Michigan is a hotbed for angel investors, with a thriving startup scene and a wealth of opportunities for entrepreneurs to secure funding.
Angel investors in Michigan typically invest between $25,000 and $1 million in startups, with the average investment ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.
Michigan's angel investor community is active and supportive, with many investors participating in networking events and providing valuable guidance to entrepreneurs.
The state's angel investor groups, such as the Michigan Angel Fund and the Invest Michigan Fund, offer funding opportunities to startups in various industries, including tech, healthcare, and clean energy.
Northern Michigan Startups Funded
Northern Michigan Angels has invested almost $9 million in startups in the state of Michigan since its inception in 2012.
Over half of that investment has gone to startups in Traverse City itself, making it a hub for entrepreneurial activity.
The organization hosts about 10 to 12 pitch events per month, where 20 companies come to seek capital for their ventures.
Individual investors with Northern Michigan Angels have provided financial backing to dozens of startups over the past 12 years.
These investors bring expertise to the startups, having held leadership roles in large corporations and helped businesses scale.
Northern Michigan Angels was the only source of angel investment in northern Michigan for a long time, making it a rare resource for local startups.
Michigan Investment Opportunities
Michigan has a thriving startup scene, with various investment opportunities available to entrepreneurs. Northern Michigan Angels, founded in 2012, has invested almost $9 million in startups in the state, with half of that investment going to Traverse City startups.
The organization hosts 10 to 12 pitch events per month, where startups can seek capital for their ventures. Individual investors with Northern Michigan Angels have provided financial backing to dozens of startups, bringing expertise to the table that's rare in the region.
If you're a scalable startup, a software company, or a life sciences company, you may find that angel investors are a crucial source of funding, as they can provide financial backing without requiring collateral.
Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is home to a thriving startup scene, and one key player is Ann Arbor Angels, a group that has been serving startups since 2005.
Ann Arbor Angels is a popular angel investors group in Detroit, MI, with a vision for innovation in Detroit.
Their portfolio is limited to innovative solution startups, with investments in companies like DeNovo and 3D Biomatrix.
The group has a range of potential investors seeking to invest in growing startups, with a minimum investment range of around $150,000.
Ann Arbor Angels is one of the top angel investors in Michigan, funding startups throughout the state, not just in Detroit.
Funding Opportunities in Smart Zones
One of the best things about Michigan's SmartZones is the access to funding opportunities for startups. SmartZones provide connections to angel investors, government grant programs, and early-stage venture capital funds.
The Business Accelerator Fund and Michigan Emerging Technologies Fund are two programs that offer crucial grant funding to help startups develop their products and bring them closer to market.
Working with a SmartZone in Michigan can also provide assistance and guidance for other early-stage funding options like the Michigan Economic Opportunity Fund, First Capital Fund, and the Pre-Seed Fund.
These funding options can be a game-changer for startups, helping them get off the ground and achieve their goals.
Investors and Funding
Angel investors in Michigan are a vital source of funding for startups, with groups like Northern Michigan Angels having invested almost $9 million in startups since 2012, with half of that investment going to Traverse City-based businesses.
Northern Michigan Angels hosts about 10 to 12 pitch events per month, where companies can seek capital for their ventures, and individual members make investment decisions.
Angel investors in Michigan can provide financial backing to startups, with individual investors like those with Northern Michigan Angels offering friendlier terms and participating in the investment process.
Angel investors are often experienced professionals who have walked the walk and are willing to help the next generation take the next huge step, providing guidance, support, and cash to startups.
Commune Angel Investor, launched in 2020 in Detroit, focuses on funding life sciences and scalable consumer startups, and accredited angel investors have joined the group to support entrepreneurs.
Angel investments can offer a financial boost to startups, ranging from $50,000 to a few hundred thousand, and early-stage investors often prefer convertible notes over equity deals.
SmartZones in Michigan, such as one in Detroit, provide connections to angel investors, government grant programs, and early-stage venture capital funds, helping startups navigate the funding ecosystem.
Michigan has approximately 98,000 households with a net worth over $3 million, indicating a large pool of potential angel investors in the state.
Becoming an angel investor in Michigan can not only earn you outsized returns but also help your local and regional economy by providing critical funding for new industries and high-wage jobs.
Investor Profiles
Many of the top angel investors in Michigan are based in Detroit, but they fund startups throughout the state.
These investors are dedicated to supporting the growth of innovative businesses in Michigan, and they're making a significant impact on the state's economy.
Some of the top angel investors in Michigan have their offices in Detroit, which is a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in the state.
Robert Mylod Jr
Robert Mylod Jr is an angel investor who provides funding to Michigan-based startups, and he has a track record of making strategic investments in innovative companies.
He has held several key roles at priceline.com, including Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Head of Worldwide Strategy and Planning, and Chief Financial Officer, from 1999 to 2011.
Robert Mylod Jr also funds startups on an individual basis, having made a total of 10 investments in the past 5 years.
He invests at the seed stage and goes big once he selects a startup for funding, often providing millions of dollars in funding to his chosen companies.
Robert Mylod Jr selects startups that are based on unique ideas, offer solutions, and have strong chances of growth, often funding companies with the lowest competitors.
Some of his notable portfolio companies include @hotel, Sakara Life, and Bloomscape, which have all received significant funding from Robert Mylod Jr.
@hotel raised $4M in Venture Round funding from Robert Mylod Jr. on Nov 29, 2023, while Sakara Life and Bloomscape each raised $15M in Series B funding from Robert Mylod Jr.
Arboretum Ventures
Arboretum Ventures is a venture capital firm that has been funding startups since 2002. They have a notable investment network that focuses on funding Michigan-based businesses.
Arboretum Ventures was founded by Jan Garfinkle and Tim Petersen, and their headquarters are located in Ann Arbor. They specialize in funding startups related to healthcare.
Their investment range can range up to several million dollars, depending on the startup type and growth potential. They value startups that solve significant healthcare problems and make a transformational impact.
Arboretum Ventures looks for diverse teams with unique perspectives and backgrounds. They arrange various startup events throughout the year, including workshops and networking events, to boost startup growth in the state.
Some of their notable investments include ConcertoCare, a provider of tech-enabled and value-based care, and Convergent Dental, a developer of a computer-aided dental preparation system.
Plymouth Growth
Plymouth Growth invests in tech startups based in Michigan with a focus on B2B software and service-providing companies. They look for startups led by experienced entrepreneurs with a hardworking team and strong growth potential.
Their investment range is between $5M to $15M. Plymouth Growth has an experienced network of mentors who guide their portfolio companies and organize additional startup events.
The company's notable portfolio includes Nutshell, a CRM platform for small businesses, and Able, a mobile app for income management.
Do Investors Provide Mentorship?
Angel investors can be a valuable resource for startups, offering not only financial support but also mentorship programs that can help navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
Many angel investors provide mentorship, leveraging their experience to offer strategic insights and assist in critical decision-making.
This mentorship is pivotal for startups, aiding them in overcoming obstacles and expediting their growth trajectory.
Angel investors often facilitate introductions to their network connections, opening doors to new opportunities and partnerships.
By providing mentorship, angel investors can help startups make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
In fact, many angel investors have a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share, gained from their own experiences as entrepreneurs or business leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you pay an angel investor?
Angel investors typically invest between 10% to 40% of your business in exchange for equity, with the exact amount depending on your company's growth potential and your willingness to share ownership.
What percentage do angel investors want?
Angel investors typically seek 10% to 50% equity in exchange for funding, which can impact business owners' control over their company.
How do I find angel investors?
Connect with angel investors through networking events, social media, and local startup ecosystems, and consider joining angel groups or incubators to expand your reach
Sources
- Northern Michigan Angels (northernmichiganangels.com)
- free investor list (business-plans.com)
- Business Accelerator Fund BAF (michigansbdc.org)
- early stage funding options in Michigan (michiganbusiness.org)
- Midwest Healthcare Venture Capital Firm | Arboretum Ventures (arboretumvc.com) (arboretumvc.com)
- RPM Ventures (rpmvc.com) (rpmvc.com)
- Contact (michiganangels.org)
- Michigan Angel Community (michiganangels.org)
- New Enterprise Forum (newenterpriseforum.org)
- Pitch Club Michigan (pitchclubmi.com)
- D-NewTech (meetup.com)
- Michigan Growth Capital Symposium (midwestgcs.com)
- Invest360: Investor Showcase (a2tech360.com)
- SmartZones (michiganbusiness.org)
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