Author: Ara Topouzian

http://www.freep.com/article/20110826/BUSINESS0101/108260458/GM-s-venture-capital-fund-invests-millions-in-high-tech-entrepreneurs?odyssey=tab|mostpopular|text|FRONTPAGE GM Ventures’ Jon Lauckner promises that the venture-capital fund he runs isn’t a “ZIP code investor.” Still, four of the six firms in which General Motors has invested now have ties to the company’s home state of Michigan. Sakti3, an electric-vehicle battery maker, is based in Ann Arbor and run by a University of […]

The MVCA reported total venture financings in Michigan topped $72.5 million thus far in 2011, a decrease  over 2010 and 2009. However, 2009 and 2010 financings were unusually high given sizable venture capital raises in several Michigan life science companies.  Despite the decrease in total year-to-date financings, the number of investments made are on par […]

Josh Linkner, CEO & Managing Partner of Detroit Venture Partners (part of the Quicken Loans family of companies) and Founder & Chairman of ePrize, was recognized as a “Champion of Change.” The Champions of Change program is a weekly series that is part of President Obama’s “Winning the Future” initiative, which honors entrepreneurs that have started […]

Josh Linkner, CEO & Managing Partner of Detroit Venture Partners (part of the Quicken Loans family of companies) and Founder & Chairman of ePrize, was recognized as a “Champion of Change.” The Champions of Change program is a weekly series that is part of President Obama’s “Winning the Future” initiative, which honors entrepreneurs that have started […]

Merrill Guerra of Ypsilanti is a familiar name to many in the venture capital community, but the former RealKidz entrepreneur is donning a new hat—executive director of the Michigan Venture Capital Association. Guerra takes the reins of the organization from LeAnn Auer, who leaves the MVCA to join Ford’s Treasury group in Dearborn, and she’s […]

Portfolio Company Valuations: Issues and Updates – November 28, 2011 2-3pm MVCA member Cendrowski Corporate Advisors will be hosting a series of webinars for our members and portfolio companies. Dial-in details will be provided closer to the date. If you are interested in attending, please contact the MVCA.

Fund II is second life science fund managed by West Michigan-based Hopen Life Science Ventures Grand Rapids, Mich.– Hopen Life Science Ventures, a Grand Rapids-based life science venture capital fund, announced an initial close of $25 million for its second fund, Hopen Life Science Fund II.  The fund will remain open to new limited partners […]

http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/$25-million-to-support-michigan-entrepreneurs LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced Wednesday that $25 million will be awarded to several organizations. The state will give the money to eight organizations that will support entrepreneurs. The money will not only help the launch of new businesses throughout the state, but it will also continue to […]

http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/$25-million-to-support-michigan-entrepreneurs LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced Wednesday that $25 million will be awarded to several organizations. The state will give the money to eight organizations that will support entrepreneurs. The money will not only help the launch of new businesses throughout the state, but it will also continue to […]

The U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”), State of Michigan Retirement Systems (“SMRS”), The Dow Chemical Company and InvestAmerica have partnered to provide Michigan businesses with debt and equity funding through the InvestMichigan! Mezzanine Fund. The fund will invest up to $130 million into lower-middle-market Michigan companies over the next five years and was formed in […]