August 12, 2026 (Bloomfield Hills, MI) — Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA), the trade association for the venture capital and angel community in Michigan, today announced the award winners and finalists for the 2026 MVCA Annual Awards Celebration. The event will be held Thursday evening, October 15 at Elevate | One Campus Martius to celebrate the achievements of Michigan’s entrepreneurial and investment community.
“Michigan’s venture capital and entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to build incredible momentum, and this year’s award winners and finalists are a reflection of that progress,” said Ara Topouzian, Executive Director of MVCA. “Across our state, we are seeing ambitious founders building companies, investors putting capital to work, and organizations creating the connections and resources that help innovation thrive. This year’s honorees represent the people and organizations helping move Michigan forward, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments in October.”
The MVCA Annual Awards recognize founders who have fostered a vibrant entrepreneurial community, companies producing groundbreaking solutions in their sectors, organizations strengthening Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and investors and companies reaching significant financing and exit milestones.
2026 AWARD WINNERS
Hall of Fame
Recognizes individuals whose achievements have had a pivotal influence on Michigan’s entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem.
Jeff Rinvelt
Entrepreneur of the Year
Recognizes founders of Michigan-based, venture-backed companies who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, execution, and impact while contributing to Michigan’s entrepreneurial community.
Aaron Slodov | Atomic Industries
2026 AWARD FINALISTS
Up-and-Coming Company of the Year
Recognizes Michigan companies across all stages of growth that are producing groundbreaking solutions in their sectors.
- Adrenaline Interactive
- GripFusion
- M3D
- Nox Metals
Community Impact
Recognizes organizations, individuals, or initiatives that create meaningful and effective connections necessary to build Michigan’s entrepreneurial economy.
- Black Tech Saturdays
- Henry Ford + MSU Innovation Hub
- Innovation Alliance
- PitchMI
Capital Event of the Year | Venture Capital Fund
Recognizes significant financing milestones that increase the capital available to support Michigan companies and entrepreneurs.
- Clarevia Ventures
- eLab Venture Capital
- Henry Ford + MSU Innovation Hub
- Michigan Capital Network
Capital Event of the Year | Portfolio Company
Recognizes significant financing milestones that enable Michigan-based portfolio companies to grow and excel.
- Atomic Industries
- Censys
- Nox Metals
- Slate Auto
Exit of the Year
Recognizes companies headquartered in Michigan and funded by Michigan investors that achieved a successful exit.
- Bindplane
- Pocketnest
The 2026 MVCA Annual Awards Celebration will bring together Michigan’s venture capital, entrepreneurial, and innovation communities to recognize the people, companies, and organizations helping shape the state’s future. As Michigan’s ecosystem continues to grow and evolve, the evening will celebrate not only this year’s achievements, but the collective effort and commitment that continue to move Michigan forward.