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News from Michigan Venture Capital Association

Michigan Business Network
August 5, 2020 6:00 PM

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Diversity in Michigan's Entrepreneurial & Investment Community Webinar

MVCA's webinar series continues with a discussion about diversity in Michigan's entrepreneurial and investment community. The panel:

Carolyn Cassion, President & CEO, Michigan Women Forward
In 2009, Carolyn Cassin accepted the leadership of Michigan Women Forward, Michigan’s only public statewide organization dedicated solely to helping women and girls realize economic self-sufficiency and social equality. Highlights of her accomplishments at MWF include the development of a microloan fund for women owned and managed businesses and an early stage venture capital fund for women - Belle Michigan Impact Fund, of which she is the General Partner and Co-Founder.

Aaron McClendon, EIR , Detroit Venture Partners
Aaron McClendon is an EIR at Detroit Venture Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm based in downtown Detroit. He primarily provides portfolio & business incubation support through special projects, as well as source & diligence new investment opportunities. Prior to joining DVP, Aaron had stints managing supply chain projects at General Motors and IndustryStar. Aaron is a 2017 Venture for America Fellow and serves as a Board Member for the NABS Scholarship Fund.


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So You Want to Fund Black Founders (Kapor Capital)

I was one of the first Black investors to be promoted to Partner at a venture capital firm. At the time (2015), I was also one of the youngest, having just turned 31 years old.

I have been in the venture industry since 2011, beginning as an intern in Kapor Capital’s inaugural Summer Associates program. I have never seen a wave of pro-Black commentary and actions like the one we are all witnessing today.

READ THE ENTIRE BLOG >

Detroit M&A Conference - Smart Business Dealmakers

Smart Business is gearing up for the 2020 Dealmakers Conference on August 27th. We have transitioned the event to a VIRTUAL event for the safety of our attendees and staff during this pandemic. As a partner with MVCA, interested participants can receive a discount for registering for this event. 

To register, click here. Once you enter your information, you will be able to receive a discount by entering the promo code: 2020MVCA (You will save $100 off the ticket price)

 

MVCA Member Highlights

Gateway Grand Rapids and Red Cedar Funds—Virtual Pitch Event
September 15, 2020 (Two Sessions—10-11:30 AM;  2-3:30PM)
Gateway Grand Rapids and Red Cedar Funds have 10-12 companies raising initial or seed funds. Many of this companies will be new to you and are high potential startups.   
The objective of these sessions are for you to become acquainted with  these companies with the goal of funding their rounds or placing them on your list of companies to watch.  Please save the date if wish to participate.  For more information: Kevin McCurren (mccurren@msu.edu)

Fishman Stewart is a highly ranked intellectual property law firm. Recently, Fishman Stewart proudly announced in its newsletter, Fish Tank, that several of its attorneys have been named 2020 “IP Stars” by Managing Intellectual Property magazine. Attorney Doug LaLone recently hosted an informative webinar “Bringing Manufacturing Back to Michigan: Reducing Further Supply Chain Disruption,” which can be viewed HERE. The roundtable included insights from several manufacturing experts. Discussions focused on the supply chain challenges U.S. manufacturing companies faced during the pandemic and the challenges they will have with bringing our supply chain back from China and elsewhere. For more information, contact Doug LaLone dlalone@fishstewip.com or visit www.fishstewip.com.

a2TECH360, organized by Ann Arbor SPARK, this September

Ann Arbor SPARK recently announced its popular annual a2Tech360 programming will be delivered virtually this year, September 18-26, 2020. An Ann Arbor SPARK initiative, a2Tech360 promotes the Ann Arbor region as an area of innovation. Offering more than a week of tech-related events, a2Tech360 creates connections between entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, businesses, educational institutions, nonprofits, job seekers, and the general public to generate discussion, ideas, and new opportunities.
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MVCA Webinars available on YouTube channel 

Over the last several months, MVCA has conducted webinars on a variety of topics. If you have missed any of them, you can check them out on on our Resource page at MichiganVCA.org. 

MVCA Service Providers Highlight of the Week

Each year, MVCA extends a very limited number of invitations to a carefully curated selection of professional service organizations.  These are elite organizations who have been identified by MVCA as being valuable partners within the entrepreneurial and investment community.  MVCA and its membership are grateful to our valued 2020 Service Provider Members. Each week we will highlight two service provider members.
 
Founded on a handshake in 1931, Warner Norcross + Judd is a premier Michigan law firm focused on delivering exceptional results for a diverse set of clients both nationally and internationally. With eight offices throughout Michigan and over 200 attorneys, Warner Norcross + Judd has a variety of practice areas with highly specialized attorneys. Emerging businesses, angel investors, venture funds, family offices, foundations, and pension funds throughout the Midwest find the firm’s first-class services accessible and affordable.  Compliance Corner, the firm’s hub for registered investment advisors, provides up-to-date information from the SEC, FINRA and state regulatory agencies that may warrant these clients’ careful consideration and immediate action.  READ MORE >
Plante Moran has built a national practice from their Midwestern footprint and has become the 14th largest certified public accounting and business advisory firm in the country. Via their multidisciplinary engagement teams, clients work with professionals with a range of expertise to solve problems in a variety of areas including commercial diligence, cybersecurity, medical device consulting /commercialization operations, tax and accounting, employee benefits, global sourcing, or mergers and acquisitions. READ MORE >

In The News

Resources:

2020 Research Report
2019-2020 Landscape Guide
Landscape Map

About the Michigan Venture Capital Association
The Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA) is a non-profit trade organization designed to bring together venture capital industry participants in the state of Michigan. The organization’s goal is to grow and sustain a vibrant venture capital community in Michigan.  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 100+ organizations across the nation.
 

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Michigan Business Network is an online broadcasting company that provides knowledge, news, and insights into Michigan’s businesses, industries, and economy.