The Michigan Venture Capital Association is proud to offer the Venture Fellows Program to Michigan’s venture capital community. The program, launched in 2023, is designed to increase the number of venture professionals in Michigan in order to accelerate the fundraising and deployment of capital into early-stage companies.
About Evan
Evan McClelland joined Arboretum Ventures in October 2025 and serves as the firm’s Controller, supporting fund operations, financial reporting, and portfolio-level tracking and analytics. Originally from Illinois, Evan earned his undergraduate degree and a Master of Accountancy from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He began his career in public accounting at a top regional firm before moving into the real estate industry, which brought him to Michigan. At Arboretum, Evan continues building expertise at the intersection of investing, accounting/finance, and portfolio performance.
What are you most looking forward to about being a Venture Fellow?
I am most looking forward to gaining broader exposure to Michigan’s venture ecosystem while continuing to expand my deal experience. Venture is a distinct asset class with its own pace and dynamics, and I’ve appreciated the opportunity to deepen my understanding of how early-stage companies are evaluated and supported. I’m also looking forward to building stronger relationships across the MVCA network and contributing where I can.
What attracts you to Michigan’s venture capital industry?
There is a strong history of building strong businesses in Michigan, yet many opportunities do not always receive the same level of attention or capital as companies in larger markets. That creates compelling opportunities for disciplined investors.
What ideas do you have to support and advance DEI in our entrepreneurial and investment community?
I think a healthy venture ecosystem benefits from a range of perspectives and experiences. Over time, the communities that perform best are those that remain open to new participants and ideas.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years?
I hope to continue learning, working with strong teams, and building deeper expertise in venture investing and operational finance.
What’s your dream deal — the company you wish YOU had spotted first?
Rather than one specific company, I’m most drawn to businesses that build a product people rely on consistently and that can scale with strong fundamentals. I’m still early in my venture career, but the longer I work in this space, the more I appreciate that the most exciting investments are often the ones with a simple value proposition and the ability to compound over time.