Red Cedar Ventures is a venture capital firm headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, affiliated with the Michigan State University Research Foundation. It concentrates on early-stage technology investments across Michigan, backing startups that commercialize intellectual property created at Michigan State University. As the first venture fund in mid-Michigan, Red Cedar Ventures aims to support high-tech companies from formation to growth, providing capital and strategic guidance to help bring university-generated innovations to market.

Michigan Rise is a venture capital firm focused on funding Michigan technology startups to commercialize innovative technologies and spur economic development. Established in 2020 and headquartered in East Lansing, it operates as a subsidiary of the Michigan State University Foundation and administers the Pre-Seed Fund III with support from the foundation and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Through capital investments, coaching, and grant-funding assistance, Michigan Rise supports entrepreneurs across Michigan in sectors including 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. The firm partners with Michigan's tech ecosystem, including programs like Red Cedar Ventures and Spartan Innovations, to advance commercialization of new intellectual property and strengthen the state's economy.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), established in 1999, is a public-private partnership agency based in Lansing, Michigan. It is dedicated to fostering economic growth and job creation across the state. The MEDC achieves this by offering a range of business assistance services and capital programs, including business attraction and acceleration, entrepreneurship support, talent enhancement initiatives, and urban and community development projects. Additionally, it promotes tourism, film, and digital media industries, as well as arts and cultural affairs, through various incentives and grants. The MEDC works with businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities both locally and globally to strengthen Michigan's economy.

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency in the United States that funds and supports research and education in science and engineering. It funds fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering and administers non-dilutive funding programs to aid early‑stage technology development, helping translate discoveries into commercially viable products and services. Through grants and fellowships, the NSF supports researchers, educators, and startups, contributing to innovation and U.S. competitiveness. The agency operates with a substantial budget to advance science, engineering, and STEM education nationwide.

Detroit Venture Partners is a Detroit-based venture capital firm that focuses on seed and early-stage technology investments across the United States, with emphasis on Detroit and Ontario. The firm backs internet, digital media, marketing technology, direct-to-consumer, sports and entertainment, social media, e-commerce, software, B2B software, mobile applications, and related sectors such as Adtech and enterprise software-as-a-service. It typically makes initial investments in the range of USD 0.25 to 0.75 million, with follow-on rounds between 2 and 3 million, and can participate up to about 3 million per investment. Founded in 2010, it aims to support entrepreneurial ventures that help rebuild the Detroit area and foster growth in technology-driven businesses.

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.

Beringea is an international venture capital and private equity firm, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Michigan with offices in London and Manchester. It targets equity and debt investments in growth‑oriented companies across the United States, United Kingdom and Europe, focusing on sectors such as media, health care and life sciences, Internet technologies, advanced manufacturing, clean tech and specialized consumer goods. The firm supports entrepreneurs and management teams with capital and strategic guidance to help develop growth opportunities and create value.

Tappan Hill Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded in 2014. It invests in seed, early-stage, and later-stage companies, with a focus on software, network connectivity, and the Internet of Things.

Founded in 2012, eLab Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It focuses on early-stage technology startups with disruptive innovations and capital-efficient business models, primarily outside Silicon Valley.

The New Economy Initiative (NEI), a project of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, is a significant economic development effort focused on fostering a supportive network for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Established to address a notable market failure, NEI aims to restore faith in the region's capacity to generate innovative ideas and businesses. The initiative strategically concentrates on the Greater Downtown corridor, enabling services that assist entrepreneurs and benefit the broader community. This includes providing resources such as business planning, concept testing, and access to capital, which are essential for business growth and sustainability. By connecting various service providers and facilitating collaboration among entrepreneurs, NEI seeks to stimulate the creation of new companies and jobs, ultimately enhancing economic diversity and ensuring that prosperity is accessible to all members of the community.

Service Provider Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2014 and based in Colorado. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, notably seed-stage opportunities, and participates as a co-investor in Series A rounds led by institutional venture funds. Its portfolio interests span a broad range of technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, cybersecurity, e-commerce, education technology, fintech, hardware, information technology, robotics, health, and cannabis.

Founded in 2009, Ludlow Ventures is a Michigan-based venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. It focuses on technology companies across the United States, typically investing between $25,000 and $150,000 per company. Known for its straightforward approach, it aims to build trust and friendship with invested teams.

Ann Arbor SPARK is a non-profit organization established in 1982 to support businesses in the Ann Arbor region. It offers programs, resources, and proactive support including business accelerator programs, market research, strategic planning, intellectual property validation, marketing initiatives, workforce development, financial analysis, funding attraction strategies, product plan reviews, space/equipment assistance, educational opportunities, site searches, workforce solutions, incentives, export assistance, financing, and university connections. It serves businesses in life sciences, automotive R&D, engineering, alternative energies, information technologies, homeland security, print and online media, imaging/vision sectors.

Michigan Angel Fund is an angel investment group based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that provides early-stage equity funding to Michigan-based startups. It targets sectors such as information technology, software, clean technology, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and health care, including technology, media, and telecommunications. The group typically invests between a few hundred thousand and two million dollars in companies that are near revenue or approaching break-even, helping them reach profitability and scale.

Arboretum Ventures is a Michigan-based venture capital firm, founded in 2002 and headquartered in Ann Arbor. It focuses on seed-, early-, mid-, and growth-stage investments in the healthcare sector, including services, medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare information technology, therapeutics, life science tools, and technology-enabled health care delivery. The firm makes investments across the United States, with emphasis on the Midwest and Michigan, partnering with companies at various stages to support growth in healthcare. Arboretum Ventures operates as a specialized investor in healthcare, aiming to back companies developing novel tools and technologies that advance patient care.

Denso is a global automotive technology company and supplier of advanced systems and components. It develops and manufactures thermal and powertrain control systems, electronics, and electrification solutions for major automakers, helping vehicles run more efficiently and safely. Headquartered in Kariya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, Denso was founded in 1949 as Nippondenso and is a core member of the Toyota Group. The company provides a broad range of automotive electronics and collaborates with automakers to advance mobility through world-leading products and technologies, with a focus on reducing environmental impact and improving road safety worldwide.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) leads initiatives in food, agriculture, natural resources, and rural development. It aims to expand markets for agricultural products globally, foster alternative markets domestically, improve rural infrastructure, enhance food safety, promote nutrition education, and manage public lands collaboratively.

National Institutes of Health is a biomedical research agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, based in Bethesda, Maryland. It is the primary U.S. government organization devoted to biomedical and health research, conducting science through the Intramural Research Program and funding external research through the Extramural Research Program. The NIH comprises 27 institutes and centers and supports about 1,200 principal investigators and more than 4,000 postdoctoral fellows across basic, translational, and clinical research. It has contributed to major advances such as vaccines and therapies and is dedicated to advancing knowledge and translating discoveries into improvements in public health. Established in 1887, NIH operates as a central hub for medical research in the United States.

Founded in 2000, Norwest Mezzanine Partners is a Minnesota-based investment firm that provides junior capital solutions to middle market companies across various industries. It partners with private equity firms to drive value for portfolio companies and create successful outcomes for stakeholders.

UCanCerVive was founded as a 501c3 by Ryan & Kelley LaFontaine in 2016, it's our ongoing mission to provide funding for cancer research grants in the state of Michigan. From 2010 to 2016 we've raised over $1,000,000 to support the fight against cancer working with Angels of Hope and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Now officially a 501c3 foundation all profits will go towards cancer research and treatment efforts.

The Zell Lurie Commercialization Fund (ZLCF) is a pre-seed investment fund focused on identifying and promoting the commercialization of innovative ideas originating from the South-East Michigan region. By providing financial support and resources, the fund aims to facilitate the development of early-stage ventures, helping entrepreneurs transform their concepts into viable businesses. ZLCF plays a crucial role in fostering local economic growth and nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the area.

Huron River Ventures, established in 2010, is a Michigan-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies across various industries, with a focus on energy, agriculture, and technology. The firm, headquartered in Ann Arbor, seeks innovative startups in sectors such as cloud and mobile computing, artificial intelligence, automation, clean tech, and digital transformation.

Established in 2015, the Gilbert Family Foundation is dedicated to enhancing opportunity and equity in Detroit and other regions where neurofibromatosis therapy is accessible.

Established in 2014, Invest Michigan is a venture capital firm based in Northville, Michigan. It manages funds such as the Michigan Pre-Seed Fund 2.0 and the University Commercialization Fund, investing in early-stage high-tech businesses located within Michigan.

The Michigan Capital Network is a prominent investment group dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship in Michigan and the broader Midwest region. They invest in and mentor early-stage companies across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and SaaS. Their goal is to help these businesses grow into world-class enterprises by providing financial support, intellectual resources, and networking opportunities.

BioStar Capital is a Michigan-based venture capital firm focused on transformative medical technologies, with a particular emphasis on cardiology. Founded by Dr. Louis A. Cannon, the firm brings together healthcare clinicians, executives, thought leaders, and financial professionals to identify and support early- and late-stage investments in medical devices and related technologies. BioStar Capital operates multiple investment funds and employs a disciplined, holistic investment approach to mitigate risk and advance cardiovascular innovations.

Grand Angels is an angel investment group based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, founded in 2004. It focuses on funding early-stage companies across Michigan, with a preference for West Michigan and for startups located in Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon counties. Typical investments range from 250,000 to 1 million and span a diverse set of sectors. Beyond capital, Grand Angels provides mentoring to portfolio companies and supports a patient exit strategy, aligning funding timelines with startups' development. Since inception, the group has invested over 8 million dollars in Michigan startups.

Grand Ventures is a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based venture capital firm founded in 2017 that specializes in seed and early-stage technology investments in the United States and Canada. The firm backs startups in B2B software and a range of technology-enabled sectors, including fintech, supply chain and logistics, digital health and healthcare IT, and developer tools, with additional focus on industries such as agriculture, food, manufacturing, transportation and mobility, and energy. It targets opportunities in the Midwest and Michigan and emphasizes added value through its Advisory Board network to help entrepreneurs sharpen strategy, build teams, and pursue successful exits.

Venture Investors is a Midwest-based venture capital firm that funds seed, early, and growth-stage startups and provides incubation financing. It concentrates on university technology transfer opportunities, particularly in the Midwest, and invests across healthcare, life sciences, agriculture, technology, clean tech, materials, energy, and hardware, including software and digital health. The firm backs companies licensed to research universities, including institutions such as the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and seeks opportunities with significant market potential and solid fundamentals. Seed investments typically range from 0.25 million to 2.5 million, with larger follow-ons possible, and the firm aims to lead rounds while also co-investing. It favors preferred equity and/or debt with warrant coverage and pursues exits through initial public offerings or sales after about five to seven years. Established in 1982, Venture Investors is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, with additional offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Goldman Sachs is a global financial services firm that provides investment banking, securities, and investment management services to corporations, governments, financial institutions, and high-net-worth individuals. It advises on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and other corporate actions; underwrites public offerings and debt; and helps clients raise capital through various markets. The firm engages in market making and client execution across fixed income, currencies, commodities, and equities, and offers securities services including financing and lending to institutional clients. Its asset management and wealth advisory businesses manage assets and provide investment solutions for a broad client base, including institutions and individuals. Headquartered in New York, the company serves clients worldwide and operates across multiple business lines to support capital formation, risk management, and investment activities.

Founded in 2000, Lux Capital is a venture capital firm based in New York and Silicon Valley. It manages over $5 billion in assets, focusing on seed to growth investments at the intersection of technology and sciences. Lux actively supports entrepreneurs building successful businesses in high-growth sectors such as biochemistry, material science, electronics, infrastructure, aerospace, genomics, synthetic biology, and robotics.

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.

Augment Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that invests in early-stage technology companies across North America. Founded in 2011, it backs startups operating in sectors such as supply chain, fintech, Industry 4.0, health tech, proptech, climate tech, B2B, and software as a service, with a focus on opportunities at the intersection of digitization and data. The firm seeks mission-driven founders and diverse teams who apply rigorous thinking to solving real-world problems, and it typically supports portfolio companies through early growth to scale.

BlueWater Angels is a network comprising over 30 high-net-worth individuals and select organizations focused on investing in promising companies. While the primary goal is to achieve a return on investment, the network places significant emphasis on supporting the entrepreneurial community to foster economic growth in mid-Michigan and the state as a whole. In its inaugural year, BlueWater Angels received funding requests from more than 100 companies, conducted detailed reviews of nearly 40, and heard presentations from a dozen firms, ultimately closing its first investment in a local advanced materials company. Currently, the annual investment capital available exceeds $1.4 million, with expectations for continued growth in the future.

Draper Triangle is a venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in early-stage investments. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with additional offices in Midwest states, the firm focuses on technology companies, particularly in software, digital media, robotics, and medical devices. Draper Triangle seeks to invest between $250,000 and $2 million initially, aiming for companies with high growth potential.

General Motors is a multinational automobile manufacturer based in Detroit. It designs, manufactures, and sells cars and trucks in regions including the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy, offering a broad lineup of sedans, crossovers, SUVs, pickups, sports cars, and hybrids, along with parts, accessories, and in-vehicle safety and information services. The company provides used vehicles and distributes its products through a network of dealers and distributors. It operates through North America, International, and Financing segments and maintains a broad brand portfolio, supported by GM Financial for customer financing. General Motors has a history of major restructuring following the 2009 bankruptcy and government involvement, including a 2010 initial public offering, and continues to pursue mobility and propulsion technology development. Headquartered in Detroit, GM is among the world’s largest automakers by vehicle unit sales.

Founded in 2007, Storm Lake Capital is a private equity firm based in Troy, Michigan. It specializes in investing in middle market companies across various sectors such as manufacturing, distribution, and service businesses, with a focus on metal-forming companies within automotive, agriculture, heavy equipment, aerospace, and general industrial segments. The firm typically invests between $1 million to $10 million in companies with revenues ranging from $10 million to $100 million and EBITDA between $1 million to $20 million.

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.

Ocuphire Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing therapies for various ophthalmic disorders. Its lead product candidate, Nyxol eye drops, is a once-daily preservative-free formulation of phentolamine mesylate aimed at reducing pupil size for indications such as night vision disturbances, glaucoma, pharmacologically-induced mydriasis, and presbyopia.

Consumers Energy Company is a Michigan-based electric and natural gas utility serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the Lower Peninsula. It delivers electricity and natural gas to about 6.7 million residents in 68 counties. Founded in 1886 and headquartered in Jackson, Michigan, it operates through Electric Utility and Gas Utility segments and also includes NorthStar Clean Energy as a non-utility investments unit. It is a subsidiary of CMS Energy Corporation.

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Renaissance Venture Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in early to late-stage companies based primarily in the United States. The firm focuses on direct investments ranging from $0.5 million to $1 million per company, with a particular emphasis on supporting emerging businesses in 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.

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Detroit with an additional office in Boston, Fontinalis Partners is a venture capital firm focused on next-generation mobility solutions. It invests across stages and sizes, with a preference for taking a board seat. The firm targets technology companies in areas such as connected vehicles, data analytics, intelligent infrastructure, location-based services, and smart logistics, among others.

Founded in 2005, Mercury Fund is a Houston-based venture capital firm with an additional office in Ann Arbor. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in technology-related companies across the United States midcontinent.

Mercury is a purpose-built early-stage venture capital platform dedicated to supporting transformative software startups in communities across America, particularly in Middle America. The company identifies and partners with exceptional founders, offering both guidance to new entrepreneurs and resources to experienced innovators. With a focus on operationally-driven investment strategies, Mercury has generated over $9 billion in value, facilitating rapid and sustainable growth for its portfolio companies. Through its comprehensive growth partner network, Mercury aims to leverage local assets and talent, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the regions it serves.

Established in 1924, the Kresge Foundation is a private, national philanthropic organization with a $3 billion endowment. It focuses on promoting human progress through seven program areas: arts and culture, community development, Detroit, education, environment, health, and human services.

Founded in 2000, General Catalyst is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage and growth equity investments. It focuses on accelerating ideas, careers, and companies towards success by providing ongoing momentum and mentorship based on deep experience.

Accelerate Blue Fund is an early-stage venture fund that exclusively invests in startups founded on University of Michigan research.

Founded in 2001, Yorkville Advisors is a global investment manager that specializes in providing growth capital through structured debt and equity investments. The firm invests across various industries worldwide, employing fundamental analysis to create customized portfolios tailored to meet the needs of the companies it invests in.