Red Cedar Ventures

Red Cedar Ventures operates as the venture capital arm of the Michigan State University (MSU) Foundation, playing a crucial role in fostering innovation and economic development within Michigan, particularly by commercializing technologies originating from MSU research. Established to support early-stage companies, the fund strategically invests in startups that demonstrate strong potential for growth and often have a direct or indirect connection to the university's intellectual property or talent pool. Their investment thesis is deeply rooted in leveraging MSU's extensive research capabilities and contributing to the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem across the state.

The firm's investment scope is broad, encompassing sectors such as life sciences, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, information technology, and other emerging technologies. Red Cedar Ventures provides more than just capital; they also offer strategic guidance, mentorship, and access to a robust network of industry experts and resources, aiming to accelerate the growth and success of their portfolio companies. This hands-on approach reflects their commitment to building sustainable businesses that can generate significant economic impact and create jobs within the region.

Typically, Red Cedar Ventures focuses on initial seed-stage investments. Their first cheque sizes generally range from $50,000 to $500,000, providing crucial early capital to help startups achieve key milestones and attract further funding. As of late 2022, the fund had invested in over 30 companies, demonstrating a consistent commitment to supporting the Michigan startup landscape. While their primary focus is on Michigan-based companies, especially those with an MSU affiliation, their ultimate goal is to generate financial returns for the MSU Foundation, which in turn supports the university's mission.