Evan Ufer began his career as an architect, at one of the nation’s largest architecture firms. Although Ufer no longer helps to build companies in their physical form, he now assists in the development of companies as a partner at Plymouth Ventures. His ability to identify strong, Michigan-based investment opportunities; provide deal leadership and connections to capital so these ideas are discovered, grown and stay in Michigan has earned Ufer early success at Plymouth Ventures and the coveted MVCA Up-and-Coming Investor of the Year Award for 2016. The award recognizes a young professional making an impact on the Michigan entrepreneurial and investment community, helping fuel job growth and innovation in our state at a time when nationally, the industry is contracting. Ufer’s passion for high growth, high potential companies comes from his desire to see his home state continue its upward trend: 75 Michigan companies received more than $282M from Michigan venture capital firms in 2015, a 48% increase in the last five years.
Ufer, an Ann Arbor native, brought his young family back to the city in 2014 after a decade in Chicago, Washington D.C., and New York. As any good architect would say, a solid foundation is critical. Michigan’s community of angel and venture investors, committed to working with high-tech entrepreneurs to move Michigan forward to a stronger, diverse, robust economic future, is the foundation on which Ufer has chosen to build a career. Investors and entrepreneurs can expect to see more of Ufer in the future, as he helps Plymouth Ventures manage its Fund III investments and continues to stand out as an advocate for our community.
Congratulations, Evan!