Michigan Rise wins Community Impact Award at the 2023 MVCA Awards Ceremony
September 29, 2023 – The Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund III was presented with the Community Impact award at the Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA) Annual Awards Dinner at The Fillmore in Detroit, MI. The event recognizes leaders in Michigan’s entrepreneurial and investment community and celebrates their achievements.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by our peers in the state who are all doing incredible work to advance the tech startup ecosystem in Michigan,” said Prem Bodagala, Director of Michigan Rise. “This award is a recognition of the tremendous impact our equity and loan portfolio companies are making, and we’re grateful for the continued support from the MSU Research Foundation and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).”
The Community Impact Award recognizes organizations, events, or individuals that create the meaningful, effective connections necessary to build Michigan’s entrepreneurial economy. The award is given to the organization that promotes collaboration and provides critical resources for the growth of Michigan’s entrepreneurial and investment community.
“The team at Michigan Rise has worked incredibly hard this year and has made over 100 investments in under three years,” said Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Michigan Rise. “With over $14 million invested in Michigan’s startup ecosystem, I couldn’t be more pleased with our team’s dedication to furthering investment in high-tech, high-growth companies and the critical role Pre-Seed Fund III plays in supporting the MEDC in economic development throughout the state.”
Each year, the MVCA Awards Ceremony brings together entrepreneurs, investors, educators, and ecosystem builders in Michigan with a focus on high-growth, high-potential startups. The MVCA commemorated its 16th Annual Event this year, celebrating the accomplishments driving innovation at the state’s largest investor networking event.
About Michigan Rise
Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund III invests in Michigan tech startups to help commercialize innovative technologies. We are proud to partner with Michigan’s best and brightest tech entrepreneurs and further economic development in the Mitten State. The Pre-Seed Fund III is administered by the Michigan State University Research Foundation through Michigan Rise, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Foundation. Michigan Rise supports entrepreneurs and technology startups across Michigan through capital support, coaching, assistance with grant funding and more. Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund III is made possible with support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Michigan State University Research Foundation. To learn more at michiganrise.com.
About Michigan State University Research Foundation
The Michigan State University Research Foundation (MSU Research Foundation) was established in 1973 as an independent nonprofit committed to the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies invented by MSU faculty, staff, and students. Today, the MSU Research Foundation is focused on enhancing research, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, and facilitating economic growth at MSU and across the state through its subsidiary organizations—Spartan Innovations, Red Cedar Ventures, and Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund III—and its Research Parks. Learn more at msufoundation.org.
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.