Michigan is the first state in the United States to launch a free
web platform poised to be a tipping point for the state’s startup
ecosystem. The platform, called startupMICHIGAN.tech
and powered by the Michigan Israel Business Accelerator (MIBA),
features more than 300 startups, and growing — including hubs and
funders.
The innovative platform will launch during a private event to celebrate
Michigan’s innovation ecosystem on Monday, May 20, 2019 at The
Shinola Hotel in Detroit. Michigan startups will have an
opportunity to claim their profile page when they attend the “by
invitation only” event.
startupMICHIGAN.tech joins the countries of New Zealand and
Thailand in becoming the third licensee in the world to apply this
innovative discovery platform created by Israel’s Start-Up Nation
Central (SNC), an independent non-profit that builds bridges to the
Israeli innovation ecosystem. Through Start-Up Nation Finder, SNC’s
original innovation discovery platform, the organization maps the
Israeli innovation ecosystem in real time, tracking over 6,000
innovative companies tagged into sectors with each one having its own
profile page, as well as hundreds of investors, hubs, accelerators,
universities and research centers, tech communities and multinational
corporations currently active in Israel.
The new Global Finder Network creates a worldwide network bringing
together innovation hubs from various geographies.
The startupMICHIGAN.tech database, which continues to develop,
currently features pages on more than 335 startups. Information on 25
investors, 27 hubs and more are included on the portal as well. The
advanced search option allows users to filter startups by business
model, funding stage, location, product stage and more. Results can be
saved to the user’s personal collection or exported. Further, users can
contact companies they are interested in through the startupMICHIGAN.tech
web platform and request introductions.
“Startups are key to driving Michigan’s new economy,” said Mark
Davidoff, Michigan Managing Partner, Deloitte LLP, and
Chairman of the MIBA Board. “The launch of the startupMICHIGAN.tech
database will be a game-changer for Michigan and MIBA is proud to be the
power fueling the effort.”
Notably, startupMICHIGAN.tech received funding from the Michigan
Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), William Davidson
Foundation, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, The Paul E.
Singer Foundation and the New Economy Initiative (NEI).
“Michigan has a long history of entrepreneurial innovation – whether
through early stage funding, mentorships or university programs that
foster the next generation of entrepreneurial talent, we are committed
to supporting emerging high-tech startups in the state,” said Jeff
Mason, CEO, MEDC. “startupMICHIGAN.tech is an opportunity to
extend our startup ecosystem and foster both the spirit of innovation
and economic development opportunities throughout the state.”
Chris Rizik, CEO and Fund Manager, Renaissance Venture Capital
in Ann Arbor, said, “The ability to edit our own page without going
through an intermediary is significant because things are changing all
the time. We often work with investors from outside the state and try to
introduce them to Michigan startup companies. But there has never before
been a single resource that included the relevant startup business and
fundraising information that startupMICHIGAN.tech has. The
central resource provides strong tangible value that will be a great
help to the startup community in Michigan.”
“MIBA will maintain the database for accuracy, timeliness and
accessibility, which makes it a highly valuable go-to resource,” added Bernard
Bourgeois, Senior Analyst, MIBA. “This web platform provides a clean
interface with a statewide focus. It also can export data and in-depth
analysis moving forward, which is tremendously significant for the state
and investors. startupMICHIGAN.tech will be the conduit for
meaningful introductions between startups and investors.”
About startupMICHIGAN.tech
The free Michigan web platform, powered by MIBA and funded by the
MEDC, William Davidson Foundation, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, The
Paul E. Singer Foundation and the New Economy Initiative (NEI), is
designed for startups, hubs and funders to help fuel Michigan’s
ecosystem. Visit www.startupMICHIGAN.tech
for more information.
About Michigan Israel Business Accelerator (MIBA)
MIBA elevates the scope and scale of the Michigan Israel economic
relationship, targeting the convergence of technology, industry and
research in such sectors as advance manufacturing, mobility, cyber,
defense, water, health and life science and agriculture. For more
information, visit www.michiganisrael.com.
Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about
for a detailed description of our legal structure.
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