Invest Detroit

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.

Jason Barnett

Senior Vice President, Lending

David Blaszkiewicz

President, CEO and Board Member

Keona Cowan

Executive Vice President

Derek Edwards

Senior Vice President, Lending

Jeffery Ponders

Principal

Marcia Ventura

Senior Vice President

Past deals in Michigan

Voxel51

Series B in 2024
Founded in 2016, Voxel51 specializes in computer vision and machine learning analytics for video and image understanding. The company enables AI builders to simplify workflows by transforming raw footage into actionable intelligence, facilitating exploration, visualization, curation, and testing of datasets alongside models to build production-ready visual AI systems.

InvestNext

Series A in 2023
Founded in Detroit, Michigan in 2016, InvestNext aims to revolutionize investment management by providing a software platform that enhances operational efficiency and offers greater transparency to investors. The company partners with global investment firms and syndicators, serving tens of thousands of investors with billions of dollars managed on the platform.

CubeWorks

Seed Round in 2022
CubeWorks develops millimeter-scale wireless sensing solutions for real-time monitoring across diverse environments. The company offers the Cubisens platform, a family of ultra-small software-integrated sensors that measure temperature, imaging and pressure with units under a millimeter in size. The Cubisens system supports deploying multiple units together to tackle larger monitoring tasks and deliver mission-critical information exactly where it is needed. Founded in 2013 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, CubeWorks focuses on ultra-low-power circuitry to enable Internet of Things sensing across industries, including supply chain monitoring and environmental sensing, with a view toward scalable, dependable, and sustainable monitoring solutions.

Claira

Seed Round in 2022
Claira is an AI-powered competency analytics engine established in 2020 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The company specializes in providing organizations with insights into their talent by analyzing a comprehensive dataset of competencies. This platform offers detailed intelligence on workforce capabilities, identifying gaps, trends, and future needs. By leveraging this data, Claira enables businesses to enhance their hiring processes and optimize resource allocation, ultimately improving talent management and organizational effectiveness.

Genomenon

Series B in 2022
Genomenon, Inc. is a software development company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that specializes in tools for genetic diagnosis and discovery. Founded in 2014, it provides a suite of diagnostic and discovery solutions that enable physicians, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies to rapidly and accurately identify disease-causing variants from genomic sequencing data. The company’s flagship product, GENOMENON, automates the analysis of next-generation sequencing data, thereby enhancing decision-making processes in clinical settings and accelerating discoveries in genomics. With its focus on improving cancer diagnosis and treatment, Genomenon aims to support better patient outcomes through its innovative software solutions.

InvestNext

Seed Round in 2021
Founded in Detroit, Michigan in 2016, InvestNext aims to revolutionize investment management by providing a software platform that enhances operational efficiency and offers greater transparency to investors. The company partners with global investment firms and syndicators, serving tens of thousands of investors with billions of dollars managed on the platform.

Genomenon

Series A in 2021
Genomenon, Inc. is a software development company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that specializes in tools for genetic diagnosis and discovery. Founded in 2014, it provides a suite of diagnostic and discovery solutions that enable physicians, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies to rapidly and accurately identify disease-causing variants from genomic sequencing data. The company’s flagship product, GENOMENON, automates the analysis of next-generation sequencing data, thereby enhancing decision-making processes in clinical settings and accelerating discoveries in genomics. With its focus on improving cancer diagnosis and treatment, Genomenon aims to support better patient outcomes through its innovative software solutions.

Asalyxa Bio

Seed Round in 2021
Asalyxa Bio, Inc. is a drug development and platform technology company based in Southfield, Michigan, focusing on innovative therapeutics to address significant unmet medical needs linked to immune signaling dysregulation. The company specializes in developing neutrophil-targeting drugs aimed at combating severe neutrophil-mediated diseases, including conditions like Covid-19. Asalyxa Bio's platform technology facilitates the targeted delivery of both existing and novel drugs directly into over-reactive immune cells, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy. This approach allows for applications across a diverse range of diseases and conditions, positioning Asalyxa Bio as a key player in the field of immunotherapy.

Claira

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Claira is an AI-powered competency analytics engine established in 2020 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The company specializes in providing organizations with insights into their talent by analyzing a comprehensive dataset of competencies. This platform offers detailed intelligence on workforce capabilities, identifying gaps, trends, and future needs. By leveraging this data, Claira enables businesses to enhance their hiring processes and optimize resource allocation, ultimately improving talent management and organizational effectiveness.

ToDooly

Pre Seed Round in 2020
ToDooly is a platform that connects community members with local students to help with everyday tasks, including yard work, routine cleaning, moving, and other household chores. Users can hire a student for about $20 per hour, with a $5 booking fee. The service covers tasks that do not require specialized expertise beyond what a typical college student can provide. Founded in 2017, ToDooly is headquartered in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan.

Airspace Link

Seed Round in 2020
Airspace Link designs and develops an enterprise SAAS platform for managing local government airspace for drones. It offers solutions such as AirRegistry for automated drone delivery approvals, AirInspect for inspection tools, AirHub for network generation, and AirLink for inter-governmental airspace sharing. Founded in 2018, the company is based in Plymouth, Michigan.

Alerje

Seed Round in 2020
Alerje, Inc. is a Detroit-based company focused on enhancing the quality of life for individuals with food allergies. Founded in 2015, Alerje has developed an innovative emergency medicine and digital oral immunotherapy management platform. Central to its offerings is an epinephrine auto-injector that conveniently fits into a smartphone case, promoting better adherence and alert management for users. The company also provides a mobile application that allows users to create personalized food allergy profiles, share these profiles with caregivers and medical professionals, and filter recipes based on allergen information. Additionally, the app includes features for scanning grocery items to identify potential allergens, thus aiding families and healthcare providers in making informed dietary choices. Alerje's platform is validated by the National Science Foundation and aims to improve emergency response and overall management of food allergies.

Airspace Link

Seed Round in 2019
Airspace Link designs and develops an enterprise SAAS platform for managing local government airspace for drones. It offers solutions such as AirRegistry for automated drone delivery approvals, AirInspect for inspection tools, AirHub for network generation, and AirLink for inter-governmental airspace sharing. Founded in 2018, the company is based in Plymouth, Michigan.

Orbion Space Technology

Series A in 2019
Orbion Space Technology develops and manufactures plasma propulsion systems for small satellites, focusing on electric propulsion technology and space systems. Founded in 2016 and based in Houghton, Michigan, the company produces plasma thrusters designed for high-rate manufacturing to support the rapid deployment of small satellites. Its propulsion systems enable precise maneuvering, on-orbit life extension, collision avoidance, and end-of-life deorbit, as well as last-mile deployment from the launch vehicle to the destination orbit, with telemetry interfaces that monitor spacecraft status. By delivering efficient propulsion solutions, Orbion aims to reduce operating costs and enhance the value of satellite data for defense and commercial customers.

Alerje

Seed Round in 2019
Alerje, Inc. is a Detroit-based company focused on enhancing the quality of life for individuals with food allergies. Founded in 2015, Alerje has developed an innovative emergency medicine and digital oral immunotherapy management platform. Central to its offerings is an epinephrine auto-injector that conveniently fits into a smartphone case, promoting better adherence and alert management for users. The company also provides a mobile application that allows users to create personalized food allergy profiles, share these profiles with caregivers and medical professionals, and filter recipes based on allergen information. Additionally, the app includes features for scanning grocery items to identify potential allergens, thus aiding families and healthcare providers in making informed dietary choices. Alerje's platform is validated by the National Science Foundation and aims to improve emergency response and overall management of food allergies.

GreenMark Biomedical

Seed Round in 2019
GreenMark Biomedical Inc. is a minimally invasive healthcare company focused on developing innovative 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 specializes in dental and medical applications. Its dental technologies include a mouth rinse product that illuminates cavities and early-stage lesions, allowing dentists to accurately diagnose and treat tooth decay. Additionally, GreenMark's medical technologies are designed for targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs, enhancing treatment precision. The company aims to provide health benefits through its advanced nanoparticle-based solutions, promoting less invasive and more effective healthcare practices.

Workit Health

Series A in 2019
Workit Health provides online therapeutic content and professional counseling services for substance use recovery. It offers Workit, an interactive platform for individuals seeking to reduce or quit alcohol consumption, providing discreet access to on-demand medical and psychosocial support.

SpellBound

Seed Round in 2018
SpellBound, established in 2015 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializes in developing immersive augmented reality tools tailored for hospital care teams. Their platform transforms books, spaces, and printed materials into interactive 3D experiences, aiming to enhance patient engagement during treatment, reduce healthcare costs, and improve overall patient experience. SpellBound's solutions are compatible with widely-used iOS and Android devices, making them easily accessible to therapists and families within hospitals.

Bloomscape

Seed Round in 2018
Bloomscape is an online retailer specializing in houseplants. Founded in 2017, it offers a wide variety of plants, gift cards, and a unique 'Plant Mom' service for expert advice. The company aims to simplify plant buying and care, delivering fully grown, potted plants directly to customers' doorsteps.

Ripple Science

Seed Round in 2018
Ripple Science develops web-based software for health sciences, facilitating participant recruitment and management in clinical, translational, and social science studies. Its platform offers features like study dashboard management, recruitment campaign tracking, potential participant monitoring, enrolled participant tracking, and task management. Serving academic investigators, clinical trial sites, and CROs, Ripple Science has clients including Johns Hopkins University and the University of Michigan.

Shoptelligence

Venture Round in 2018
Shoptelligence Inc. is a technology company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that operates an AI-powered style discovery platform designed to assist retailers in enhancing customer engagement and increasing sales revenue. Founded in 2018, Shoptelligence provides an array of features, including virtual sales assistants, email marketing tools, and personalized style curation, which enable retailers to offer individualized shopping experiences. By leveraging its platform, retailers can better understand customer preferences and create tailored shopping journeys that promote brand loyalty and higher average order values. Overall, Shoptelligence aims to empower retailers to foster customer retention and drive revenue growth through enhanced personalization and engagement.

Ripple Science

Pre Seed Round in 2017
Ripple Science develops web-based software for health sciences, facilitating participant recruitment and management in clinical, translational, and social science studies. Its platform offers features like study dashboard management, recruitment campaign tracking, potential participant monitoring, enrolled participant tracking, and task management. Serving academic investigators, clinical trial sites, and CROs, Ripple Science has clients including Johns Hopkins University and the University of Michigan.

Workit Health

Seed Round in 2016
Workit Health provides online therapeutic content and professional counseling services for substance use recovery. It offers Workit, an interactive platform for individuals seeking to reduce or quit alcohol consumption, providing discreet access to on-demand medical and psychosocial support.

Sportsman Tracker

Series A in 2016
Sportsman Tracker is a digital platform designed to enhance the experiences of hunters and fishermen by providing tools that improve their chances of success. Founded in 2012 by Jon Schwander and Jeffrey James Courter, the company is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Utilizing Wild Life Intelligence Technology, Sportsman Tracker offers features that analyze variables influencing wildlife behavior, allowing users to track specific species and customize their approach. The platform integrates outdoor sports analytics and mobile technology, enabling users to view maps, log hunting and fishing locations, and document their results in real-time. This comprehensive toolset facilitates the sharing of experiences among outdoor enthusiasts.

Genomenon

Seed Round in 2016
Genomenon, Inc. is a software development company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that specializes in tools for genetic diagnosis and discovery. Founded in 2014, it provides a suite of diagnostic and discovery solutions that enable physicians, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies to rapidly and accurately identify disease-causing variants from genomic sequencing data. The company’s flagship product, GENOMENON, automates the analysis of next-generation sequencing data, thereby enhancing decision-making processes in clinical settings and accelerating discoveries in genomics. With its focus on improving cancer diagnosis and treatment, Genomenon aims to support better patient outcomes through its innovative software solutions.

VNN

Venture Round in 2015
VNN, Inc. operates a prominent high school sports marketing and networking platform that serves as a digital hub for athletes, coaches, and fans. The platform enables athletes to upload videos, photos, stories, and scores, while allowing coaches to report game results to various media outlets. VNN is dedicated to enhancing the experience of high school sports by aggregating the fragmented market and providing advertising and promotional services. The company has established a significant presence, serving schools across multiple states, including Alabama, California, and Texas, and has gained a rapidly growing user base, with over 7 million fans engaging with the platform daily. Founded in 2010 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, VNN aims to transform the consumer experience in high school sports by leveraging technology and connectivity.

Akadeum Life Sciences

Seed Round in 2015
Akadeum Life Sciences develops bioseparation products that facilitate the removal of target cells from biological samples using microscopic micro-bubbles. Its products enable medical practitioners to efficiently perform downstream testing and analysis.

PeachWorks

Series A in 2015
PeachWorks is a cloud-based restaurant management software company that provides real-time analytics and operational tools for restaurants, hospitality, and retail. The platform includes reporting, inventory management, employee scheduling, recipe management, and point-of-sale reporting, enabling on-the-fly management and improved operations and profitability. The solution aims to simplify reporting and inventory, streamline labor scheduling, and support recipe and menu oversight. Founded in 2005 and based in Southfield, Michigan, PeachWorks focuses on helping businesses optimize efficiency through integrated software solutions.

Sportsman Tracker

Series A in 2015
Sportsman Tracker is a digital platform designed to enhance the experiences of hunters and fishermen by providing tools that improve their chances of success. Founded in 2012 by Jon Schwander and Jeffrey James Courter, the company is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Utilizing Wild Life Intelligence Technology, Sportsman Tracker offers features that analyze variables influencing wildlife behavior, allowing users to track specific species and customize their approach. The platform integrates outdoor sports analytics and mobile technology, enabling users to view maps, log hunting and fishing locations, and document their results in real-time. This comprehensive toolset facilitates the sharing of experiences among outdoor enthusiasts.

Tome

Convertible Note in 2014
Tome is a technology company founded in 2014 by Jake Sigal and Massimo Baldini, headquartered in Royal Oak, Michigan. The company specializes in developing mobility Internet of Things (IoT) software aimed at enhancing road safety for cyclists and scooter users. Tome’s offerings include connected office software, office sensors, dashboards, and user applications that promote health and wellness. Additionally, it provides mobility solutions tailored for enterprise clients, facilitating access and routing for various transportation forms and parking within corporate campuses or urban infrastructure. By focusing on communication between vulnerable road users and vehicles, Tome serves industries such as cycling, automotive, and smart city development, contributing to a safer and more connected environment.

Livio Radio

Series C in 2012
Livio Radio, operating under Myine Electronics, LLC, specializes in designing and manufacturing electronic audio products. Founded in 2008 and based in Ferndale, Michigan, the company offers a range of Bluetooth Internet radio solutions for smartphones, including iPhones and Android devices, as well as car audio players for both personal and business use. In addition to its hardware, Livio Radio provides the Livio Connect API, a middleware framework that facilitates the interaction between hardware and various mobile phone applications. Its products are distributed through a network of retailers, resellers, and online platforms.

Seelio

Seed Round in 2012
Seelio is an online platform designed to help college students create and showcase their portfolios, enabling them to present their work and experiences to potential employers. Founded in 2011 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Seelio focuses on building custom portfolio networks and galleries specifically for engineering, design, and business programs. The platform empowers students to document their learning journeys and exhibit their projects in a professional manner. Seelio has collaborated with prominent educational institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Michigan, and the University of Texas at Austin. By providing this service, Seelio aims to enhance students' visibility to employment recruiters and facilitate their career readiness.
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