Michigan Founders Fund Launches to Support High-Growth Entrepreneurs and Local C… – Press Release

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An organization led by startup founders and investors aims to grow the presence of successful, diverse-led ventures and advance civic leadership in Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem

Michigan Founders Fund (MFF), announced its newly established 501(c)3 nonprofit to serve the needs of entrepreneurial growth and community impact across the state of Michigan. Established as a standalone organization in December 2021, MFF was previously serving the community as the Ann Arbor Entrepreneurs Fund, an initiative of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation.

“There has never been a better time to be a founder in Michigan, or an investor,” explains Trista Van Tine, Executive Director and co-founder of Michigan Founders Fund. “We are at an inflection point for high-growth entrepreneurship and its long-term impact in our state. At Michigan Founders Fund, we are leaning into this momentum because we know the significant economic, social and cultural gains that come from successful tech ecosystems. Our approach to this work is about helping founders find fellowship with other founders and find their voice in the communities where they live and operate – founders for founders and founders for community.”

According to data from Pitchbook, in 2020 alone, more than 60 new ventures launched in the state looking to revolutionize industries from financial services, to the future of the workforce, to healthcare and mobility. Michigan is the fastest growing state for VC investment (886% growth between 2016 – 2020, according to Crunchbase) and in recent years, Michigan has seen its cities ranked at the top of multiple lists showcasing innovation hubs. From companies that were launched since 2010, there are more than 675 active, venture-backed startups in operation representing thousands of advanced sector jobs.

Michigan Founders Fund provides startup leaders with programming and company-building support, culture-building tools, data, and a simple mechanism for philanthropic giving…

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