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Michigan Venture Capital Association Announces Ara Topouzian as New Executive Director

Michigan Business Beat
March 15, 2019 11:00 AM

Ara_Topouzian-003-300x300Chris Holman spends some time with Ara Topouzian, President & CEO of the Troy, MI, Chamber of Commerce. Besides catching up on the big stories for that chamber in 2019, Ara then shares the details as he's moving on to a new role later this month.

Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA), the nonprofit trade association founded in 2002 to increase the amount of capital and talent for Michigan’s entrepreneurial and investment community, announced today that it has hired former Troy Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Ara Topouzian as its new executive director. In this position, Topouzian will work collaboratively with a broad range of constituencies, including venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and public officials to advance entrepreneurship and access to venture capital. Topouzian will assume his new role on March 25, 2019 and work with the MVCA Board of Directors in shaping the vision for MVCA’s success.

Click below to hear Ara and Chris's conversation!

“We are thrilled to have Ara lead MVCA and its initiatives that will support Michigan’s investors, entrepreneurs, economic development organizations, and service providers,” said Tom Shehab, M.D., Chairman of the MVCA Board of Directors and Managing Partner at Arboretum Ventures. “With his experience managing large organizations and leading economic development efforts, Ara will bring unique expertise and insight that will drive the growth of the organization and community as a whole.”

MVCA-4Topouzian joins MVCA after nearly six years as the president and CEO of the Troy Chamber of Commerce, where he oversaw more than 700 members. During his tenure, Ara developed a proven track record in attracting international corporations to the area, as well as advocating for and retaining local small and large businesses. He brings a broad range of experience to the position, having previously worked on business attraction projects valued at more than $100 million in investment as the City of Novi Economic Development Director in addition to his community leadership positions.

“I’ve long admired the strategic initiatives developed by MVCA and I’m honored to be joining the organization,” said Topouzian. “MVCA has helped position Michigan’s entrepreneurial and investment community for success and I’m excited to be a part of extending the organization’s vision as it continues to grow.”

About Michigan Venture Capital Association
The Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA) is a nonprofit trade organization founded in 2002 to increase the amount of capital and talent available to venture and angel investors for the funding of Michigan’s most innovative entrepreneurs. The organization works closely with entrepreneurs to transform breakthrough ideas into new companies and industries that drive Michigan job creation and economic growth. MVCA membership includes private and corporate venture capital funds, angel investors, universities and economic development organizations, and service providers. More than 400 individuals are members of MVCA, representing over 100 organizations across the nation. For more information, visit www.MichiganVCA.org.

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Michigan Business Beat, hosted by Chris Holman, discusses economic development, new or unusual entrepreneurial initiatives, and successful business practices from different regions and industries around Michigan with a wide range of entrepreneurs and business leaders.

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