Michigan Rise

We're proud to support Motmot in their Pre-Seed Round! This funding represents an important milestone for their team, and we're excited to see their municipal pilot programs launch in Summer 2025. Learn more about MotMot: https://bit.ly/41OuUSm

Congratulations to Adam Kall and Austin Morris of portfolio company Kall Morris Inc for being named to this year's Forbes 30 Under 30 list! This honor celebrates their hard work, innovation, and impact in the Transportation and Mobility sector. Check out their full Forbes profile here: https://bit.ly/3P006H0

Last week, we hosted a mentorship session with students from the Michigan State University - Eli Broad College of Business as they prepare for the Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC) this February! We shared insights and strategies to help the team succeed in this challenging and rewarding experience. Wishing them the best of luck as they gear up for the competition! Curious about VCIC? Learn more at https://bit.ly/48WnWMR

Looking for the perfect gift for someone special? Check out these unique ideas from Michigan Rise portfolio companies: 👟 HOLO Footwear: Sustainable, affordable shoes made with recycled materials, offering stylish and durable options for outdoor enthusiasts. 🍦 Protein Pints: High-protein, low-sugar ice-cream with 45 grams of whey protein. A healthier dessert created by Michigan State University – Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation student entrepreneurs. 🎾 Revolin Sports: Sustainable pickleball equipment designed and manufactured with low-impact materials. 🥪 Breadless: Healthy, low-carb, gluten-free meals for a safe dining experience. Locations in Rochester Hills and Detroit. 🚐 Grounded: Reliable, fully electric recreational vehicles designed for self-sustainability on the road. 💪 VADE Nutrition: Dissolvable packs of protein powder and supplements for convenient, mess-free nutrition on the go. 🏴☠️ Plunder Panic from Will Winn Games: A swashbuckling arcade game for up to 12 players, where rival pirate crews battle for supremacy. 🥗 Hummus Goodness: Premium hummus made with 100% olive oil and lemon juice, available at major retailers and specialty markets across the U.S.

"Our mission is to redefine the way goods are transported while setting a new standard for efficiency and environmental consciousness,” said Marc Liu, Co-Founder of Civilized Cycles. “The team at Michigan Rise understands how crucial working capital is to managing cash flow and fulfilling orders for startups at this stage.” Check out the full article here: https://bit.ly/4gqrEkx

THERE'S STILL TIME! Don't miss this month's “Morrison in the Morning” virtual workshop. Join us this Thursday, December 12, for “Employment Law 101: Essential Guidelines for Managing Employees" with Joe Morrison, partner at Barnes & Thornburg, LLP. In this session: • Understanding the differences between employees and contractors • Effective strategies for onboarding employees and engaging contractors • Key considerations for off-boarding employees and contractors • Essential terms to include in offer letters and contractor agreements Register here: https://bit.ly/4eCoSrK

“Stunio stands at a critical juncture with a scalable, B2B business model that can be replicated across universities and cities nationwide,” said Calvin VanderWal, CPA, MBA, Venture Associate at Michigan Rise. “Borne out of their experience as college students struggling to find flexible work, the team is incredibly passionate about the product and recognizes its potential to reshape the job market for college students.” Check out the full article here: https://bit.ly/49u0O8S

“The founders at Syncurrent are dedicated to helping the tribal community navigate the complex landscape of government resources and federal grant funding,” said John Tran, Venture Associate at Michigan Rise. “During the customer discovery process, they quickly recognized the value this kind of tool could provide to tribal nations.” Read the full announcement here: https://bit.ly/4hSswQt

PORTFOLIO JOB ALERT! Enspired Solutions is hiring a Business Development & Marketing Professional. This women-owned and women-led startup is addressing PFAS contamination, one of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4fSOHoa We're supporting the Michigan startup ecosystem by connecting top talent with innovative companies across the state.

Exciting news from Michigan Rise portfolio company, pocketnest—Jessica Willis and her team have announced a new partnership with CU WealthNext to help credit unions better serve their members. Congratulations to both teams on this milestone! Check out the full article here: https://bit.ly/495AC3Z