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.
Innovative Michigan Web Platform Connecting Startups, Hubs and Funders Launches May 20
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.