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.

Biosciences Research and Commercialization Center (BRCC) is a venture capital firm based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, established in 2003 by the Michigan Legislature and affiliated with Western Michigan University. It focuses on funding startups in the life sciences sector, specifically targeting pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and diagnostics. The BRCC aims to support companies with a significant presence in Michigan, particularly those linked to Southwest Michigan. With investments typically ranging from $25,000 to $250,000, the center provides essential startup and gap funding to entrepreneurs and scientists as they transition their innovations into the commercialization phase. Drawing on Kalamazoo's rich history in the pharmaceutical industry, the BRCC is well-positioned to leverage local scientific talent and expertise, contributing to a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.

US Department of Energy is a government agency that regulates energy policy, research, and development. The Energy Department's mission is to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.

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.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) markets Michigan and provides the tools and environment to promote job creation and investment in the state. It engages with customers globally, including businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities. The MEDC advocates for business development, tourism, film, and digital media incentives, arts and cultural grants, and the overall economic growth of Michigan. It offers a number of business assistance services and capital programs for business attraction and acceleration, entrepreneurship, strategic partnerships, talent enhancement, and urban and community development. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation was founded in 1999 and is based in Lansing, Michigan.

Detroit Venture Partners, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Detroit, Michigan, founded in November 2010. The firm specializes in investing in seed and early-stage technology companies, focusing on sectors such as internet, digital media, marketing technology, consumer web, mobile software, social media, e-commerce, and advertisement technology. It typically invests between $250,000 and $750,000 per transaction, with a preference for follow-on investments ranging from $2 million to $3 million. Detroit Venture Partners primarily targets companies located in the United States, particularly in the Detroit area and Ontario. The firm does not invest in biotech or advanced manufacturing, emphasizing its commitment to supporting passionate entrepreneurs who aspire to create meaningful businesses that contribute to the revitalization of the Detroit region.

Invest Detroit is a development financial institution based in Detroit, Michigan, founded in 1995. The organization focuses on providing private sector financing, including various debt financing options such as bridge financing, junior debt, and loans for acquisition and refinancing. Invest Detroit is dedicated to supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region by offering capital and ongoing mentorship to high-potential seed-stage companies, particularly those founded on unique, intellectual property-based technologies. The organization emphasizes inclusivity in its investment strategy, aiming to uplift minority, immigrant, and women entrepreneurs, while actively contributing to the growth of a vibrant tech community in Detroit and throughout Michigan.

Beringea is an international venture capital and private equity firm dedicated to finding, funding and nurturing exceptional companies in growth industries. Founded in 1988, the firm currently has more than 60 portfolio companies in a range of emerging sectors, including media, health care and life sciences, Internet technologies, advanced manufacturing, clean tech and specialized consumer goods. With capital, experience and offices in the U.S. and U.K., Beringea is in a unique position to offer entrepreneurs and their management teams the resources to develop strategy, evaluate growth opportunities, solve problems and build value. Beringea is the co-manager of the Michigan Growth Capital Partners Funds in the U.S., as well as the ProVen VCT family of funds in the UK, among others.

The New Economy Initiative, a special project of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, is the largest economic development initiative of its kind working to build a network of support for entrepreneurs and small businesses. It was built in the face of a market failure not seen in their lifetime and a culture that had either forgotten or lost faith in its ability to generate the ideas and businesses of tomorrow. Through smart investments, NEI has continued to narrow its focus towards the Greater Downtown 3.5 mile corridor that can service entrepreneurs, while benefiting people throughout the region. That means supporting the service providers – from those providing technical assistance like business planning and concept testing, to those providing capital and beyond – that help businesses grow and thrive, while connecting them to each other and the people they serve. That means creating new companies, jobs and additional dollars of investment along the way. Ultimately, that means building a more diverse economy where jobs and prosperity are available for all.

Tappan Hill Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded in 2014. The firm focuses on making investments across various stages, including seed stage, early growth, and rare later stage opportunities. Tappan Hill Ventures primarily targets companies operating within the software, network connectivity, and internet of things sectors, aiming to support innovative businesses that show potential for significant growth and impact. Through its strategic investments, the firm seeks to foster development and expansion in these dynamic industries.

Ann Arbor SPARK is a non-profit organization based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, dedicated to supporting business growth and innovation in the region. Founded in 1982, it offers a range of services that include business accelerator programs, entrepreneur boot camps, and comprehensive business planning resources. The organization assists companies with market research, business model development, intellectual property validation, and financial analysis to enhance their funding prospects. Additionally, Ann Arbor SPARK provides access to office space, equipment, and workforce development resources, as well as tax-exempt financing options for manufacturing facilities. It serves a diverse array of sectors, including life sciences, automotive research, alternative energies, and information technology, while also fostering connections with local universities and offering educational opportunities to promote business excellence.

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.

eLab Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2012, with a focus on early-stage technology companies. It operates with a dual presence in Ann Arbor and Silicon Valley, allowing it to leverage innovation and talent from the Midwest while also accessing customers, funding sources, and a network of experienced advisors in Silicon Valley. The firm aims to identify and invest in startups that exhibit disruptive innovations, exceptional teams, and capital-efficient business models, particularly in sectors such as artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, and security. By fostering connections between entrepreneurs and the necessary capital and expertise, eLab Ventures seeks to support the development of transformative companies in emerging markets outside of traditional tech hubs.

Michigan Angel Fund is an angel investment group based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded in 2007 by Ann Arbor SPARK. The organization focuses on early-stage start-ups in Michigan, particularly in the information technology, clean technology, advanced manufacturing, and health care sectors. 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. Notably, Michigan Angel Fund does not engage in investments related to gaming or real estate ventures. With a commitment to fostering innovation, the group aims to support the growth of promising businesses within its preferred industries.

Ludlow Ventures LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2009 and based in Southfield, Michigan, with an additional office in Detroit. The firm specializes in early-stage, seed, and startup investments, primarily focusing on technology companies within the United States. Ludlow Ventures operates differently from traditional venture capital firms by emphasizing a straightforward and collaborative approach, prioritizing trust and relationships with the entrepreneurs it funds. The firm typically invests between $25,000 and $150,000 in each company, raising capital as needed rather than managing a dedicated fund. With a team of three partners, Ludlow Ventures embodies a family-oriented ethos, fostering close connections with the startups it supports and viewing investment as a customer service business.

Arboretum Ventures LLC is a venture capital firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in seed-stage, early-stage, mid-stage investments, and growth capital, primarily focusing on the healthcare sector. Its investment areas include medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare information technology, therapeutics, technology-based healthcare services, and life science tools. Arboretum Ventures aims to invest between $5 million and $15 million in companies across the United States, with a particular emphasis on the Midwest and Michigan. The firm is recognized for its commitment to fostering innovation within the healthcare industry.

Michigan Capital Network Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The firm prefers to invest in seed-stage, early-stage, and later-stage companies. The firm seeks to invest in business products, business services, information technology, healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, SaaS, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and technology-based sectors in Midwest and Michigan.

Norwest Mezzanine Partners (NMP) is a mezzanine investment firm established in 2000 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with an additional office in West Palm Beach, Florida. The firm specializes in providing junior capital solutions to middle market private equity-backed companies, aiming to enhance value for various stakeholders. NMP invests across a diverse range of industries, including business services, consumer products, healthcare, energy, and industrial sectors. Operating as a standalone investment partnership, NMP has a strategic affiliation with Norwest Equity Partners, a firm with a long history in middle market equity investment dating back to 1961.

Huron River Ventures is a venture capital firm located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in early-stage investments across a diverse range of sectors, including cloud and mobile computing, the internet of things, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, automation, clean technology, sustainable energy, climate change initiatives, digital transformation, and robotics. Huron River Ventures focuses on supporting innovative companies that are poised to impact industries such as energy, agriculture, and transportation.

BioStar Capital is a venture capital firm based in Charlevoix, Michigan, founded in 2002 by Louis Cannon. The firm specializes in private equity investments in the medical technology sector, focusing on areas such as medical devices, digital health, robotics, and diagnostics. BioStar Capital places particular emphasis on innovations within cardiovascular and orthopedic medicine. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm is dedicated to supporting the growth and development of companies that are advancing healthcare technologies.

Invest Michigan is a non-profit funded by the Michigan Strategic Fund. As fund manager for both the Michigan Pre-Seed Fund 2.0 and the University Commercialization Fund, Invest Michigan invests in early-stage high tech businesses located in Michigan. The Michigan Pre-Seed Fund 2.0 is an investment fund aimed at supporting pre-seed and seed stage technology companies located in Michigan. The MPSF 2.0 offers equity or convertible debt initial investments ranging from $50,000 – $150,000 with the goal of supporting our portfolio companies with additional follow-on investments. The University Commercialization Fund provides funding of up to $100,000 for the commercialization of technologies originating from any of the 15 Michigan public universities. A signed option or license agreement from the Technology Transfer Offices is required.

Augment Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2011 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in North America, targeting companies that are leveraging digitization and data to transform traditional industries. Augment Ventures prioritizes mission-driven founders with diverse teams who demonstrate intellectual rigor in addressing significant real-world challenges. The firm’s investment interests span various sectors, including supply chain, fintech, industry 4.0, health tech, proptech, climate tech, business-to-business solutions, and software as a service (SaaS).

Venture Investors, LLC is a venture capital firm established in 1982 and headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, with additional offices in Ann Arbor and Milwaukee. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and growth financing, primarily focusing on the healthcare sector, including biotechnology, diagnostics, medical devices, and digital health. It also invests in agriculture, technology, clean tech, material sciences, and energy technology, with a particular interest in startups that have licensed technology from research universities in the Midwest, such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Venture Investors typically makes seed investments ranging from $0.25 million to $2.5 million and prefers to invest in the form of preferred stock or debt with warrant coverage. The firm aims to lead investment rounds and usually holds its investments for five to seven years, looking for opportunities that will significantly impact health and wellness. With over $200 million in assets under management, Venture Investors leverages its connections to renowned research institutions and vibrant communities to identify and support innovative ideas.

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.

Denso is a global manufacturer and supplier of advanced automotive technology, systems, and components, headquartered in Kariya, Japan. Founded in 1949 as an independent entity from Toyota Motor, Denso focuses on providing solutions that enhance vehicle performance and safety while minimizing environmental impact. The company’s primary business areas include powertrain control systems, thermal systems, electrification systems, mobility electronics, and sensors/semiconductor systems. Denso serves major automakers worldwide, emphasizing innovative products and technologies that contribute to a safer and more sustainable automotive environment.

Grand Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, focusing on technology companies in sectors such as agriculture, food, manufacturing, transportation, mobility, and business-to-business software, particularly in the automotive and energy industries. Grand Ventures primarily targets startups located in the Midwest and Michigan, making investments ranging from $500,000 to $3 million. In addition to providing capital, the firm utilizes its Advisory Board network to assist entrepreneurs in refining their strategies, promoting talent development, and facilitating successful business exits.

BlueWater Angels is a network of more than 30 high-net-worth individuals and select organizations interested in investing capital in promising companies. While return on investment (ROI) is their primary goal, they also highly value supporting the entrepreneurial community for the economic benefit of the entire mid-Michigan region and the state. In its first year, BlueWater Angels received funding requests from over 100 companies, reviewed nearly 40 in detail, heard presentations from a dozen companies, and closed its first investment in a mid-Michigan-based advanced materials company. The amount of investment capital available for annual investments now tops $1.4 million and is only expected to grow.

Prelude Ventures is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm established in 2013, dedicated to investing in early-stage startups that aim to address climate change. The firm focuses on sectors such as advanced energy, food and agriculture, transportation, logistics, advanced materials, manufacturing, and advanced computing. By supporting innovative businesses in these areas, Prelude Ventures seeks to foster the development of the next generation of companies that can significantly impact environmental sustainability and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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.

Breakthrough Energy is an impact investment firm based in Kirkland, Washington, established in 2016. The firm focuses on making minority investments in seed-stage, early-stage, and later-stage companies within the environmental services and cleantech sectors. Guided by scientific and technological expertise, Breakthrough Energy aims to support the development of innovative solutions that provide reliable and affordable power while addressing climate change. The firm is committed to investing patiently in transformative technologies that enhance the way people live, eat, travel, and build, ensuring that these advancements do not contribute to global warming.

Comerica Bank, founded in 1849 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a commercial bank that provides a wide range of financial products and services to businesses and individuals. The bank operates through three main segments: business banking, retail banking, and wealth and institutional management. It offers various personal banking services, including savings accounts, loans, credit cards, and insurance. Comerica Bank serves a diverse clientele across multiple industries, such as environmental, media, entertainment, asset management, and consumer finance. In addition to its significant presence in Texas, the bank has locations in Arizona, California, Florida, and Michigan, with operations extending to select states and international locations in Canada and Mexico.

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.

Draper Triangle, LLC is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in early-stage and startup companies, particularly in the fields of information technology and life sciences. Established in 1999 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with additional offices in Ohio and Michigan, the firm focuses on partnering with companies primarily located in the Midwest region of the United States. Draper Triangle typically invests between $250,000 and $2 million in initial funding rounds, targeting companies that have the potential to generate sales of up to $50 million within three to five years. The firm emphasizes investments in sectors such as software, digital media, robotics, and medical devices, and often seeks a board seat to actively participate in the growth of its portfolio companies. Draper Triangle is part of the Draper Venture Network, which connects independent venture funds globally to enhance collaboration in investment strategies and opportunities.

The Gilbert Family Foundation is a charitable organization based in Detroit, Michigan, established in 2015. Its mission focuses on enhancing opportunity and equity within Detroit and other regions where neurofibromatosis therapy is accessible. The foundation aims to support the economic stability and mobility of residents in its home cities while also striving to accelerate the development of a cure for neurofibromatosis. The foundation's assets are overseen by an executive management team dedicated to fulfilling its objectives.

Accelerate Blue Fund is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that focuses on investing in startups licensed from research conducted at the University of Michigan. Managed by Innovation Partnerships at the university, the fund targets a variety of sectors, including information technology, healthcare, materials and resources, financial services, energy, consumer products and services, business products and services, and commercial transportation. By concentrating on U-M research startups, Accelerate Blue Fund aims to support innovation and foster the growth of emerging companies in the United States.

GM Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of General Motors. The firm's investment strategy includes growth-stage companies with focus on the areas of, advanced propulsion, connected vehicle , advanced materials, manufacturing technology, sensors, processors, & memory, and other automotive-related technologies. The firm was founded in 2010 and is based in Warren, Michigan.

Statkraft Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm established in 2015 and based in Düsseldorf, Germany. As a subsidiary of Statkraft, Europe's largest producer of renewable energy, it focuses on investing in early- and growth-stage companies within the energy transition and climate tech sectors. The firm seeks to partner with exceptional founders in Europe and North America, providing not only capital but also expertise to help accelerate the shift towards a more sustainable future. By concentrating on innovative solutions in energy and related segments, Statkraft Ventures aims to support the development of technologies that contribute to addressing climate change and promoting sustainability.

Fontinalis Partners, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 2009 and headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with an additional office in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in investments across a wide range of stages, from seed to pre-IPO, with a particular focus on next-generation mobility and technology companies. Fontinalis targets sectors including transportation, software and services, and communications equipment, emphasizing areas such as connected vehicles, data analytics, intelligent infrastructure, and mobility transactions. The firm seeks to invest throughout the entire mobility ecosystem, covering various modes of transportation including road, rail, air, and maritime. Fontinalis typically invests between $3 million to $10 million in early-stage companies, with an average investment of $5 million to $8 million over the life of a company. It aims to contribute not only capital but also strategic guidance by often taking board seats in the companies it supports.

Khosla Ventures, founded in 2004 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, is a venture capital firm that provides strategic advice, capital, and support to bold entrepreneurs across various sectors. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in areas such as artificial intelligence, climate technology, sustainability, enterprise solutions, consumer products, fintech, digital health, medical technology, and therapeutics. Khosla Ventures is particularly interested in innovative solutions that address significant socio-economic challenges and enhance productivity, especially for low-income populations and small businesses in emerging markets. The firm embraces experimentation and is open to investing in unconventional and high-risk ventures, often acting as the sole investor in groundbreaking projects. With a commitment to fostering impactful entrepreneurship, Khosla Ventures seeks to create value through technological advancements and creative business models, with a special emphasis on markets in South Asia.

Michigan Accelerator Fund I is a venture capital investment partnership based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a fund size of $15.1 million. Established in 2010, the fund includes $6 million from the State of Michigan and over $9 million from various individual and institutional investors. Its primary focus is on early-stage companies located within Michigan, particularly in the life sciences technology sector, while also targeting advanced manufacturing, homeland security, alternative energy technology, information technology, and agriculture. The fund aims to achieve long-term capital appreciation for its investors while contributing to the economic growth of Michigan.

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.

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 in venture capital funds. Renaissance focuses on companies located in the United States, with a particular emphasis on those in Michigan, and actively seeks co-investment opportunities with emerging companies in the state. The firm typically invests between $0.5 million and $1 million in its portfolio companies. Renaissance aims to foster economic growth in Michigan by bridging the gap between the state's innovation sector and its industrial and commercial base, supporting the development of strong innovative companies within the region.

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.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a charitable foundation located in Detroit, Michigan, established in 2015. It focuses on enhancing the local community by providing grants and investments aimed at fostering positive change. The foundation's assets are overseen by a board of trustees, which ensures that its initiatives align with its mission to support and improve the quality of life in the areas it serves.

The Kresge Foundation is an independent non-profit organization based in Troy, Michigan, established in 1924. With assets totaling $3 billion, the foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for future generations by promoting human progress and creating access and opportunities in underserved communities. Its work is organized into seven program areas: arts and culture, community development, education, health, human services, the environment, and initiatives specifically focused on Detroit. The foundation aims to improve the health of low-income individuals, support artistic expression, increase college achievement, and address global climate change through innovative solutions. Its executive management team oversees the foundation's assets and ensures that funds are allocated effectively to various grantees and programs.

The BELLE Michigan Fund, LP is an early stage investment fund building great companies in Michigan, the Midwest, and other regions. We provide a premier source of human and financial capital to women-led companies. We look for capital-efficient enterprises with a unique product or service that fill an urgent market need. BELLE Michigan partners believe human capital is just as valuable as financial capital. We seek investments in high growth, capital efficient and scalable enterprises that welcome our expertise and insight, and seek to leverage our leadership and experience. We seek high net worth investors, who are new to early stage investing, and provide them with the opportunity to engage with our portfolio companies. BELLE Michigan targets investments in technology-enabled services, life sciences/medical devices, mobile/internet/IT, advanced manufacturing and CleanTech market sectors. We invest in companies who have female leadership or commit to recruiting women to the C-suite and Board of Directors. We seek teams with strong domain expertise, and proven commercialization and entrepreneurial experience.

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.

The Huntington National Bank, established in 1866 and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is a comprehensive commercial banking institution that offers a wide range of personal, business, and investment banking services. For individuals and families, the bank provides checking and savings accounts, loans, mortgages, and wealth management services. Its business banking solutions cater to small and middle-market enterprises, offering services such as payment processing, treasury management, and commercial lending. Additionally, Huntington National Bank serves not-for-profit organizations and government entities with specialized banking services. The bank operates over 700 branches across six states, including Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, and provides various digital banking options through online and mobile platforms. As a subsidiary of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated, it plays a significant role in the regional financial landscape, focusing on customer-centric solutions and community engagement.

Storm Lake Capital, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 2007 and headquartered in Troy, Michigan. The firm specializes in incubating and investing in various stages of companies, from seed and startup to mature and distressed assets, primarily focusing on lower middle-market businesses. It targets manufacturing, distribution, and service sectors, with a particular emphasis on metal-forming industries such as automotive, agriculture, aerospace, and heavy equipment. Storm Lake Capital typically invests between $1 million and $10 million in companies with revenues ranging from $10 million to $100 million and EBITDA between $1 million and $20 million. The firm engages in a variety of investment strategies, including minority and majority stakes, management buyouts, and growth funding, and it seeks to maintain an active role on the boards of its portfolio companies. Storm Lake Capital employs its own capital for investments and operates primarily in the Midwest and Central United States.