Michigan Rise

Michigan Rise is a pivotal early-stage investor dedicated to fostering the growth of high-tech startups within Michigan. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), it plays a crucial role in the state's economic development strategy by providing essential capital and support to innovative companies. The organization's mission is to bridge funding gaps for promising ventures, ensuring they have the resources to develop and commercialize their technologies, thereby creating jobs and driving economic prosperity across the state.

The firm employs a flexible investment approach, offering various forms of capital including debt, equity, and purchase order financing, tailored to the specific needs of early-stage businesses. Michigan Rise manages several distinct funds, including the Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund, the Michigan Rise Seed Fund, and the Michigan Rise Venture Fund. This multi-fund structure allows them to support companies across different stages of early development, from nascent ideas requiring initial validation to more mature startups seeking to scale. Their focus is exclusively on Michigan-based companies with high growth potential and a clear path to market.

For its initial investments, Michigan Rise typically deploys capital through its Pre-Seed and Seed Funds. The Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund generally invests between $50,000 and $250,000 in very early-stage companies, helping them achieve critical milestones. As companies demonstrate further traction, the Michigan Rise Seed Fund provides larger checks, ranging from $250,000 to $500,000. Since its inception in 2020, Michigan Rise has demonstrated significant commitment to the state's startup ecosystem, having invested over $15 million into more than 100 Michigan-based companies, underscoring its active role in nurturing local innovation.

Michigan Rise's strategic partnership with the MEDC positions it as a cornerstone of the state's venture capital landscape. By providing crucial early-stage funding, often when traditional venture capital might be hesitant, Michigan Rise helps de-risk promising startups and prepares them for subsequent rounds of private investment. This systematic approach not only supports individual companies but also strengthens the overall entrepreneurial infrastructure in Michigan, contributing to a more vibrant and resilient high-tech economy.