Michigan Rise
Government fundEast Lansing · Pre-Seed–Series A · 10 people tracked
Find your way into Michigan Rise
455 people in our graph share verified history with the Michigan Rise team — schools, employers, funds. One of them is your warm intro.
Investment thesis
Michigan Rise focuses on early-stage funding for Michigan-based technology startups through its Pre-Seed Fund III. Operating in partnership with the MSU Research Foundation and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the firm aims to transform promising technologies into successful businesses and drive economic growth across Michigan's tech sectors. Beyond capital, it provides coaching, grant assistance, and strategic guidance at every stage, and connects founders to the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem to attract follow-on investment. Its work builds on the MSU Research Foundation's five decades of innovation and commercialization experience, and its portfolio has leveraged nearly $700M in follow-on funding.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.
Team · 10 people
from the firm's website & public directories
What they invest in
from 122 of 140 portfolio companiesSaaS ×34Healthtech ×31Hardware ×22AI & Machine Learning ×20Deep Tech ×20Cleantech ×19Digital Health ×18Medical Devices ×18
HQs:United States×78Canada×1Germany×1
Who they back
founder profiles across 75 portfolio companiesFounding team size:solo founder×462 founders×223 founders×7
Where their founders studiedfrom 57 founders with education data
University of Michigan ×10Grand Valley State University ×3Hope College ×3Michigan State University ×3Northern Michigan University ×3Eastern Michigan University ×2Oakland University ×2University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ×2
What their founders studiedfrom 57 founders with field-of-study data
Engineering ×19Computer Science ×14Business & Management ×8Economics ×5Finance & Accounting ×5Mathematics & Statistics ×4Life Sciences ×3Medicine ×3
Where their founders worked beforefrom 58 founders with career history
University of Michigan ×4General Motors ×3Comerica Bank ×2Ford Motor ×2Michigan State University ×2Plante Moran ×2University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign ×2VisionIT ×2
Accelerator rootsportfolio companies that came through a program
15 founders hold a PhD · 8 hold an MBA (of 58 with degree data)
Investments · 140 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathBy year:2026 · 12025 · 42024 · 62023 · 62022 · 32021 · 42020 · 22019 · 228 dated
Esperovax develops oral mRNA vaccines delivered as pills or gummies that synthesize the mRNA in the intestines, where 70% of the immune system resides.
BiotechDeep TechDigital HealthHealthtechMedical DevicesPlymouth, US
Co-investorsID Ventures
Medicool Tech is a medical device company developing devices and therapies focused on cardiac electrophysiology and the treatment of arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation.
HardwareHealthtechMedical DevicesTraverse City, US
Peter von Alt(Chief Financial Officer)inSam Asirvatham(Chief Medical Officer)Rich Sanders(Director)Allan Witz(Executive Officer, Director)Jeff Rynbrandt(Chief Executive Officer)Paul Friedman(Chief Technology Officer)
360ofme provides a cloud-native privacy and consent management platform that lets enterprises exchange personal data with individuals through verified identities and explicit, real-time consent.
CybersecurityEnterprise SoftwareSaaS
Cindy Warner(Founder & CEO)in
Co-investorsExit Quotient VenturesInvest Detroit
86 Repairs provides a platform to help restaurants manage repairs and maintenance, removing the burden of equipment R&M so operators can focus on their core business.
Enterprise SoftwareSaaS
Daniel Estrada(Founder & CEO)in
Co-investorsChicago Early Growth Ventures (CEGV)Cleveland AvenueConnetic VenturesID VenturesLightbankLofty Ventures+6 more
Acelfil develops industrial filtration systems designed to handle variable and spiking suspended-solids loads without manual operator intervention, aiming to reduce equipment shutdowns and downstream membrane damage.
Advanced ManufacturingCleantechHardware
Co-investorsID VenturesMichigan Capital NetworkAnthropocene Ventures
ADHD Online provides virtual ADHD assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for adults, offering clinically validated diagnostic evaluations reviewed by licensed clinical psychologists and follow-up telehealth appointments with board-certified clinicians for prescriptions and treatment plans.
Digital HealthHealthtechMental HealthGrand Rapids, US
Randall Duthler(Executive Officer, Director)Christopher Barber(Executive Officer)Zachariah Booker(Executive Officer, Director)
BoardDale Grogan(Director)in
Co-investorsBoomerang VenturesMichigan Capital NetworkWakestream Ventures
Adrenaline Interactive provides in-game advertising technology that places real brands into mobile games through proprietary reskinning software, serving both game publishers seeking new revenue and advertisers wanting to reach players.
AdTechGaming
Carson Mathews(CEO)
Co-investorsAntlerAntler AustraliaeLab Ventures
Advertent Biotherapeutics is a biotechnology company developing first-in-class biologics that modulate TGF-β family growth factors to protect muscle quality and promote regeneration in neuromuscular disorders, with a particular focus on muscular dystrophies.
BiotechDeep TechHealthtech
Monique Floer(Co-Founder, President & CEO)Erik M. Martinez-Hackert(Co-Founder & CSO)
Co-investorsWMU Biosciences Research & Commercialization Center
Airspace Link provides a unified platform (AirHub Portal) for airspace security, drone operations management, and air traffic coordination, serving government agencies, defense organizations, and commercial enterprises operating unmanned aircraft systems.
Defense TechGovTechIoTLogistics & Supply ChainMobility & TransportationRoboticsNorthville, US
Michael Healander(Executive Officer, Director)inDillon Krasnigor(Director)Daniel Bradshaw(Executive Officer, Director)
BoardJonathan Struhl(Director)in
Co-investors2048 VenturesAssembly VenturesAvanta VenturesID VenturesLudlow VenturesMatchstick Ventures+5 more
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Akadeum manufactures GMP-compliant ancillary materials for cell and gene therapy applications, specializing in microbubble-based negative selection products.
Advanced ManufacturingBiotechDeep TechHealthtechMedical DevicesAnn Arbor, US
Kalyan Handique(Executive Officer, Director)John Younger(Executive Officer, Director)inJames Militello(Executive Officer)
BoardJeffrey S. Williams(Director)Paul D'Amato(Director)inDan Kidle(Director)in
Co-investorsArboretum VenturesBeringeaBerkeley CatalystBlueStone Venture PartnersCANTILEVER INVESTORSeLab Ventures+7 more
Alerje develops FAIT, a mobile app and clinical platform for food allergy oral immunotherapy (OIT), offering dose tracking, HIPAA-compliant clinic messaging, and predictive insights.
Digital HealthHealthtechMedical DevicesDetroit, US
Javier Evelyn(Founder & CEO)in
BoardPatti Glaza(Director)in
Co-investorsBackstage CapitalChloe CapitalID VenturesJumpstart NovaSeae VenturesBlue Victor Capital
Develops enterprise software for managing, analyzing and monitoring critical business transactions and processes.
FintechToronto, CA
Anthony Cerelli(Founder)in
Co-investorsGurtin VenturesNovak Biddle Venture PartnersSierra VenturesTechstars
Arborsense develops transdermal wearable sensors, including the SCANar wrist-worn device, that measure biomarkers in sweat to detect substance use and monitor health non-invasively.
HardwareHealthtechMedical Devices
ArcPath Automation provides turnkey manufacturing automation solutions, including design, installation, and commissioning of automation lines and robotic systems for industrial clients.
Advanced ManufacturingAI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareRoboticsMidwest, US
Aries offers a trading platform where users can trade individual stocks, ETFs, options, and index options in a single application.
Data & InfrastructureDeveloper ToolsFintechSaaS
RedaPash
Co-investorsID Ventures
ArtClvb is a platform connecting contemporary artists directly with consumers, retailers, institutions, and public spaces to increase access to original art.
ConsumerCreator EconomyMarketplacesMedia & Entertainment
Dorota Coy(Founder)in
ATLAS provides managed satellite connectivity services through a global federated network of ground stations, enabling spacecraft operators to access space communications without building custom integrations.
Cloud ComputingDefense TechSaaSSpace Tech
BoardJohn Williams(Executive Advisor)
Atterx develops novel pharmaceutical therapies to prevent and treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections using bacterial interference and conjugation technologies.
BiotechHealthtechMedical Devices
James Millar(Chief Executive Officer)in
Co-investorsWisconsin Investment Partners
Authsnap builds an AI-assisted platform for hospitals to appeal denied insurance claims, using clinical documentation to draft appeals grounded in medical necessity.
AI & Machine LearningDigital HealthHealthtech
Gretchen Heinen(Founder)in
BitLyft is a managed security service provider offering managed detection and response and personalized cybersecurity solutions.
AI & Machine LearningCybersecurityEnterprise SoftwareSaaSSaint Johns, US
Jason Miller(Executive Officer)inMichael Skeith(Founder)in
BlueConduit develops AI and machine learning analytics to predict lead in water service lines and risk of water main breaks for municipal water utilities.
AI & Machine LearningCleantechClimate TechData & InfrastructureGovTechIoT
Co-investorsID Ventures
Blueflite develops electric drones for logistics and package delivery, with vertical take-off and landing capabilities designed for last-mile deliveries, emergency medical transport, and industrial supply missions.
HardwareLogistics & Supply ChainRoboticsAustin, US
Frank Noppel(CEO)inJames McClearen(CTO)in
Co-investorsBoot64 VenturesCroc PitchGENIUS NYTechstars
ChurchSpace operates a platform for browsing and booking available church spaces, letting users review sites by market, operating space, loading, parking, and access.
MarketplacesPropTech
Co-investorsID VenturesBlack Operator
Breadless makes bread-free sandwiches, bowls, and salads wrapped in greens like swiss chard and romaine, with menu items such as jerk chicken, falafel, and braised beef.
ConsumerFoodTechDetroit, US
LC Howland(Founder)
Co-investorsID VenturesRareBreed VenturesBrainchild HoldingsDetroit Venture Partners
BridgeCare provides K-12 schools and districts with a student support system that combines a soft-skill curriculum, self-discovery tools, on-demand support, and real-time student wellness monitoring with reporting for counselors and administrators.
Digital HealthEdTechMental Health
Co-investorsExit Quotient VenturesMichelson 20MM FoundationVillage Capital
Carvis provides an AI advisor app for auto repair shop service advisors that turns repair orders into priced estimates in seconds, using historical repair order data to match jobs and price parts and labor.
AI & Machine LearningMobility & TransportationSaaSSan Mateo, US
CJ Na(Founder)Chan Jong (CJ) Na(Founder)
Co-investorsID VenturesStruck CapitalTrucks VC
A company offering personalized supplement recommendations for women through a quiz-based matching system covering fertility, prenatal, postpartum, and hormone balance categories.
FemTechHealthtech
Irene Liu(Founder & CEO)inJennifer Jolorte Doro(Founder)
Co-investors1st Course CapitalBread And Butter Ventures, LlcDorm RoomFlare Capital PartnersIngeborg InvestmentsLighthouse Network Ventures Llc+4 more
CircNova uses artificial intelligence to generate, analyze, and identify circular RNA structures for therapeutic development.
AI & Machine LearningBiotechDetroit, US
Crystal Brown(Chief Executive Officer)inAlex Wesselhoeft(Principal Scientific Architect)inJoe Deangelo(Chief Scientific Officer)inRobin Pearce(Principal AI Architect)in
Co-investors100Km Ventures LlcID VenturesService Provider CapitalSouth Loop Ventures
Civilized Cycles builds the Semi-Trike, a bicycle-class light electric vehicle designed for urban freight and last-mile delivery that offers van-like cargo capacity with the cost and carbon footprint of an e-bike.
HardwareLogistics & Supply ChainMobility & TransportationBrooklyn, US
Zachary Schieffelin(Executive Officer, Director)
Co-investorsID VenturesThe Gramercy Fund
Claira is a workforce optimization platform that identifies and surfaces the competencies of an organization's employees, rather than relying on credentials or past experience.
AI & Machine LearningFuture of WorkHR Tech
Katie Hall(Founder & CEO)in
Co-investorsID Ventures
ConStrat AI builds AI-powered software for construction contractors, providing intelligence to support faster and better decision-making across jobs and finances.
AI & Machine LearningConstruction TechFintechSaaSDetroit, US
Jesse Dorsey(Co-founder)inJustin Turk(Co-founder)inEmmanuel Dorley(Co-founder & Head of AI)in
Coordinista provides technology solutions designed to improve engagement and care outcomes for high-acuity and hard-to-reach patient populations through clinician-friendly tools that support care teams in delivering meaningful care services.
Digital HealthHealthtechSaaS
Co-investorsWMU Biosciences Research & Commercialization Center
Jackson, US
Rebecca Colmer(Executive Officer)William Joshua Nichols(Executive Officer)James Kelly(Executive Officer)
Low-power IoT sensors for industrial monitoring
Ann Arbor, US
Gyouho Kim(Executive Officer, Director)inZhiYoong Foo(Executive Officer)inDavid Blaauw(Director)
BoardFelicia David-Visser(Director)
Co-investorsID VenturesMomenta Ventures
CuraCollaborative provides a cloud-based care coordination platform that connects patients, families, and healthcare providers to facilitate seamless collaboration and shared care planning across clinical, home, and transitional care settings.
Cloud ComputingDigital HealthHealthtechSaaS
Paul Toenjes(Co-Founder, President)inDr. Tom Stevenson(Co-Founder, CEO)
EcoG develops an AI-enabled operating system and software solutions for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, optimizing energy flow and system reliability for fleet operators and charging network providers.
CleantechClimate TechEnergyEnterprise SoftwareHardwareIoTMobility & TransportationMunich, DE
Joerg Heuer(Founder & CEO)inJohannes Hund(Founder & CTO)in
Co-investorsBayern KapitalBerliner Volksbank VenturesGET FundRedstoneTane FundTechstars+2 more
Southfield, US
Josef Hjelmaker(Executive Officer, Director)
Co-investorsID Ventures
Electric Plant is a plant intelligence company that uses a plug-in "dongle" device to continuously record plants' electric signals and applies AI to decode these electrochemical signals into hyperlocal, actionable insights.
AgTechAI & Machine LearningDeep Tech
Co-investors640 OxfordEverywhere VenturesJetstream
Enspired Solutions offers PFAS destruction technology for water, providing services including benchtop treatability studies, feasibility study support, field pilot tests, and full-scale on-site implementation.
CleantechClimate TechDeep TechLaingsburg, US
Denise Kay(Executive Officer, Director)inLaurie Parsons(Director)Meng Wang(Executive Officer)
BoardJeff Wesley(Director)in
Co-investorsEvergreen Climate Innovations
Espervita Therapeutics develops metabolic reprogramming therapies targeting liver and kidney disease, with a lead program in acetyl-CoA metabolic enzyme inhibitors.
BiotechDeep TechMedical Devices
Roger Newton(Founder / Board Advisor)James Lally(Founder / Board Advisor)
Co-investorsID VenturesWMU Biosciences Research & Commercialization Center
EVOQ Therapeutics develops immunotherapies targeting autoimmune diseases by using proprietary NanoDisc technology to restore immune tolerance.
BiotechHealthtechMedical Devices
Co-investorsID VenturesInvest Michigan
FirstIgnite provides AI software that helps universities, hospitals, nonprofits, and foundations identify, engage, and manage partnership opportunities in research funding, philanthropy, and technology licensing.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareSaaS
Chase Bonhag(Founder)inCody Pawlowski(Founder)in
Co-investorsConnetic VenturesFrontier VenturesID VenturesIllinois VenturesY CombinatorGaingels
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Flightpath Biosciences develops microbiome-sparing, pathogen-specific drug candidates to treat infection-associated diseases by selectively targeting harmful bacteria while preserving healthy microbial communities.
BiotechDeep TechDigital HealthHealthtechMedical DevicesBirmingham, US
Matt Tindall(Founder)inMark P. de Souza(Executive Officer, Director)
BoardCurtis Scribner(Director)Cristina Larkin(Director)
Co-investorsFirst In VenturesID VenturesWMU Biosciences Research & Commercialization CenterActive Capital
FreightRoll provides a non-app-based driver authentication and workflow system, including a "YardFlow" protocol builder, that automates yard operations for warehousing and logistics facilities.
Enterprise SoftwareLogistics & Supply ChainSaaSAnn Arbor, US
Jake KoppingerinMatthew Koppinger(Founder)in
Co-investors500 GlobalID Ventures
Functional Fluidics is a CLIA-certified diagnostic lab offering proprietary red blood cell function biomarker assays, starting with Sickle Cell Disease.
BiotechDigital HealthHealthtechMedical DevicesDetroit, US
Patrick Hines(CEO & Founder)inDr. Hines(Founder)John Cunningham(Chief Operating Officer)in
Co-investorsID VenturesNYBC VenturesSeae VenturesWavemaker Three-Sixty Health
Fusion Coolant Systems makes Pure-Cut, a machine-tool cooling and lubrication system that uses supercritical carbon dioxide instead of traditional cutting fluids to extend tool life, improve surface finish, and reduce health and environmental risks in CNC machining.
Advanced ManufacturingCleantechHardware
Steve Skerlos(Founder & Chief Technology Officer)in
Co-investorsID VenturesInvest MichiganMaterial Impact
Genomenon uses AI to read biomedical literature and expert scientists to curate variant- and patient-level genomic evidence, delivering regulatory-grade real-world evidence.
AI & Machine LearningBiotechDigital HealthAnn Arbor, US
Mark Kiel(Chief Scientific Officer & Co-Founder)inEli Salembier(Executive Officer, Director)inSam Globus(Executive Officer)inMike Klein(Chief Executive Officer)inDavid Gregorka(Director)inBrian Groark(Executive Officer)in
Co-investorsBeringeaGreen Park & Golf VenturesID VenturesInvest MichiganIrishAngelsMarram Ventures+1 more
Culturewell provides environmental microbiology testing and germ detection services to healthcare facilities for identifying contamination and preventing healthcare-associated infections.
BiotechDigital HealthHealthtechMedical DevicesAnn Arbor, US
Sarah Beatty(Founder)
Gildform is an on-demand product creation platform that uses AI to generate design mockups and connects users with a global network of CAD designers to produce 3D models for manufacturing custom jewelry, fashion hardware, home décor, and collectibles.
Advanced ManufacturingAI & Machine LearningE-commerceLogistics & Supply ChainDetroit, US
Karissma Yve(Founder)in
Co-investorsID VenturesTechstarsCapitalize VCREFASHIOND Ventures
Goodhood is a mobile car repair service that sends certified mechanics to a customer's home or office for maintenance and repairs, with fixed upfront quotes and a two-year warranty.
ConsumerMarketplacesMobility & Transportation
Co-investorsAllied Venture PartnersOkapi Venture CapitalService Provider CapitalKubera Venture CapitalMucker CapitalNew Age Ventures
GreenMark develops non-invasive dental products for dentists, hygienists, and patients that treat tooth sensitivity and support oral health management.
BiotechHealthtechMedical DevicesEast Lansing, US
Steven Bloembergen, PhD(Executive Officer, Director)Steven Bloembergen(Executive Officer, Director)
BoardMichael Snyder(Director)Joerg Lahann, Ph.D.(Director)Kenneth Pienta(Director)Frank van Luttikhuizen(Director)
Co-investorsID VenturesInvest Michigan
HAPPE Spine develops spinal fusion technologies, including the INTEGRATE®-C Interbody Fusion System, designed to improve clinical outcomes in orthopedic surgery.
HealthtechMedical DevicesNew Materials
HealthBridge Financial provides a SaaS platform that manages patient financial obligations and out-of-pocket payments across the U.S. healthcare system, helping providers and patients navigate payment cycles and financial arrangements.
Digital HealthFintechHealthtechSaaS
Gregory VandenBosch(Founder)in
Co-investorsManchesterStory Group, LLCMarram VenturesMichigan Capital Network
Hum provides white-label internet shopping and enrollment solutions for residential property managers and operators, allowing them to offer internet services to residents while retaining brand control and revenue.
Enterprise SoftwareFuture of WorkPropTechSaaSSan Francisco, US
Dann Petty(Founder)
Co-investorsID VenturesRWT HorizonsY Combinator
Hummus Goodness makes Lebanese-style hummus using ingredients such as chickpeas, fresh garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and olive oil.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTech
Hannah Awada(Founder)Lara Lozser(Co-founder)
IASO Therapeutics develops synthetic antigen vaccines using a mutant Qβ virus-like particle carrier platform to generate targeted, durable immunity.
BiotechHealthtechEast Lansing, US
Robert Forgey(President & CEO)Xuefei Huang(Executive Officer, Director)Herbert Kavunja(Executive Officer)
BoardDonald Parfet(Director)Jeffrey Wesley(Director)inSteve Kuemmerie(Director)
Co-investorsWMU Biosciences Research & Commercialization Center
Interobio Systems develops stem-cell-derived human intestinal organoids that include functioning neurons, blood vessels, muscle, and intestinal lining for use in preclinical drug testing.
BiotechDeep TechHealthtech
Charlie Childs(CEO)inMadeline Eiken(CTO/COO)inJason Spence(CSO)
Co-investorsHouston Angel Network
Jolt Energy Storage Technologies is a materials research firm developing a new class of electrochemically active organic compounds (branded PyCore) as an alternative to Li-ion and lead-acid chemistries for mobile and grid-scale energy storage.
CleantechEnergyNew MaterialsHolland, US
Thomas Guarr(Dr.)
Judy is a cybersecurity platform designed for MSPs and SMBs that combines AI threat detection with human security expertise to protect endpoints, emails, and networks.
CybersecurityReston, US
Raffaele Mautone(Founder)in
Co-investorsCompanyon VenturesFirebrand VenturesID VenturesLeft Lane CapitalNext Coast Ventures645 Ventures
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JustAir builds an air quality monitoring platform that provides accessible air quality data and insights to communities, resident groups, governments, and public health advocates.
Climate TechData & InfrastructureGovTechImpact & Social GoodIoTSan Francisco, US
Darren(Co-founder)inDarren Riley(Founder & CEO)inDaniel Burnett(Executive Officer, Director)Derek Hilstrom(Executive Officer, Director)
Co-investorsID VenturesBlack Operator
Marquette, US
Troy Morris(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)inAdam Kall(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)inAustin Morris(Executive Officer, Director)in
Co-investorsSeraphim SpaceSica Ventures
KindKatch is a personalized video messaging platform that enables brands and organizations to capture, curate, and share user-generated and branded video content at scale.
Creator EconomyMarketing TechSaaSWellness & FitnessMichigan, US
Nicholas Kristock(Founder, CEO & Board Member)inBryan Lively(Chief Relationship Officer & Board Member)in
KODE provides a platform connecting medical coders with healthcare providers, offering coders flexible income opportunities while helping providers manage staffing and workflow needs in the healthcare industry.
Enterprise SoftwareHealthtechHR Tech
Brian Dessoy(Founder)inBrad Sawdon(Founder)in
Co-investorsEpsilon Health InvestorsFCA Venture PartnersID VenturesMercury Fund
Lilypad Labs manufactures Lilypad, a solar-powered autonomous boat designed for recreational water access without requiring boating expertise.
CleantechConsumerHardwareTravel & HospitalitySouth Haven, US
LIVAQ produces electric off-roading vehicles designed for adventure experiences with a focus on sustainable rider-environment interaction.
CleantechHardwareMobility & TransportationDetroit, US
David R. Medina Álvarez(Founder)in
Co-investorsID VenturesTechstars
Livegistics provides a digital platform that replaces paper tickets with digital workflows, using AI to capture and structure ticket data (signatures, GPS, photos, timestamps) for ticketing, compliance, and logistics management across job sites.
AI & Machine LearningLogistics & Supply ChainSaaSDetroit, US
Justin Turk(Executive Officer, Director)inAndre Davis(Executive Officer, Director)
BoardShijiro Orchibat(Director)
Co-investorsCintrifuse CapitalRefinery VentureReinventure CapitalTappan Hill VenturesBlack OperatorDetroit Venture Partners
LiveRoad Analytics provides environmental intelligence for transportation operations, delivering weather and environmental awareness across vehicles in motion, fixed facilities, and outdoor field activity.
Data & InfrastructureLogistics & Supply ChainMobility & Transportation
GenAI-enabled platform optimizing residential rental marketplace occupancy for property managers and renters.
Ann Arbor, US
Andrea Taylor(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)in
Co-investorsExit Quotient VenturesID VenturesVC 414
MagPlasma develops plasma-based technologies that replace conventional heat and chemical processes in applications including air purification, sterilization, and material processing.
Advanced ManufacturingCleantechDeep TechHardwareHealthtechMedical DevicesNew MaterialsBrighton, US
Martin Toomajian(CEO)inJane Cozzarelli(CFO)
BoardSpencer Pugh(Board Member, R&D Committee Leader)
Maka is a streaming app for children ages 0–6 that curates shows evaluated against child development science in partnership with Yale Child Study Center, with no algorithms, autoplay, or ads.
ConsumerEdTechMedia & Entertainment
TanyellaIsabel
Marel builds ultra-compact power-conversion building blocks — power modules and power stacks — that integrate semiconductor packaging and cooling to reduce the size, weight, and cost of high-power converters, inverters, and breakers.
EnergyHardwareSemiconductors
Amrit Vivekanand(Chief Executive Officer)inGarry Miller(Chief Operating Officer)inIan Byers(Chief Technology Officer)in
Co-investorsEvergreen Climate Innovations
Michigan State University Foundation is an institutional foundation that manages venture creation, investment, and research parks on behalf of Michigan State University.
Deep TechEdTechEnterprise SoftwareImpact & Social GoodEast Lansing, US
David Washburn(Chief Executive Officer)Jeff Wesley(Executive Director, Ventures)inJeff Smith(Executive Director, Research Parks)in
Micro-LAM develops laser-assisted machining systems, ultra-precision diamond turning tools, and custom optical components for precision optics manufacturing.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechHardwarePortage, US
Deepak Ravindra(Executive Officer, Director)in
BoardJohn Balbach(Director)Tim Parker(Director)John Jackoboice(Director)
Co-investorsBeringeaID VenturesInvest MichiganIrishAngelsMichigan Capital Network
Motion Grazer AI (SIM) builds vision-based sensing hardware and machine learning algorithms that assess sow reproductive potential, body condition, and locomotion for pork producers with sow breeding operations.
AgTechAI & Machine LearningHardwareEast Lansing, US
Michael Lavagnino(Director)Madonna Benjamin(Director)Daniel Morris(Director)John McIntyre(Founder/CEO and President)
Co-investorsAg Ventures Alliance
Motmot develops robotic systems to modernize how cities and water utilities manage and monitor their water infrastructure.
AI & Machine LearningCleantechData & InfrastructureEnterprise SoftwareGovTechIoTRoboticsEast Lansing, US
Zack(Head of Brand, Marketing & Communications)inElliot Smith(Executive Officer, Director)in
Co-investorsAssembly VentureseLab Ventures
Movellus develops infrastructure IP for semiconductor chips, including on-die telemetry sensors, clock generation, and integrated power delivery, marketed under its Aeonic product family.
Deep TechHardwareSemiconductors
Co-investorsCandou VenturesInvest MichiganMichigan Capital NetworkSand Hill AngelsIntel Capital
Munetrix combines school district data with publicly available K-12 data to deliver analytics on academic, operational, and fiscal performance.
Data & InfrastructureEdTechGovTechSaaS
Buzz Brown(Founder)in
Co-investorsChicago Early Growth Ventures (CEGV)Cultivation Capital
Reseda Group creates and delivers fintech products for financial institutions such as credit unions, including financial literacy tools, a Banking-as-a-Service platform, member financial wellness guidance, and marketing solutions.
Enterprise SoftwareFintechSaaSAnn Arbor, US
Joseph Gracia(Executive Officer, Director)Marc Laitin(Director)Thad Langford(Director)in
Co-investorsDetroit Venture PartnersFlyover Capital
Nunchi is a "relational intelligence" platform that ingests an organization's member data to build living profiles, surface smart introductions, send engagement alerts, and recommend programming.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareSaaS
Co-investorsID Ventures
Ocutheia offers biotechnology consulting services with expert biotechnologists providing tailored solutions to clients.
BiotechDeep TechHealthtech
Official OrganicsRx makes an OMRI-listed dry powder fertilizer formulated without animal waste or synthetics, containing minerals and nutrients to support yields of vegetables, herbs, fruit, flowers, trees, turf, and orchids.
AgTechNew MaterialsAnn Arbor, US
Orbion Space Technology builds Hall-effect electric propulsion systems for small-satellite constellations, providing integrated thrusters, power processing units, and propellant management for in-space maneuvers.
Deep TechHardwareSpace Tech
Lyon (Brad) King(CEO)inJason D. Sommerville(CTO)inRob Washeleski(CDO)inJorge Ramos(CFO)inLarry Bates(VP, Manufacturing)
Co-investorsBeringeaID VenturesInventus Capital PartnersInvest MichiganMaterial ImpactWakestream Ventures
Parallel Robotics is an engineering R&D firm specializing in mechatronics, robotics, and mechanical design.
Deep TechHardwareRobotics
Co-investorsID Ventures
Passivebolt builds an NFC-based identity and credential platform that verifies a person's identity and delivers digital credentials — such as room keys, building passes, or government IDs — through a mobile wallet without a dedicated app.
CybersecurityGovTechIoTAnn Arbor, US
Mike Johnson(Founder)inSimon Forster(Founder)inKabir Maiga(Executive Officer, Director)Alfred Kloss(Director)
Co-investorsID Ventures
PatenSee develops a contactless optical imaging system combined with AI that digitizes the 'look, listen, feel' examination of a patient's vascular access site to enable early prediction of stenosis and other complications.
AI & Machine LearningBiotechDigital HealthMedical DevicesDetroit, US
Paul A. Neeb(Executive Officer, Director)Shai Policker(Executive Officer, Director)
BoardJeffrey Wesley(Director)inHagay Drori(Director)Gal Atarot(Director)
Pearl Edison builds software to help homeowners purchase home electrification and energy-efficiency systems while making installation more profitable for contractors.
CleantechClimate TechEnergySaaS
Co-investorsCommonweal VenturesLightbank
PhotoniCare develops OtoSight, an FDA-cleared optical coherence tomography device for non-invasive assessment and monitoring of middle ear infections in healthcare facilities.
Deep TechDigital HealthHealthtechMedical DevicesDurham, US
Ryan Shelton(CEO)inStephen Boppart(CMO)Cary Vance(Executive Officer, Director)in
BoardPatrick Zeller(Director)Dale Grogan(Director)inDr. Zishan Haroon(Director)
Co-investorsFirst Leaf CapitalHealthtech CapitalIllinois VenturesMichigan Capital NetworkOSF VenturesPlains Ventures+1 more
Pocketnest offers a white-labeled AI platform that financial institutions use to deliver personalized financial guidance and coaching to Millennial and Gen X customers.
AI & Machine LearningFintechSaaSAnn Arbor, US
JESSICA WILLIS(Executive Officer, Director)in
Co-investorsCleo Capitalgener8torID Ventures
Redox Blox develops thermochemical energy storage systems that store thermal energy in less space and release superheated air for industrial heating processes.
Advanced ManufacturingCleantechEnergyEast Lansing, US
DANE A BOYSEN(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Alessandro Bo(Founder)inKelvin Randhir(Founder)inJAMES KLAUSNER(Director)JOERG PETRASCH(Executive Officer)
BoardRAJESH SWAMINATHAN(Director)in
Co-investorsBreakthrough Energy VenturesKhosla Ventures
Revolin Sports sells pickleball paddles and offers a quiz to help players choose a paddle suited to their playstyle.
Direct to ConsumerE-commerceSports TechHolland, US
Hughes Davis(Executive Officer, Director)
Co-investorsID Ventures
Ripple Science offers EnrollNow, a HIPAA-compliant, SOC 2-certified platform for managing research participant prescreening, enrollment, scheduling, and communication.
Digital HealthHealthtechSaaS
Co-investorsDundee Venture CapitalID VenturesInvest MichiganMercury FundMichigan Capital NetworkNarrow Gauge Ventures+4 more
RIVET's platform provides workforce management and communication tools for specialty contractors, enabling centralized dispatch of schedules, job assignments, and workforce notifications across field teams.
Construction TechEnterprise SoftwareFuture of WorkSaaSDetroit, US
Andrew(VP of Engineering)PatrickAdamRandyDevin(Implementation Manager)Julia
Co-investorsBrick Mortar VenturesDefy PartnersAugment VenturesHaystackSusa Ventures
Scorbit builds a platform that connects arcade and pinball machines to the internet, enabling competition, leaderboards, and digital payments for venues and players.
GamingIoTSaaSSports Tech
Co-investorsGrand VenturesID VenturesWakestream VenturesFirst Round Capital
SecuritySnares develops ransomware detection and prevention technology that uses microsensor technology to block ransomware attacks at the encryption stage.
CybersecurityEnterprise SoftwareSaaS
Robert Capinjola(Founder)in
Co-investorsID Ventures
SensCy provides cybersecurity guidance and risk-management services for small and medium-sized organizations, including third-party vendor risk assessment and employee education.
CybersecurityEnterprise SoftwareSaaSAnn Arbor, US
Bhushan Kulkarni(Executive Officer, Director)inRick Snyder(CEO)inDavid Behen(Co-founder & Chief Strategy Officer)David Kelly(Executive Officer, Director)
Co-investorsID VenturesWakestream Ventures
Ann Arbor, US
Laura Khoury(CEO and President)inRobert Cell(Director)Nancy Gilby(Director)
Co-investorsCapital Midwest FundID VenturesInvest MichiganService Provider Capital
SightLine provides data analytics and consulting services to colleges and universities for enrollment management, financial aid strategy, pricing optimization, and student retention.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureEdTechEnterprise Software
Ashley Kern(Founder, Data Scientist & Higher Ed Consultant)in
Co-investorsID Ventures
Sniffer Robotics provides methane emissions detection, quantification, and monitoring services for landfills, RNG facilities, biogas operations, anaerobic digesters, livestock operations, wastewater treatment plants, and processing plants.
CleantechClimate TechRoboticsAnn Arbor, US
Robert Dentzman(Executive Officer)William Tennant(Executive Officer, Director)inMichael Koziara(Director)
BoardChris Groobey(Director)Robert Kennedy(Director)inArthur Mohr(Director)
Co-investorsNew World Angels
Stunio connects students with flexible, paid local work opportunities while providing employers and institutions a platform to recruit and engage student talent.
B2B MarketplacesEdTechFuture of WorkHR TechSaaS
Amanda Hayhoein
Co-investorsID Ventures
SwimSmart builds internet-connected LED beach warning light systems that replace traditional cloth flag warning systems, letting beach managers remotely change hazard indicators and automatically update conditions using National Weather Service data.
GovTechHardwareIoTSports Tech
Swish provides an advertising technology platform that automates product sampling for consumer packaged goods brands and grocery retailers, replacing traditional sampling methods.
AdTechMarketing TechMarketplacesRetail Tech
Co-investorsID Ventures
Syncurrent provides capital management software for local governments, tribes, municipalities, and counties to support their communities' critical infrastructure and service needs.
GovTechSaaS
Dhruv C. Patel(Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer)inMatthew Jaquez(Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer)in
Takanock develops permanent, grid-connected power generation for data centers, configured to bypass the interconnection queue and bring new load online ahead of utility timelines.
CleantechCloud ComputingEnergyTraverse City, US
Kenneth DeNoyer Davies(Executive Officer, Director)Adam Smith(Executive Officer)inMichael Jake Carite(Executive Officer)
BoardJake Erhard(Director)James Sullivan(Director)Brian Giaquinta(Director)
Co-investorsArc Light SecuritiesDigitalBridge
Tandem is a mobile app for couples to split and track shared expenses, coordinate joint to-do lists, curate purchase wishlists, and plan home purchases.
ConsumerFintechPropTech
Co-investorsBright VenturesCorazon CapitalGROOVE CAPITALID VenturesSwizzle VenturesTAWANI Ventures
The Patient Company develops SimPull, a mechanical patient handling and transfer device designed to reduce injury risk for caregivers and patients in clinical settings.
HardwareHealthtechMedical DevicesGrand Rapids, US
Co-investorsCorewell Health Ventures
Therab Medical is developing SnugLit, a wearable phototherapy device for treating neonatal jaundice in infants, delivering light therapy in a portable form for use in hospital and home settings.
Digital HealthHardwareMedical Devices
Alexa Jones(Founder)in
Co-investorsExpert DOJOID VenturesSmartGateVCSuncoast Ventures
Promethient develops solid-state heating and cooling technology using thermoelectric devices, marketed under the Thermavance brand.
CleantechDeep TechHardwareNew Materials
Charles Cauchy(Founder)Bill Myers(CEO & Director)in
Throdle is a platform for automotive enthusiasts to share and experience cars together through organized events and community engagement in cities worldwide.
B2B MarketplacesConsumerCreator EconomyMedia & EntertainmentSocial
Nadine Lee(CEO & Founder)in
TickerPerks is a mobile app that lets retail investors verify the stocks they own by linking their brokerage accounts and then unlock exclusive perks, discounts, and experiences from those brands.
ConsumerFintechSocialDetroit, US
Jeffrey Lambert(Executive Officer, Director)Tim Northup(Executive Officer)Walter Ward, III(Director)
Bloom operates an ecosystem of operations services connecting hard tech brands with service providers for manufacturing, logistics, and after-sales support across their product lifecycle.
Advanced ManufacturingFintechHardwareSaaS
Co-investorsID Ventures
UV Angel manufactures ultraviolet light-based air treatment systems that reduce bacteria, viruses, and fungi in occupied indoor spaces.
CleantechHardwareHealthtechIoT
Peter Kisluk(Chief Financial and Investment Officer)Dr. Linda Lee(Chief Medical Affairs & Science Officer)Nate Utz(Chief Revenue Officer)
VADE Nutrition sells single-serve dissolvable protein and nutrition packs, including whey isolate protein, plant-based meal replacements, and collagen with MCT, designed for portable on-the-go mixing into shakes.
Direct to ConsumerFoodTechWellness & Fitness
Joe Johnson(Cofounder)in
Valerion Energy develops battery components using aramid nanofibers (ANFs), including a thin separator material and its ANVIL ion-conducting layer technology, to increase battery energy density and reduce cost.
CleantechEnergyNew Materials
Valerion Energy develops battery components made from aramid nanofibers (ANFs), including a thin separator material and its ANVIL ion-conducting layer technology, aimed at improving energy density, cost, and safety of batteries.
CleantechEnergyNew Materials
Co-investorsLG Technology Ventures
Virtus Solis develops propulsion and energy systems technology for space applications.
CleantechDeep TechEnergySpace Tech
John Bucknell(Founder & CEO)inSeth Elliott(Co-Founder & COO)inDr. Edward Tate(Co-Founder & CTO)
Co-investorsSeraphim SpaceDeep Future
Wagner Design Associates is a design firm offering graphic design, advertising, digital media, corporate identity, and website services.
AdTechMarketing Tech
Waldo is a cloud-based, offline-first platform that digitizes and unifies data across the timber supply chain, letting loggers, truckers, and mills create and track load tickets from stump to mill in real time.
AgTechLogistics & Supply ChainSaaS
Tina(Co-founder)Leo Huhta(Waldo Founder | Generation Logger)inJeff Courter(Chief Executive Officer)in
Co-investorsCORI InnovationInsight PartnersTitletownTechWakestream VenturesFirst Round CapitalMatrix+1 more
WedgeHR provides a one-way video interviewing platform that enables job candidates to record responses on their own schedule, with hiring teams able to review, analyze, and collaborate on candidates through AI-powered summaries and structured feedback tools.
Future of WorkHR TechSaaS
Matt Baxter(Founder)in
Co-investorsBDev VenturesMichigan Capital Network
Wide Awake VR develops a medical virtual reality system designed to deliver tailored VR experiences for patients, originating from use in office-based hand surgeries performed under local anesthesia.
Digital HealthGamingHealthtechAnn Arbor, US
Joe Gough(Chairman & Co-Founder)James Clarkson(CMO & Co-Founder)Mark Cohen(Executive Officer)David Wheeler(CEO & Co-Founder)
Wizehire is a recruiting platform for small and growing businesses that lets employers post jobs to 100+ job boards and networks with one click, and uses an AI assistant to screen, match, and communicate with candidates.
AI & Machine LearningHR TechSaaSHouston, US
Jay Niblick(Founder)
Co-investorsAmplo VenturesID VenturesMercury Fund
WoodChuck provides a SaaS platform for businesses to track, report, and validate environmental sustainability metrics across operations and supply chains.
Climate TechSaaS
Todd Thomas(Founder)in
Co-investorsAlloy Partners
Zakuro develops solid-state battery technology using a solid-state separator and lithium metal anode to increase energy density over lithium-ion cells.
Deep TechEnergyNew Materials
Other
Tracked investments with no reachable website or further public details — typically companies that wound down, renamed, or were absorbed.
BridgeCare TechnologiesClickiGroundedrvsLuteM3DimagingMagsorbeoPlinqitPromethientProtein PintsRepelaRivet WorkShiftyincSpintechmri
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companies
Valerion · pcmag.com · Sep 8, 2026
Nickels · woodindustry.ca · Sep 1, 2026
Woodchuck · kingscrowd.com · Aug 31, 2026
Tangelo · wftv.com · Aug 27, 2026
GreenMark Biomedical · einpresswire.com · Aug 25, 2026
Gildform · bridgedetroit.com · Aug 11, 2026
Takanock · datacenterdynamics.com · Jun 18, 2026
Frequently asked questions
- How many investments has Michigan Rise made?
- Michigan Rise has 140 tracked investments, 1 of which have exited, including 6 dated in the last 24 months.
- What stage does Michigan Rise invest at?
- Michigan Rise invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A stages.
- What is Michigan Rise's typical check size?
- Michigan Rise typically writes checks of $50K – $150K.
- What sectors does Michigan Rise focus on?
- Michigan Rise focuses on Advanced Manufacturing, AgTech, Biotech, Consumer, Data & Infrastructure, Defense Tech, Energy, Enterprise Software, Fintech, Hardware, Healthtech, Medical Devices, Mobility & Transportation, New Materials, SaaS, Sector Agnostic, Semiconductors.
- Where is Michigan Rise located?
- Michigan Rise is headquartered in East Lansing, US.
- Does Michigan Rise lead rounds?
- Michigan Rise typically participates in rounds rather than leading them.
- Who does Michigan Rise co-invest with?
- Michigan Rise most often shares deals with ID Ventures, Invest Michigan, Michigan Capital Network, among 125 tracked co-investors.
Media · Podcasts & interviews
featuring the teamFund Facts | Jeff Wesley of Michigan Rise | MEDC
Michigan Economic Development Corporation · Jeff Wesley
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