SeedRound Media
Rushed for time? Here is the top 5 Seed investors for Venture Capital startups. Scroll down for more information on these investors or to view the rest of the investors.
Name | Website | Stages | Location | Socials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Beringea | Debt, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Seed | Farmington Hills, Michigan, United States, North America | ||
Ludlow Ventures | Convertible Note, Early Stage Venture, Seed, Venture | Detroit, Michigan, United States, North America | ||
Ann Arbor SPARK | Debt, Early Stage Venture, Seed | Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, North America | ||
Fontinalis Partners | Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, Seed | Detroit, Michigan, United States, North America | ||
RPM Ventures | Early Stage Venture, Seed | Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, North America |
At SeedRound we track over 200,000 investors and over 1,000,000 people who hold key positions in these firms. We use this directory of investors to highlight top employees, LP’s and funding organisations we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
We’ve ranked the top Venture Capital Seed investors in Michigan. The companies, startups and institutions listed in this article are all exceptional companies, well worth a follow. We have included links to their websites, socials and CrunchBase (if you’re interested in their financials).
We selected the organisations listed in this article based on:
- Track record
- Executive leadership
- Market share
- Innovation
- ESG rating
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.
Top Venture Capital Investors & Funds (Michigan)
Beringea
Beringea is an international venture capital and private equity firm dedicated to finding, funding and nurturing exceptional companies in growth industries. Founded in 1988, the firm currently has more than 60 portfolio companies in a range of emerging sectors, including media, health care and life sciences, Internet technologies, advanced manufacturing, clean tech and specialized consumer goods. With capital, experience and offices in the U.S. and U.K., Beringea is in a unique position to offer entrepreneurs and their management teams the resources to develop strategy, evaluate growth opportunities, solve problems and build value. Beringea is the co-manager of the Michigan Growth Capital Partners Funds in the U.S., as well as the ProVen VCT family of funds in the UK, among others.
Stages: Debt, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Seed
Location: Farmington Hills, Michigan, United States, North America
Industries: Venture Capital
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Ludlow Ventures
Ludlow operates differently because we’re a different kind of VC. We believe in VC without ego. We wear our hearts on our sleeves, avoiding the puffery and posturing that has given venture capital a bad name. We fund the dreams of entrepreneurs and startups, becoming close friends with all of the teams we invest in. Truly great companies are built on trust and friendship (and rainbows and luck). VC is a customer service business. Whether it’s testing product, leveraging our network, or forcing people to download your app, we’re here to help. You make our dream jobs possible and we’re forever thankful for that. Check out some of our other projects – www.carpool.vc and www.computer.show
Stages: Convertible Note, Early Stage Venture, Seed, Venture
Location: Detroit, Michigan, United States, North America
Industries: Finance, Financial Services, Venture Capital
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Ann Arbor SPARK
Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, offers programs, resources, and proactive support to businesses in the Ann Arbor region. Its products and services include provision of business accelerator and entrepreneur boot camp programs, online business planning, market and competitive landscape research, development of business model strategies, intellectual property validation and FTO reports, marketing and sales initiatives, identification of employee needs and opportunities, preparation of a business plan and financial analysis, and creation of a compelling case for attracting funding and other resources, as well as review of product plans, validation steps, and regulatory issues. The company also provides space/expansion and equipment; programs, resources, and educational opportunities for business growth and expansion; programs for recognizing excellence; tax-exempt industrial development revenue bonds to finance the acquisition, construction, installation, or rehabilitation of manufacturing facilities; site searches of industrial and office buildings, vacant land, and incubator space; workforce; educational forums; incentives; export assistance; financing; and university connections. It serves businesses in life sciences, automotive research and development, engineering and production, alternative energies, information technologies, homeland security/defense, information, print and online, and imaging/vision sectors. Ann Arbor SPARK was formerly known as SPARK. The company was incorporated in 1982 and is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Stages: Debt, Early Stage Venture, Seed
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, North America
Industries: Finance, Non Profit, Venture Capital
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Fontinalis Partners
Fontinalis Partners, with offices in Detroit and Boston, is a venture capital firm strategically focused on next generation mobility. Fontinalis’ mission is to leverage the team’s considerable management experience, market access, strategic relationships, international expertise, and background in transportation innovation to scale companies providing next-generation mobility solutions. Fontinalis invests as a strategic partner across all facets of the world’s mobility systems on a stage- and size-agnostic basis. Fontinalis is not affiliated with Ford Motor Company.
Stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, Seed
Location: Detroit, Michigan, United States, North America
Industries: Finance, Financial Services, Venture Capital
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RPM Ventures
RPM Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm with $750 million under management, has history of disrupting multi-billion-dollar markets within sectors where they are recognized as an industry thought leader. These sectors include FinTech, InsurTech, Real Estate Tech and they have a specific specialty in Mobility and Transportation.
Stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, North America
Industries: Automotive, FinTech, InsurTech, Transportation, Venture Capital
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Detroit Venture Partners
We’re a Detroit-based Venture Capital firm on a crazed mission. We back seed and early-stage technology companies who have a purpose. Our purpose is to help rebuild the Detroit area through entrepreneurial fire. We view business building as a palate for creative expression and an opportunity to make a difference and change the world. If not, why bother? We are creative business builders, not money managers. We are entrepreneurs helping other entrepreneurs build and grow meaningful companies. It’s not just about the idea or the industry. To us, it’s about backing passionate entrepreneurs that can both dream and execute. Great thinking trumps fancy diplomas. Imagination beats pedigree. Looking for investment opportunities in these sectors: internet, digital media, marketing technology, direct-to-consumer, sports & entertainment, social media, e-commerce, software. Your biotech or advanced manufacturing idea may be groundbreaking, but that’s not our focus. We’d just screw it up if we got involved.
Stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
Location: Detroit, Michigan, United States, North America
Industries: Venture Capital
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Wakestream Ventures
Wakestream Ventures is an early stage fund that backs founders working with physical products converging with the internet. Their region has a rich history in innovation, industrial design and manufacturing giving them a unique advantage in the IoT / technical physical product space. They consider themselves an early stage fund with deal sizes ranging from $100K–300K in initial investment size with follow-on commitments for 2nd and 3rd rounds up to $1.5M cumulative.
Stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States, North America
Industries: Financial Services, Internet of Things, Venture Capital
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Michigan Angel Fund
Michigan Angel Fund specializes in investments in angel deals. The fund does not invest in gaming or real estate related ventures. It prefers investing in early-stage start-ups that are at or near revenue. The fund seeks to invest in IT, CleanTech, advanced manufacturing, and health care. The fund invests between $0.2 million to $2 million in its companies. It prefers investing in companies requiring less than $2 million to reach break-even or sustainability. Founded in 2011, Michigan Angel Fund is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, North America
Industries: Angel Investment, Financial Services, Venture Capital
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Conquer Accelerator
As a summer accelerator with a strong bench of experienced entrepreneurs, business leaders, and motivated investors, Conquer provides select teams with an intensive ten weeks tailored programming and mentorship. Our startups focus on goal-driven benchmarks, honing their ventures and bringing their solutions to the market. Conquer Accelerator is a collaborative effort at Michigan State University made possible through generous partnerships with the MSU Foundation, its subsidiary, Red Cedar Ventures, and Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. Any qualifying business may apply to program—an existing affiliation with Michigan State University is required. For those companies who are part of Michigan State University’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Conquer Accelerator fills a crucial gap in their development cycle. Conquer’s selected teams receive an investment of $20k and work through an intensive ten-week season. In addition to capital investment, Conquer Accelerator teams receive one-on-one mentorship and support, a creative co-working space, and strategic resources. Startup applicants should reflect the following attributes: • products or services that solve problems for specific target customers • capital-efficient business, operational at less than $1M in external funding • scalable distribution or proven ability to scale sales • simple revenue model: transactions, subscriptions, affiliates • functional prototype or prior product success • measurable traction (engaged users, revenue, attractive unit economics) • three (or more) members in a cross-functional team • ability to be located in East Lansing, Michigan for the duration of the program Find our previous cohort teams, learn how to apply, and follow the journey: conqueraccelerator.com.
Stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
Location: East Lansing, Michigan, United States, North America
Industries: Angel Investment, Incubators, Venture Capital
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Huron River Ventures
Huron River Ventures invests in early-stage technologies for antiquated industries including Energy, Agriculture, and Transportation.
Stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, North America
Industries: Finance, Financial Services, Venture Capital
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Grand Ventures
Grand Ventures is an early stage venture fund investing in seed stage B2B SaaS companies in emerging regions of the US and Canada focused on Supply Chain, Fintech, DevOps, and Digital Health. We have invested in some of the fastest growing companies in North America alongside some of the most prestigious venture funds. We pride ourselves on supporting great entrepreneurs from inception through rapid growth to maturity and helping out at each stage of the journey.
Stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States, North America
Industries: Enterprise Software, Information Technology, Venture Capital, Supply Chain, Fintech, DevOps, HealthcareIT
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Coolhouse Labs
About Coolhouse Labs Build Something Awesome. Early stage tech venture fund + accelerator. Kinda like summer camp for startups, but with less bug bites. We run two programs each year – Summer Camp for Startups in Northern Michigan, and Winters in Ann Arbor. Spend the summer lakeside focusing on nothing but building a great product and launching your company. $50k in funding for 6% + Free Housing, 70+ mentors, 12 weeks in the Lab, design + product development resources, and over $200k in perks + the opportunity for follow-on funding.
Stages: Seed
Location: Harbor Springs, Michigan, United States, North America
Industries: Financial Exchanges, Financial Services, Venture Capital
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Seneca Partners
Seneca Partners is a middle market focused investment banking and private investing firm. Their transaction and investing experience includes most industry sectors, however has strong experience in manufacturing, healthcare and business services.
Stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
Location: Birmingham, Michigan, United States, North America
Industries: Finance, Venture Capital
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IncWell
We’re a private venture capital firm that offers a wealth of business experience to startup and seed stage companies. We have a mission to grow great ideas into great businesses by providing funding opportunities and strategic business support to the entrepreneurs and teams we believe in. IncWell LP offers seed stage investments to startups in the clean energy technology, medical technology, healthcare advances, transportation technology, and/or information/apps/software technology sectors. Our investments range in size from $100K- $250K. In addition to investments, we also provide startup consulting in the form of mentorships and introductions to strategic partners. The fund was launched in May of 2013 and founded by Tom LaSorda, former CEO of Chrysler LLC and Fisker Automotive. Other Limited Partners include Roger Penske, owner of the Penske Corporation, Ted Fuller, real estate developer in Birmingham, MI, John Melstrom, partner at Fenner Melstrom & Dooling PLC for 45 years, Wayne Sales, former CEO of Canadian Tire and Stephen Polk, former CEO of R.L. Polk & Co. In addition, there are eight other key Limited Partners.
Stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
Location: Birmingham, Michigan, United States, North America
Industries: CleanTech, Manufacturing, Venture Capital
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First Step Fund
The First Step Fund provides emerging companies with access to seed capital, focused mentoring in areas consistent with growing the business, and a network that will work to foster demand and create opportunities.
Stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
Location: Detroit, Michigan, United States, North America
Industries: Enterprise Software, Gamification, Venture Capital
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Resonant Venture Partners
Resonant Venture Partners is an emerging venture capital firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Founded in 2010, Resonant makes seed stage investments in companies developing cloud infrastructure, software and services. Entrepreneurs in their own right, the managing directors partner with portfolio companies through challenging product, market and operational issues at the earliest phases.
Stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, North America
Industries: Angel Investment, Finance, Venture Capital
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CKM Capital Partners
CKM manages and invests in a diverse portfolio of alternative assets. As an investor, CKM seeks opportunities where our industry experience and strong network of partnerships will add meaningful value to the projects we undertake.
Stages: Debt, Early Stage Venture, Seed
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, North America
Industries: Enterprise Software, Financial Services, Gamification, Venture Capital
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100K Ventures
100K Ventures is an accelerator located in Flint, Michigan. It invests in early-stage companies who receive a high assessment from the 100K Ideas pipeline. The 100k Ideas pipeline provides a helping hand in business development to anyone regardless of their prior experience or background, while ranking the business viability throughout the process. Robert Wolf, Victor Cruz, Draymond Green, Philip Hagerman, Meena Harris, Christina Weiss Lurie, Michael Nutter, Soledad O’Brien, Reshma Saujani, Michael Strahan, Jaime Taicher and Frank Thomas, are all a part of the team who founded it in 2018.
Stages: Seed
Location: Flint, Michigan, United States, North America
Industries: Angel Investment, Incubators, Venture Capital
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SeedtoScale Capital
SeedtoScale Capital is a venture capital investment firm that provides seed funding and scalability solutions. The firm was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, United States.
Stages: Seed
Location: Detroit, Michigan, United States, North America
Industries: Financial Services, Marketing, Venture Capital
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