GRAND RAPIDS  – A strategic partnership has been formed to catalyze innovation, investment, and commercialization of new dual-use technologies that can serve the defense and private industry sectors.
Groups involved include Michigan Capital Network Ventures one of the Midwest’s leading venture capital fund management and angel investing firms, and  The National Advanced Mobility Consortium Inc., a premier nonprofit supporting innovation in next-generation military mobility, robotics, and advanced technology.
The MCN and NAMC collaboration will focus on creating new pathways for early- and growth-stage companies developing capabilities in the critical technology space to access capital, government funding opportunities, and strategic mentorship.
“The defense and mobility sectors are experiencing unprecedented innovation, but many breakthrough technologies struggle to cross the valley between R&D and commercialization,” said Paul D’Amato, CEO and Managing Director of Michigan Capital Network. “Our partnership with NAMC bridges that gap by connecting high-potential ventures with both capital and contracts. It’s a natural alignment of our mission to support scalable, impactful companies.”
In January, the Department of Defense announced that Michigan Capital Network was among 17 fund management firms nationwide, and the only one in the Midwest, to be selected to participate in a new public-private investment program called the Small Business Investment Company Critical Technologies Initiative (SBICCT Initiative). The Initiative is a partnership between the DoD and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to strengthen U.S. national and economic security by attracting and scaling private investment into the DoD Critical Technology Areas.
NAMC was founded in 2008, and its members represent over 550 organizations committed to fostering collaboration and advancing technologies that empower U.S. warfighters.
“NAMC’s strength lies in connecting innovators with the Department of Defense and other government partners to rapidly prototype and deploy mission-critical capabilities,” said Alissa Roath, Chief Executive Officer of NAMC. “Teaming with Michigan Capital Network enhances our ability to help small- and mid-sized businesses secure the funding and support the need to scale and serve our defense sector.”
The partnership includes key collaborative initiatives:
  • Investment Readiness Support: NAMC member companies will have direct access to MCN’s investment team for capital formation and fundraising strategy.
  • Tech Acceleration: Joint programming to help defense-focused and dual-use startups.
  • Venture & Government Engagement: Coordinate events and roundtables bringing together investors, DoD stakeholders, and innovators.
  • Pipeline Development: A shared commitment to identifying and accelerating promising early-stage technologies aligned with national security and critical technologies.
This partnership marks a significant step in strengthening the innovation ecosystem and supporting the U.S. defense modernization capabilities. Initial programming and collaboration will begin Fall 2025.