Michigan has experienced investors who played a critical role in building Michigan’s entrepreneurial and investment community.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes the achievements of individuals who formed the foundation of Michigan’s entrepreneurial and investment community. The following nominees have paved the way for the next generation of investors in the community with their leadership and expertise.
And the nominees are:
Ian Bund
Ian Bund is senior advisor and founding partner of Plymouth Growth Partners. He has played an instrumental role in growing and shaping Michigan’s venture capital community and was critical to the success of multiple venture capital firms in the state, including the first institutionally backed firm in Michigan. Bund was recruited to Michigan in 1976 to join one of the two small venture capital firms operating in the state, Midland-based Doan Associates. Beginning in 1978, Bund assisted Professor David Brophy, the Director of the Office for the Study of Private Equity Finance at University of Michigan, with the launch of Michigan Growth Capital Symposium (MGCS). Because of Bund’s leadership and guidance, venture capital is now an established industry in Michigan with over 30 firms either headquartered or with offices in Michigan.
Mike Jandernoa
Mike Jandernoa is an investor, board member, entrepreneur, and mentor who is committed to Michigan’s entrepreneurial and investment community, the vitality of the state, and building connections to grow Michigan’s economy. He is the former Chairman of the Board and CEO of Perrigo Company, the nation’s largest manufacturer and marketer of store brand over-the-counter drug and nutritional products. He serves on the Board of Directors of Business Leaders for Michigan, Cirius Therapeutics, Metabolic Solutions Development Company, and Spectrum Health System. He is also the founder of Jandernoa Entrepreneurial Mentoring, co-founder and board member of both Grand Angels and Bridge Street Capital Partners, managing general partner and board member of Hopen Life Science Ventures, and founder and chairman of 42 North Partners, a family office focusing on investments, entrepreneurship, and community.
Jody Vanderwel
Jody Vanderwel
is an investor that has partnered with a variety of organizations and startup companies across Michigan by providing financial, intellectual and networking resources. In 2017, she retired as president of the Grand Angels, the leading and most experienced angel investing group in Michigan, but remains an active member. In addition to this role, she is also managing partner of Grand Angels Venture Fund II. Vanderwel is currently a member of the Michigan Venture Capital Association Board, the Michigan Accelerator Fund I Advisory Board, the Plymouth Growth Partners Fund III Advisory Board, the Baker Publishing Group Board, and the Fuller Theological Seminary Board. By partnering with a variety of organizations and startup companies across Michigan, Jody has made a significant mark on Michigan’s entrepreneurial and investment community.