Autumn 2019 Start-Up News

Michigan autumn is a feast to the eye, but this year particularly, the fall colors are more vibrant than ever. It’s as if nature, together with us, is celebrating the pristine entrepreneurial spirit of the state’s innovative and forward thinking communities in Detroit and Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Traverse City! Everywhere you look, the Michigan market is ripe for entrepreneurial growth. The vast pool of talent, lower cost of doing business, proximity to leading research institutions, and ample resources make Michigan a promising start-up state.

Every week this fall marks a milestone for the entrepreneurial ecosystem:

  • Traverse City comes 4th place as most popular small city for start-ups;
  • AOL Co-Founder and former CEO, Steve Case, who invested in 9 start-ups in Michigan (and has a new RVIII 215M fund for early stage companies), addresses crowd at Detroit Homecoming calling on all investors to follow his lead;
  • Centrepolis, TechTown and Build Institute celebrate expansions and diversity in entrepreneurship complete with gorgeous spreads of locally sourced delicacies and live DJ’s, attracting over 1 thousand guests; 
  • Invest Detroit prepares for 10th Annual Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition and announces 24 companies pitching for over half a Million in cash prizes, many of them founded by women;
  • University of Michigan hits record 22 start-ups born at U-M Tech Transfer and creates Accelerate Blue investment fund to fill gap for early-stage capital;
  • Female investors share laughter and a sense of camaraderie over a heart-warming gathering at 4th annual Women Who Fund Forum in Ann Arbor, showing us the strength of and diversity of our ecosystem.

And this is not all.  Co-working and resource centers, such as CoAct, Bamboo, and Green Garage are pouring their hearts out to create a supportive environment for local entrepreneurs, bringing forth investors, industry experts and fellow founders to inspire, connect and solve problems together. Gatherings such as Detroit Homecoming, Annual Vanguard Awards, and Forbes 30 under 30 Summit, all happening this fall right here in Michigan, are positively shaping the aura of the city and its reputation.

Whether you are a VC looking for talented founders to invest in, a fellow entrepreneur considering relocating your business headquarters, experienced business owner open to b2b collaboration, or a fresh college graduate, there is opportunity here for you unlike anywhere else in the world.

And hey, it’s fall in Michigan.  Come relish its splendor.

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