Michigan Technology News and Entrepreneurs
ANN ARBOR - David Brophy, a University of Michigan business professor, started the Michigan Grown Capital Symposium more than three decades ago to help kick start a private equity finance sector in Michigan. In 2021, his brain child is seeking applications to pitch hundreds of investors virtually due to the pandemic. He's expecting at least
SOUTHFIELD—The Centrepolis Accelerator, the physical-product business accelerator established by Lawrence Technological University and the city of Southfield, has named the winners of its inaugural Client Awards, recognizing some of Michigan’s most promising manufacturing innovations. Awards were presented in the following categories: Best hardware product, commercialized: MaxPro Fitness, Rochester-based developers of a portable full-body cable-based exercise
ANN ARBOR– A staple of private equity finance conferences, the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium goes virtual in April for the second time with partner InvestMidwest in what's billed as the Midwest Venture Showcase - a two-day conference to match up agriculture, life sciences, medical device, and technology startups with heavy weight investors. Take note, if
LANSING – The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index declined 5.5 points in December to 95.9, falling below the average Index value since 1973 of 98. Nine of the 10 Index components declined and only one improved. Owners expecting better business conditions over the next six months declined 24 points to a net negative 16 percent. NFIB,
LANSING - The Michigan Strategic Fund today approved two grant programs – the Michigan Small Business Survival Grants and the Michigan Stages Survival Grants – totaling $58.5 million in relief to help meet the urgent needs of small businesses and live event venues impacted by the COVID-19 virus, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced. Michigan
JACKSON—The Consumers Energy Foundation has announced more than $480,000 in grants to help Michigan nonprofits provide critical help to communities across Michigan. The foundation has now provided $5.4 million in response to the pandemic since March. “Consumers Energy is committed to being part of the solution as Michiganders work toward brighter days ahead this year,”
ANN ARBOR - Dave Weaver, the Chief Investment Officer at CitySide Ventures, provides the 2020 investment recap for his angel group and introduces a new website for entrepreneurs and investors to track deals. It's called SidePitch.Com. Among the companies, the group is invested in Commando Lock, REZA, Cask & Kettle, FanLabel, Adlore, Inc., BioSense, FanLabel, Life Magnetics, Pathware, SampleServe, Junction AI, DanceFight, BrandXR, Alerje, Clicktivated, FixMyCar, PassiveBolt and SpeedSize. https://youtu.be/yriFYGZ9f_Q David Weaver, City Side
GRAND RAPIDS — The new managing partner for Grand Angels looks to tap his statewide contacts to build a bigger presence among early-stage investors. Dale Grogan joined the Grand Rapids-based Grand Angels in late November from Charter Capital Partners, where he worked for 13 year s. At Charter, Grogan helped launch and manage Michigan Accelerator Fund
DETROIT—The accounting and advisory firm Ernst & Young LLP has named Michigan serial entrepreneur Raj Vattikuti as a national Entrepreneur of the Year award winner. Vattikuti, executive chairman of the IT services firm Altimetrik, was selected as a regional award winner for Michigan and Northwest Ohio in October. Vattikuti was one of 10 national winners
ANN ARBOR - Amanda Lewan, co-founder of Bamboo Detroit co-working space, joins Matt and Mike to announce that her newest location, Royal Oak, will open in January. Coworking & Virtual Offices Open Coworking includes 24/7 access to open workspaces, mail services, Wi-Fi, printing, conference rooms, coffee bar, common areas, and more. Coworking offers a more creative and
