Red Cedar Ventures, founded in 2014 and based in East Lansing, Michigan, is a venture capital firm that concentrates on supporting startup companies affiliated with Michigan State University. The firm aims to accelerate the commercialization of university technologies by providing growth-stage capital to ventures that have already secured lead funding from other venture capital firms. Their latest initiative, Michigan Rise, focuses on pre-seed to Series A investments and seeks to bolster Michigan's entrepreneurial ecosystem across various industries. By investing in early-stage technology entrepreneurs and companies, Red Cedar Ventures plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and economic development within the state.

Michigan Rise is a venture capital firm based in East Lansing, Michigan, established in 2020 as a subsidiary of the Michigan State University Foundation. The firm is committed to supporting innovative technology startups in Michigan, particularly in sectors such as advanced automotive and mobility, advanced manufacturing, agricultural processing, alternative energy, homeland security, information technology, life sciences, and medical devices. Michigan Rise operates the Pre-Seed Fund III, which provides capital support, coaching, and assistance with grant funding to help entrepreneurs advance their projects toward commercialization. This initiative is backed by funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan State University Foundation, which has a long-standing mission to foster economic development through the commercialization of new intellectual property. Through its efforts, Michigan Rise aims to bolster the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Michigan and contribute to the state's economic growth.

Biosciences Research and Commercialization Center is the venture capital investment arm of Western Michigan University specializing in startup and gap funding. The firm seeks to invest in the life sciences sector with a focus on pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and diagnostics. It seeks to invest in companies which have a substantial presence in the State of Michigan and a presence in, or business link to Southwest Michigan. The firm typically invests between $25,000 and $250,000 per deal. Biosciences Research and Commercialization Center was founded in 2003 and is based in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

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.

Wakestream Ventures, formerly known as Start Garden, is a venture capital firm focused on investing in seed and early-stage businesses, particularly in the technology sector, including hardware-software convergence and e-commerce. The firm operates primarily in Michigan but is open to investments across the United States. It typically invests between $100,000 and $300,000 in initial funding, with the potential for cumulative follow-on investments up to $1.5 million. To receive funding, companies must register as Michigan LLCs, provide updates on their progress, and engage with the firm's resources in Grand Rapids. Wakestream Ventures does not invest in non-profit organizations and requires that investee companies have tangible projects rather than just ideas. The firm aims to maintain a first right of refusal for future outside investments, converting this into equity if securities are issued. Established in April 2012, Wakestream Ventures leverages its region's rich history in innovation and industrial design to support founders working on physical products integrated with the Internet of Things.

Invest Detroit Ventures is committed to supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem with capital, on-going mentorship, and community engagement. We implement targeted venture development programs to help build and promote scalable businesses in the region. Their team is committed to growing a robust tech community in Detroit and throughout Michigan. They are collectively focused on implementing an investment strategy that is inclusive and supportive of minority, immigrant, and women entrepreneurs.

Techstars Central LLC, founded in 2006 and based in Boulder, Colorado, operates as a startup accelerator and venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage technology-oriented companies. It specializes in a mentorship-driven accelerator program, selecting ten startups each summer to participate in a three-month incubation period, offering funding of $120,000 in exchange for equity. Techstars invests primarily in sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, blockchain, augmented reality, and IoT, while avoiding investments in medical devices, healthcare technology, and local service-oriented businesses. In addition to its primary accelerator, Techstars has various specialized programs, including those focused on music, retail, mobility, and social impact, with global reach extending to regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The firm prefers taking minority stakes, typically between six and ten percent, without seeking board representation or investor rights. Techstars has built a robust network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and corporate partners to foster innovation and growth within its portfolio, which includes over 1,000 companies with a significant collective market capitalization.

eLab Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2012, with operations in both Ann Arbor, Michigan, and San Mateo, California. The firm focuses on investing in emerging technology markets, particularly in sectors such as artificial intelligence, big data, and biotechnology. By bridging innovative entrepreneurial ecosystems outside of Silicon Valley, eLab Ventures aims to identify startups that demonstrate disruptive innovations, strong leadership, and capital-efficient business models capable of addressing substantial market needs. The firm is committed to nurturing transformative ideas by connecting entrepreneurs with the necessary capital and expertise to develop impactful companies.

Invest Detroit, established in 1995, is a Michigan-based investment firm that targets small and mid-sized industries across the United States. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, particularly in high-potential seed stage companies that leverage unique, intellectual property-based technologies. By concentrating on the Detroit region, Invest Detroit aims to support the growing entrepreneurial community and foster innovation within the area.

Grosvenor Capital Management Customized Fund Investment Group is an investment firm specializing in direct and fund of fund investments. It seeks to invest in primary fund investments, secondary fund investments, and co-investments across the private equity, infrastructure, and real estate sub-asset classes. For direct investments, it prefers to invest in seed/start-up, early venture, mid venture, late venture, middle market, growth capital, recapitalization, mature, and PIPES transactions. For fund of funds investments, the firm seeks to invest in venture capital and private equity funds including buyout, mezzanine, real estate, secondary and distressed debt funds. The firm’s areas of focus include buyouts, venture capital, growth equity, regionally-focused investments, small and emerging managers, emerging domestic managers, and co-investments. The firm invests in energy, materials, environmental and facilities services, commercial security and safety services, security and alarm systems, residential security and personal safety services, media, consumer staples, biotechnology, life sciences tools and services, computer components, semiconductors, telecommunication services, waste water treatment, water purification, alternative energy resources, and electric power by solar energy sectors. It invests in United Arab Emirates, Europe, Michigan, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. The firm makes equity investment between $2 million and $15 million in companies with minimum sales value of $20 million and Enterprise value of upto $200 million. It focuses on creation of private equity investment programs for clients which includes institutional investors, high-net-worth individuals, families, financial institutions, and advisors across the United States. The firm was formerly known as Credit Suisse Customized Fund Investment Group. Grosvenor Capital Management Customized Fund Investment Group was founded in 1999 and is based in Chicago, Illinois with additional offices in the Birmingham, Michigan; London, United Kingdom; Hong Kong, Hong Kong; and Singapore, Singapore. As of January 2, 2014, Grosvenor Capital Management Customized Fund Investment Group operates as a subsidiary of Grosvenor Capital Management L.P.

Tappan Hill Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, established in 2014. The firm focuses on investing in seed stage, early growth, and select later stage companies, primarily within the software, network connectivity, and internet of things sectors. Through its investment strategies, Tappan Hill Ventures aims to support innovative startups and foster their growth in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Beringea is an international venture capital and private equity firm established in 1988, with its headquarters in Michigan and additional offices in London and Manchester. The firm specializes in equity and debt investments, targeting exceptional companies in various growth industries such as media, health care, life sciences, Internet technologies, advanced manufacturing, clean technology, and specialized consumer goods. With a portfolio comprising over 60 companies, Beringea offers entrepreneurs the resources needed to develop strategies, assess growth opportunities, and enhance value. The firm manages the Michigan Growth Capital Partners Funds in the U.S. and the ProVen VCT family of funds in the U.K., positioning itself to support businesses in both regions effectively.

Arboretum Ventures LLC is a venture capital firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded in 2002. It specializes in making seed-stage, early-stage, mid-stage, and growth capital investments, primarily within the healthcare sector. The firm focuses on various areas, including healthcare services, medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare information technology, therapeutics, technology-based healthcare services, and life science tools. Arboretum Ventures typically invests between $5 million and $15 million in companies, with a notable emphasis on opportunities in the Midwest and Michigan. The firm is dedicated to supporting innovative healthcare companies that are poised for growth and development.

Michigan Angel Fund is a private equity firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, focused on early-stage investments in various sectors, including information technology, CleanTech, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare. Established in 2011 by Ann Arbor SPARK, the fund specializes in angel investments, avoiding ventures in gaming and real estate. It typically invests between $0.2 million and $2 million in companies that are at or near revenue and require less than $2 million to achieve break-even or sustainability. The fund aims to support promising start-ups in the United States, fostering innovation and growth in key industries.

Service Provider Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2014 and based in Golden, Colorado. The firm specializes in co-investing in Series A deals, primarily alongside institutional venture funds. It focuses on seed-stage companies across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, cannabis, cybersecurity, e-commerce, education technology, fintech, hardware, information technology, robotics, and healthcare. Additionally, Service Provider Capital manages funds that target specific regional markets, such as the Midwest, emphasizing investments in software and healthcare technology systems. The firm typically seeks minority stakes and engages in syndicated investments to support the growth of innovative startups.

Augment Ventures is a private equity firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in capital-efficient companies within the sectors of energy efficiency, sustainability, and health and wellness. Augment Ventures focuses on transformational companies that are commercializing disruptive technologies aimed at enhancing quality of life and improving business efficiency on a global scale. The firm actively collaborates with its portfolio companies to explore new markets, forge strategic alliances, and recruit talent. Augment Ventures manages two funds, with the first targeting investments in 10 to 12 companies across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. The firm typically seeks to lead or co-invest alongside strategic partners, aiming for successful exits within four to six years.

Founded in 2004 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Grand Angels is an angel investment group that focuses on early-stage companies primarily in the business-to-business technology, advanced manufacturing, advanced agriculture technology, and life sciences sectors. The firm manages multiple venture capital funds, including Grand Angels Venture Fund II and Fund III, targeting investments ranging from $250,000 to $1 million across a variety of industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, software, and consumer goods. Grand Angels emphasizes a supportive approach to investing, providing mentorship alongside capital and allowing for a more patient exit strategy compared to traditional investors. Since its inception, Grand Angels has invested over $8 million, with a particular focus on businesses located in Michigan, especially in Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon counties.

Ludlow Ventures LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2009 and based in Southfield and Detroit, Michigan. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing primarily on technology companies within the United States. Unlike traditional venture capital firms, Ludlow Ventures operates without a fund structure; instead, it raises capital as needed for its investments, typically ranging between $25,000 and $150,000 per company. This firm prides itself on fostering genuine relationships with entrepreneurs, emphasizing trust and collaboration over the typical posturing often associated with venture capital. Ludlow Ventures aims to support the growth of startups by providing not just funding, but also guidance and access to its network, reflecting its belief in a customer service-oriented approach to venture investing.

Norwest Mezzanine Partners, founded in 2000 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, specializes in mezzanine investments, providing junior capital to support private equity sponsors in the growth of middle market companies across various sectors. The firm targets investments in business services, consumer products, distribution, healthcare, energy, and industrials within the United States. By partnering with private equity firms, Norwest Mezzanine Partners aims to create value in their portfolio companies, offering flexible financial solutions and reliable support to help these businesses achieve industry leadership. The firm operates independently but maintains an affiliation with Norwest Equity Partners, which has a long history in middle market equity investment.

Storm Lake Capital, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm specializing incubation, and investments in seed/startup, early venture, mid venture, later stage, mature, emerging growth, management buy-outs, growth funding, recapitalizations, corporate divestitures, special situations, Turnaround , bridge, and distressed assets transactions in middle market companies. The firm primarily seeks to invest in manufacturing, distribution, and service businesses. It also seeks to invest in metal-forming companies within segments such as automotive, agriculture, heavy equipment, aerospace, and general industrial segments. The firm primarily invests in the companies located in the Midwest and Central United States. It typically invests between $1 million and $10 million in companies with revenues between $10 million and $100 million, and EBITDA between $1 million and $20 million. It prefers to take minority, majority and control investments. For its flexible investments using debt and equity, the firm prefers to invest between $1 million and $5 million with and without equity features. It structures its senior debt investments either as revolving credit lines for working capital needs or term debt. The firm seeks an active role in the boards of its portfolio companies. It invests from its personal capital and balance sheet. Storm Lake Capital, LLC was founded in 2007 and is based in Troy, Michigan.

Mercury Fund is a venture capital firm founded in 2005 and headquartered in Houston, with an additional office in Ann Arbor. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in technology-related companies, primarily in the U.S. Midcontinent. With over $200 million under management, Mercury supports both new entrepreneurs seeking guidance and seasoned founders looking to leverage regional talent and resources. The firm has established itself as one of the most active venture capital firms in the area, targeting innovative startups that have demonstrated product-market fit and are prepared for growth. By prioritizing purpose-driven investing, Mercury aims to empower entrepreneurs and foster innovation in Middle America.

The Riverside Company is a prominent global private equity firm established in 1988, headquartered in New York. It specializes in making control and non-control investments in growth-stage businesses valued at up to $400 million. With a diverse portfolio that includes over 80 companies, Riverside has completed more than 480 transactions across various sectors, including business services, consumer brands, education and training, franchising, healthcare, software, information technology, and specialty manufacturing. The firm operates internationally, with investment activities spanning the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

Plymouth Growth is a venture capital firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, established in 2002. The firm focuses on growth-stage investments in Midwest-based B2B software, technology, and tech-enabled service companies, primarily those generating between $3 million and $8 million in revenue. With a team that possesses extensive experience as operators, advisors, and investors, Plymouth Growth emphasizes the importance of understanding the people and culture behind a business, in addition to financial metrics. The firm is currently investing from its fourth fund, aiming to partner with entrepreneurs who have demonstrated the ability to achieve significant results with limited resources. Through its investments, Plymouth Growth seeks to foster smart and sustainable growth for the companies it supports.

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.

Huron River Ventures is a Michigan-based private equity firm founded in 2010 that focuses on early-stage investments in outdated industries. The firm targets sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and technology, aiming to enhance and modernize these fields through innovative solutions. By investing in technologies that address the challenges faced by these industries, Huron River Ventures seeks to drive growth and improve efficiencies, ultimately contributing to the revitalization of traditional sectors.

Grand Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, established in 2017. The firm focuses on seed and early-stage investments in technology companies within the agriculture, food, manufacturing, transportation, mobility, and business-to-business software sectors, particularly in underserved markets. Grand Ventures aims to support entrepreneurs by investing between $500,000 and $3 million, primarily in the Midwest and Michigan. The firm not only provides capital but also utilizes its Advisory Board network to assist startups in refining their strategies, fostering talent development, and achieving successful business outcomes. Led by partners Tim Streit and McKeel Hagerty, Grand Ventures is dedicated to promoting innovation and growth in early-stage companies.

Jackson National Life Insurance Company, established in 1961 and based in Lansing, Michigan, specializes in providing a diverse range of financial products aimed at helping Americans achieve financial security. The company offers various annuities, including variable, fixed, and fixed index annuities, as well as guaranteed investment contracts and individual life insurance products. In addition, it supports a network of distribution partners and financial professionals dedicated to educating clients about retirement planning. Jackson National Life operates as a subsidiary of Brooke Life Insurance Company and has a strong focus on delivering investment solutions to meet the needs of its clients across the United States.

North Coast Technology Investors, established in 1998 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage technology companies across the United States, particularly in the software and communications sectors. The firm is known for its ability to support promising ventures through all stages of their private funding needs. While North Coast often collaborates with other venture capital firms and corporate partners, it frequently acts as the first or sole investor in the companies it chooses to back. This approach allows North Coast to play a significant role in nurturing innovative technology enterprises.

Venture Investors, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Madison, Wisconsin, with additional offices in Ann Arbor and Milwaukee. Established in 1982, the firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and growth-stage financing, particularly targeting the healthcare and technology sectors. It invests in a range of areas including biotechnology, diagnostics, therapeutics, and medical devices, as well as in agriculture, clean technology, and engineering. The firm is particularly focused on opportunities arising from university technology transfer, leveraging its connections with research institutions in the Midwest. Venture Investors typically makes initial investments ranging from $0.25 million to $2.5 million, with lifetime investments between $5 million and $8 million. The firm aims to be the lead investor, preferring to invest in preferred stock or debt with warrant coverage, and generally holds its investments for five to seven years until an exit occurs through an initial public offering or sale. With over $200 million in assets under management, Venture Investors is dedicated to nurturing innovative ideas that advance health and wellness.

Rockbridge Growth Equity is a private equity firm based in Detroit, founded in 2007. The firm focuses on investing in growth-oriented services and technology companies throughout North America. With a strong emphasis on industry expertise, Rockbridge leverages the strategic advantages of its network of affiliated companies to enhance the value of its investments. The firm adopts a long-term perspective and employs a distinctive approach to investing, aiming to foster innovation and growth in its portfolio companies.

Bank of America is a prominent financial institution based in Charlotte, North Carolina, providing a comprehensive range of banking, investment, asset management, and risk management services. It caters to approximately 51 million consumer and small business relationships through around 5,300 retail banking offices, 16,350 ATMs, and a robust online banking platform with 30 million active users. The institution offers specialized support to about 3 million small business owners with innovative online products and services. With operations in over 40 countries, Bank of America is recognized as a leader in wealth management and corporate and investment banking, serving corporations, governments, institutions, and individuals globally. Founded in 1874, the company has established itself as a key player in the financial sector, focusing on delivering a diverse array of financial solutions tailored to meet the needs of its varied clientele.

Draper Triangle, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 1999 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The firm primarily focuses on early-stage investments in technology companies within the Midwest region of the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. Draper Triangle specializes in sectors such as information technology, life sciences, software, and medical devices, aiming to partner with entrepreneurs who are poised to create transformative businesses. The firm typically invests between $250,000 and $2 million in initial funding rounds and prefers to take a lead investor role, often seeking a board seat in its portfolio companies. With a track record of supporting notable startups, Draper Triangle is part of the Draper Venture Network, which fosters collaboration among independent venture funds globally. Through this network, Draper Triangle leverages collective insights and resources to enhance its investment strategy and generate value for its stakeholders.

MK Capital is a venture capital and private equity firm founded in 2003, with headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois, and additional offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Santa Monica, California. The firm specializes in providing multi-stage growth equity and venture capital to emerging companies, focusing primarily on early and growth stages of funding. MK Capital targets investments in sectors such as digital software, digital media, data center automation, technology-enabled business services, and education technology. The firm aims to be an active partner in its portfolio companies, offering strategic guidance and operational support to foster growth and development. MK Capital primarily invests in companies based in the United States, leveraging its deep industry insights to enhance the success of its investments.

General Catalyst Group Management, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 2000 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional offices in North America and Europe. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth equity investments, focusing on a diverse range of sectors including technology, advanced materials, clean energy, cybersecurity, healthcare, and consumer services. General Catalyst seeks to invest in companies that demonstrate strong growth potential, typically targeting those with an EBITDA between $3 million and $30 million and minimum revenues of $10 million. The firm has managed eight venture capital funds with approximately $3.75 billion in capital commitments. It emphasizes building lasting relationships with entrepreneurs and provides mentorship to foster success, enabling companies to scale effectively. General Catalyst primarily invests in North America and Australia, with a preference for seed investments in Silicon Valley, New York, and Boston.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with additional offices in North America. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and late-stage pre-IPO investments, focusing on companies that have an alumni connection and an institutional lead investor with relevant expertise. It offers high-quality, diversified venture portfolios to individual investors, particularly accredited alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, who previously lacked access to venture capital opportunities. Alumni Ventures Group invests between $0.01 million and $3 million in various sectors and geographies, without seeking board or observer seats. Additionally, the firm provides focused funds that enable any accredited investor to access a diverse venture portfolio, allowing for investment across different types, sectors, stages, and geographical locations.

Renaissance Venture Capital Management, Inc. is a venture capital firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded in 2008. The firm specializes in both direct investments in early, mid, and late-stage ventures, as well as fund of funds investments, primarily targeting venture capital funds. Renaissance focuses on investing in companies located in the United States, with a particular emphasis on Michigan, and seeks co-investment opportunities in emerging Michigan companies. Typically, the firm invests between $0.5 million and $1 million in its portfolio companies. Additionally, Renaissance operates another fund focusing on larger investments of $3 to $7 million per company. The firm is committed to fostering economic growth through its investments in the venture capital sector.

Fontinalis Partners, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 2009, with offices in Detroit and Boston. The firm specializes in stage-agnostic investments ranging from seed stage to pre-IPO, focusing on technology companies within the next-generation mobility, transportation, software and services, and communications equipment sectors. Its investment strategy emphasizes mobility solutions, including connected vehicles, data analytics, intelligent infrastructure, and new mobility models such as car sharing and smart logistics. Additionally, Fontinalis invests in consumer and enterprise technology, particularly in software-as-a-service, big data, mobile, and cloud-based solutions. The firm typically invests between $3 million and $10 million in early-stage startups, with smaller amounts for seed investments and larger sums for select later-stage opportunities. Fontinalis aims to partner strategically across the entire mobility ecosystem, promoting innovation across various transportation modes.

Quantum Medical Concepts is a partnership of the Michigan State Medical Society and Common Wealth Enterprises. Through this partnership Quantum provides early-stage investment funding to Michigan companies in the medical sector. Their business model is unique—in addition to investing between $50,000 and $150,000 in startup funding, They provide access to more than 15,000 medical professionals and active management support for Their portfolio companies. This allows us to quickly identify and support products and companies that have a high likelihood of success. Through Their proven startup management process and commitment to being forward-thinking, energetic, and dedicated, Quantum portfolio companies have a clear advantage.

RPM Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded in 2000. With $300 million under management, the firm targets seed to early-stage investments across the United States, focusing primarily on sectors where it has established itself as an industry leader, such as FinTech, InsurTech, Real Estate Tech, and Mobility and Transportation. RPM Ventures emphasizes investments in companies that cater to the Midwest's Fortune 500 manufacturing base or are based on technology developed at prominent regional research centers. The firm is particularly interested in high-tech and information technology sectors, including advanced materials processing, data discovery and analytics, and software automation. Originally established as Waypoint Ventures, the firm rebranded in 2006 to better align with its strategic focus on leveraging the strengths of the Midwest.

Annox Capital is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Birmingham, Michigan, founded in 2013. The firm focuses on growth capital investments in both start-ups and late-stage ventures, particularly those that utilize disruptive technologies or innovative online strategies to enhance business processes and human experiences across various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, banking, healthcare, and real estate. Annox Capital typically invests between $100,000 and $30 million in companies led by bold leadership teams that embrace unconventional approaches to business.

Auxo Investment Partners is a private equity firm established in 2016, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with an additional office in Los Angeles, California. The firm focuses on mid-market investments across various sectors, including manufacturing, industrial, transportation, distribution, and business services, primarily within North America. Auxo targets companies with EBITDA ranging from $1.5 million to $15 million, often engaging with owner-operators planning for retirement or family succession, as well as existing management teams aiming for growth. The firm typically prefers majority-control investments but is open to select minority-partner opportunities. With a long-term investment horizon, Auxo seeks to support businesses that have been operational for five years or more.

Drive Capital is a private equity firm based in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in investing in innovative technology, healthcare, and consumer companies primarily within the Midwest, targeting a region extending from Pittsburgh to Kansas City to Minneapolis. Drive Capital seeks to partner with entrepreneurs who are addressing significant market opportunities and have ambitious goals for building sustainable businesses. The firm is open to investments ranging from $100,000 to several million dollars, focusing on sectors such as technology, technology-enabled services, healthcare, and financial services. Founded by experienced venture capitalists Mark Kvamme and Chris Olsen, Drive Capital aims to support companies that have the potential for substantial growth.

Northern Michigan Angels is an organization of local volunteers that focuses on the economic development of the private sector in Michigan.

ValStone Partners, established in 1998, is a privately owned investment and asset management firm based in Birmingham, Michigan, with an additional office in Baltimore, Maryland. Originally known as TouchStone Partners, the company specializes in the administration and management of distressed loans, including commercial, industrial, secured, unsecured, performing, sub-performing, and non-performing loans. ValStone Partners also engages in managing publicly issued bond offerings and focuses on special situations investments in properties throughout the United States and Canada. The firm gained recognition early on when a major private institution identified it as a strategic partner, leading to a co-investment program that has contributed to its growth in investment and asset management.

Founded in 1989, Charter Capital Partners is a premier investment banking firm headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Charter offers a comprehensive range of investment banking and private capital investing advisory services, including buy-side and sell-side M&A, succession planning, business valuation and capital raise. Charter Private Capital Management is a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA), professionally managing numerous venture capital funds and private investment vehicles. Charter was recently named one of the top 100 most referred middle-market advisory firms in the US, according to a survey of 1,000 private equity firms, strategic acquirers, and family offices compiled by Axial, a network of middle market investors, advisors, and CEOs. Our mission is to deliver superior professional guidance to both business owners and investors throughout the complete business lifecycle.

Capital Midwest Fund is a Wisconsin-based venture capital and private equity firm that focuses on early-stage investments in life sciences, information technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, consumer goods, and business services. The firm primarily targets opportunities within the Midwest region of the United States, with a particular emphasis on Wisconsin. Its investment strategy is designed to support innovative companies that demonstrate growth potential in these sectors.

RHV Capital is a private investment company that invests in privately held, lower middle market businesses.

Right Side Capital Management is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, established in 2010. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing exclusively on the pre-seed round of technology startups. Right Side Capital Management aims to support companies with capital-efficient business models that are typically located outside major hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City. The firm invests in a range of technology sectors, including internet and cloud technologies, and operates primarily within the United States and Canada, with occasional investments in Western Europe, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand. Right Side Capital Management conducts 75 to 100 investments annually, with portfolio companies spanning 19 states. The firm seeks to provide a clear response to entrepreneurs within two weeks, with investments generally ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 and pre-money valuations between $1 million and $3 million.

Hopen Life Science Ventures is a Michigan-based private investment and management firm established in 2006, with a focus on early- to mid-stage life science developments. The firm operates an office in Ohio and primarily targets investments in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and technology sectors within the United States, particularly in the Midwest. Hopen Life Science Ventures offers significant advantages to promising idea owners, including substantial funding, development expertise, and access to a wide network of industry relationships. Through its venture capital fund, Hopen Life Science Ventures Fund II, the firm typically invests between $3 million and $5 million in 8 to 12 companies, with a preference for global market opportunities.

The University of Michigan is one of the largest universities in the Midwest, known for its diverse academic offerings and high national rankings. It serves over 40,000 students across various disciplines, with notable programs in business, engineering, law, medicine, and musical theatre. The Stephen Ross School of Business and the College of Engineering are particularly esteemed. The university also has a vibrant cultural scene, highlighted by its film presence in Ann Arbor, which hosts major motion picture productions and the annual Ann Arbor Film Festival, attracting filmmakers globally. Additionally, the university manages a substantial endowment that invests in a range of alternative assets, including private equity, real estate, and infrastructure.