Michigan Venture Capital Association: Building A Strong Entrepreneurial & Investment Community In Michigan

The Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA) is a nonprofit trade association that consists of more than 400 individuals, representing 100+ organizations across the nation. One of the primary goals of MVCA is to foster a collaborative entrepreneurial and investment community. MVCA also offers several programs funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. These programs have played a critical role in building Michigan’s entrepreneurial and investment landscape. MVCA was started 15 years ago by a small group of people who were doing venture investing and decided to make it a more focused effort. As a state, Michigan needed to find a way to come out of the recession even stronger than before. And, the best way to do that was by diversifying the economy through entrepreneurialism.

Michigan Leads Silicon Valley in Research

Maureen Miller, executive director of MVCA, leads the organization by assuring that the voice of venture capitalists and angel investors is heard around the state and across the country. She works to get people excited about the entrepreneurial opportunities in Michigan to bring more talent and money to our state. Additionally, she is always pulling people together around ideas through sponsored events like the MVCA’s Annual Awards Dinner in November, which shines a light on the great work of Michigan’s entrepreneurial and investment community. Because our state has established a high level of collaboration between investors and entrepreneurs, Michigan is experiencing greater growth and success than other states. With ventures starting in Ann Arbor, Detroit, on the west side of the state and across Oakland County, our entrepreneurial community is evolving. Additionally, Michigan is ranked as number one, above Silicon Valley, for money we invest in research. Michigan has the research, talent, ideas and drive of Silicon Valley, but without the high cost of living and starting a business. If we keep our insights and innovative ideas in Michigan, top talent from Silicon Valley, Boston and the rest of the country will come here for exciting opportunities.

MVCA Research & Resources

The Michigan Venture Capital Association is recognized for research, and their annual research report is regarded as the best in the nation. The unique thing about MVCA’s research is that there is 100% participation—meaning that every venture capitalist that is not private equity is a member of MVCA and they all provide accurate data for this report. With total capital invested focused on life sciences (42%), information technology (31%) and mobility (5%), Michigan venture capitalists are empowered to create high-paying jobs and economic growth across a broad range of sectors.

To help entrepreneurs navigate funding, MVCA offers the 2017 Michigan Entrepreneurial & Investment Landscape Guide that compiles all angel organizations, venture capital firms, entrepreneurial support organizations and other active service providers across Michigan. MVCA also created an interactive Landscape Map that organizes resources from the guide by geographic location, industry sector and organization type.

Connect with MVCA & Investors

MVCA believes that anyone in Michigan can be an entrepreneur, and young talent is looking to stay and grow in Michigan. Most investors in Michigan have been entrepreneurs and know that often, entrepreneurialism is worthy of investment. They want to see success happen again and again—they are willing to provide follow-on funding for over 5-15 years to propel our greatest resource: our talent. Both the Landscape Guide and Map will help startup entrepreneurs understand Michigan’s entrepreneurial and investment community, learn about investment organizations that provide capital, and connect with entrepreneurial support and funding organizations. To learn more about how the MVCA is creating connections, empowering entrepreneurs and diversifying our economy, visit http://www.michiganvca.org and following them on social media at @MichiganVCA