Microsoft leasing office space at Detroit's M@dison Block

Microsoft Ventures supports startup lifecycles

DETROIT – Downtown Detroit's growing tech hub gained additional traction Tuesday when Microsoft announced it will be joining the M@dison Block, a burgeoning tech neighborhood known for its open and collaborative work environment.

Technical and business experts from Microsoft Ventures will work in the M@dison Building to engage with the neighborhood's startup community and develop business partnerships in the region.

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Microsoft Ventures is a program designed to support founders at every stage of the startup lifecycle.

"This partnership is an extension of Microsoft's commitment to the Detroit community and to the state of Michigan, which aims to provide people with the technology and training skills needed for the growing economy," said John Fikany, vice president, Microsoft Corp. "In addition, it is important for us to participate and contribute to the growing technology hub downtown where startups and established companies are collaborating on driving innovation and growth. There is a ton of energy going on in Detroit, and we are excited to continue to be a part of it."

The M@dison Block began to take shape in September 2013 after several tech startups inside the M@dison Building grew out of their co-working space and expanded into other buildings on the same block. The neighborhood, anchored by the M@dison Building and adjacent to Grand Circus Park, is bordered by Woodward Avenue to the west, Broadway Street to the east, Witherell Street to the north, and John R. Street to the south.


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Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.