ANN ARBOR – As we wrap up 2015 the Michigan Venture Capital Association would like to thank you for your active support of the programs, events and publications that make the association a major contributor to the growth of the entrepreneurial and investment community in Michigan. Because of your success the Great Lakes Region is one of the fastest growing venture capital investment areas in the nation growing by 113 percent surpassing the national average of 34 percent. And in Michigan that number is up by 143 percent.
While we are looking forward to 2016, we would be remiss not to mention a few of the Michigan Venture Capital Association’s accomplishments in the past year.
In 2015, the Michigan Venture Capital Association:
- Worked with legislators to assure future earnings from the Venture Michigan Fund will be reinvested in venture capital
- Established the Great Lakes Region as an investment destination through four targeted and productive outreach trips to San Francisco, Chicago, Ohio and China.
- Created a NEW annual publication called the Michigan Entrepreneurial & Investment Landscape Guide, which is heavily distributed in hard copy and digital form
- Launched a NEW interactive Entrepreneurial & Investment Landscape Map, which has become the most visited page on our website
- Placed four Michigan Venture Fellows, made four Executive Attraction awards, and launched the ExeConnect Program through our Venture Upstart Grant from MEDC
- Saw a 31 percent increase in attendance at MVCA events (particularly the 2015 MVCA Annual Awards Dinner and the 2015 MGCS After Party!)
- Enjoyed record media coverage around our annual report and member success stories throughout the year. The MVCA website had a 45% increase in number of people visiting the site over 2014.
As we wrap up the year by celebrating our achievements, tomorrow we will be challenged to make sure the growth continues. I urge you to spread the positivity of this year’s activities, use the talking points provided in the MVCA Annual Research Report to tell a united story of success, be confident in your work and tell the Michigan story to all you encounter. Most importantly, stay involved. MVCA networking eventshelp you stay current on the best investment opportunities Michigan has to offer. They keep you in the know in regards to what’s happening on the legislative front, and who’s who in the industry.
You can count on MVCA to remain vigilant on your behalf. Every day we will be working to convince legislators, the administration, and private investors that continued investment in the entrepreneurial community is what will move our state forward economically.
We are in the midst of a major economic comeback – and you have the power to ensure Michigan is a great place to live and work. Know that your MVCA team is going to keep working with you so that together we do our part for Michigan and keep Building on the Momentum!
This column was published by the Michigan Venture Capital Association. Maureen Miller-Brosnan is executive director of MVCA based in Ann Arbor.
