DETROIT—The Michigan Israel Business Accelerator announces the launch of StartupMichigan.tech, a free web platform featuring more than 300 startups and connections to funders and tech hubs.
The platform will launch at an invitation-only event Monday, May 20 at the Shinola Hotel in Detroit.
Michigan will join the countries of New Zealand and Thailand as licensees of the discovery platform, created by Israel’s Start-Up Nation Central, an independent non-profit that builds contacts in the Israeli entrepreneurial network, including more than 6,000 companies, investors, accelerators, universities, and research centers.
The StartupMichigan.tech database currently features pages on more than 335 startups, 25 investors, 27 innovation hubs, and more. A search option allows users to filter startups by business model, funding stage, location, product stage, and more. Results can be saved to a user’s personal collection or exported.
“Startups are key to driving Michigan’s new economy,” said Mark Davidoff, chair of the MIBA board and Michigan managing partner for Deloitte LLP. “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.”
StartupMichigan.tech has received funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the William Davidson Foundation, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, the Paul E. Singer Foundation and the New Economy Initiative.
“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,” said Jeff Mason, MEDC CEO. “We are committed to supporting emerging high-tech startups in the state. StartupMichigan.tech is an opportunity to extend our startup ecosystem and foster both the spirit of innovation and economic development opportunities.”
Added Chris Rizik, CEO and fund manager of Renaissance Venture Capital of Ann Arbor: “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.”
Visit www.startupMICHIGAN.tech after May 20 for more information.