the network places significant emphasis on supporting the entrepreneurial community to foster economic growth in mid-Michigan and the state as a whole. In its inaugural year, BlueWater Angels received funding requests from more than 100 companies, conducted detailed reviews of nearly 40, and heard presentations from a dozen firms, ultimately closing its first investment in a local advanced materials company. Currently, the annual investment capital available exceeds $1.4 million, with expectations for continued growth in the future.

Draper Triangle Ventures, established in 1999, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with additional offices in Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Columbus, Ohio. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on technology companies in the Midwest, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. Draper Triangle Ventures typically invests between $250,000 and $2 million in first-round financing, seeking a board seat in its portfolio companies. It targets software, internet, high-technology, and medical device companies, aiming to support entrepreneurs who can create iconic and disruptive businesses in emerging markets. The firm's goal is to help these companies achieve sales of up to $50 million within three to five years. Draper Triangle Ventures is a member of the Draper Venture Network, collaborating with other independent venture funds globally to share resources and create greater value.

Founded in 2007, Storm Lake Capital is a private equity firm based in Troy, Michigan. It specializes in investing in middle market companies across various sectors such as manufacturing, distribution, and service businesses, with a focus on metal-forming companies within automotive, agriculture, heavy equipment, aerospace, and general industrial segments. The firm typically invests between $1 million to $10 million in companies with revenues ranging from $10 million to $100 million and EBITDA between $1 million to $20 million.

General Motors, established in 2009, is a multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. It specializes in the manufacture and sale of cars, trucks, and vans, offering a wide range of models including sedans, SUVs, pick-up trucks, and hybrid vehicles. The company operates globally, with a significant presence in the United States, China, Brazil, and Europe. In addition to vehicle production, General Motors provides parts and accessories, vehicle safety and security services, and offers used vehicles. The company also has an investment arm, GM Ventures, which focuses on growth-stage companies in areas such as advanced propulsion, connected vehicles, and advanced materials, aiming to foster innovation in the automotive industry. General Motors is among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales and has a rich history, having led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years.

Ford Motor Company is a prominent automobile manufacturer based in Dearborn, Michigan, founded by Henry Ford in 1903. The company produces a diverse range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and tractors, and sells them through dealerships for both retail and fleet customers, including government and rental agencies. In addition to manufacturing, Ford offers various automotive financing products through its subsidiary, Ford Motor Credit Company. These financial services include retail installment sale contracts, direct financing leases for new vehicles, and wholesale loans to dealerships for inventory purchases and facility improvements. Ford also provides insurance products, including coverage for vehicles in transit and extended service contracts. The company is committed to environmental sustainability and has initiated efforts in alternative fuel technologies, including electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, dedicated to developing and commercializing therapies for various ophthalmic disorders. The company's primary focus is on innovative treatment options for front and back of the eye conditions, with its lead product candidate, Nyxol eye drops, currently in Phase 3 clinical development. Nyxol is a once-daily, preservative-free formulation aimed at addressing issues such as dim light or night vision disturbances, pharmacologically-induced mydriasis, and presbyopia. Additionally, Ocuphire is advancing another candidate, APX3330, a twice-daily oral tablet, which is entering Phase 2 clinical trials to target diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema by inhibiting angiogenesis and inflammation. The company also seeks to explore opportunities for acquiring additional ophthalmic assets and forming strategic partnerships for global commercialization.

Lipari Foods, LLC is a food product distributor based in Warren, Michigan, serving the United States market since its founding in 1963. The company specializes in a diverse range of categories, including bakery, dairy, deli, meat, seafood, confections, and specialty grocery items. Lipari Foods also manufactures various products such as fresh sandwiches, nut roasting items, trail mixes, gourmet popcorn, and peanut brittles. In addition to distribution, the company provides repacking, labeling, and custom manufacturing services. Its clientele includes supermarkets, convenience stores, and foodservice establishments, allowing Lipari Foods to offer a broad selection of on-trend and specialty products at competitive prices.

Mercury is a purpose-built early-stage venture capital platform dedicated to supporting transformative software startups in communities across America, particularly in Middle America. The company identifies and partners with exceptional founders, offering both guidance to new entrepreneurs and resources to experienced innovators. With a focus on operationally-driven investment strategies, Mercury has generated over $9 billion in value, facilitating rapid and sustainable growth for its portfolio companies. Through its comprehensive growth partner network, Mercury aims to leverage local assets and talent, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the regions it serves.

Auxo Investment Partners is a private equity firm founded in 2016 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with an additional office in Los Angeles, California. The firm specializes in middle market investments in manufacturing, industrial, and business services sectors across North America. Auxo focuses on companies with EBITDA ranging from $1.5 million to $15 million, targeting owner-operators seeking retirement solutions or teams looking to expand their businesses. The firm typically prefers majority-control investments but is open to select minority-partner opportunities. By investing in companies at pivotal moments, Auxo aims to enhance their potential through the implementation of infrastructure, processes, and talent.

Consumers Energy Company is a Michigan-based electric and natural gas utility serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the Lower Peninsula. It delivers electricity and natural gas to about 6.7 million residents in 68 counties. Founded in 1886 and headquartered in Jackson, Michigan, it operates through Electric Utility and Gas Utility segments and also includes NorthStar Clean Energy as a non-utility investments unit. It is a subsidiary of CMS Energy Corporation.

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Renaissance Venture Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in early to late-stage companies based primarily in the United States. The firm focuses on direct investments ranging from $0.5 million to $1 million per company, with a particular emphasis on supporting emerging businesses in Michigan.

Founded in 2001, Yorkville Advisors is a global investment manager that specializes in providing growth capital through structured debt and equity investments. The firm invests across various industries worldwide, employing fundamental analysis to create customized portfolios tailored to meet the needs of the companies it invests in.

Fontinalis Partners, LLC, established in 2009, is a private equity and venture capital firm headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with an additional office in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm is stage-agnostic, investing in technology companies across various stages, from seed to pre-IPO, with a focus on next-generation mobility, transportation, software and services, and communications equipment sectors. Within mobility, Fontinalis concentrates on areas such as connected vehicles, data and analytics, intelligent infrastructure solutions, location-based services, mobility transactions, new mobility models, and smart logistics. The firm also invests in consumer and enterprise technology, including SaaS, big data, mobile, and cloud-based solutions. Fontinalis typically invests between $3 million to $10 million, with an average investment of $5 million to $8 million over a company's lifecycle. The firm prefers to take a board seat and is not affiliated with Ford Motor Company.

General Catalyst is a venture capital firm established in 2000, headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional offices in North America and Europe. The company specializes in early-stage and growth equity investments, focusing on technology-driven businesses. It invests across various sectors, including consumer internet, enterprise software, fintech, health assurance, and crypto. General Catalyst provides not only capital but also mentorship and resources to accelerate the growth of its portfolio companies. To date, it has managed eight venture capital funds, totaling approximately $3.75 billion in capital commitments.

Founded in 2005, Mercury Fund is a Houston-based venture capital firm with an additional office in Ann Arbor. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in technology-related companies across the United States midcontinent.