STARTUPS
Ann Arbor Entrepreneurs Fund selects six startups for September pitch competition
ANN ARBOR, Mich. Watch six regional startups pitch their businesses for the chance to win $20,000. The pitch competition has been organized by the Ann Arbor Entrepreneurs Fund and will be hosted by Dug Song, Founder of Duo Security and A2EF steering committee member. Applications for the pitch competition were open to startups serving Washtenaw and Wayne counties that focused on social impact. Ann Arbor Entrepreneurs Fund is an initiative lead by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. Related: Ann Arbor Entrepreneurs Fund launches pitch competition for entrepreneurs making an impact
Ann Arbors 4M campus to mix health living, working and mobility practices
ANN ARBOR, Mich. Leverage the share economy while saving money and living with your team in Ann Arbors latest collaborative space. 4M, pronounced forum, blends coworking, co-living and healthy collaboration together in Ann Arbors Lower Burns Park neighborhood. Residents can enjoy the bonuses of the share economy while living and working in a space focused on healthy collaboration. A rendering of a workspace at the 4M campus. He doesnt anticipate all of the campus townhomes to be fully booked right away, so suites can be set aside for isolation or quarantine if needed.
Ann Arbor startups still strong during pandemic, report finds
ANN ARBOR, Mich. Despite the coronavirus pandemic impacting local businesses, Ann Arbor can add the title of startup leader to its many accolades, according to a new report. Released on Aug. 17, by Ann Arbor-based entrepreneurial research nonprofit EntryPoint, the report found that Ann Arbors high-tech ecosystem is going strong and that 38% of Michigans startup companies call Washtenaw County home. However, only 15% of these venture-backed startups are led by people of color and only 13% are led by women, according to the EntryPoint report. Of those surveyed, 94% of all high-growth, high-tech startup companies in Washtenaw County felt somewhat prepared to operate during times of shelter-in-place. However, 36 of the 55 active venture-backed startups have reported feeling impacted by the pandemic, according to the report.
Ann Arbor Entrepreneurs Fund launches pitch competition for entrepreneurs making an impact
ANN ARBOR, Mich. Entrepreneurs looking to make a difference in their communities can win startup funding and mentorship by presenting a winning pitch at the upcoming A2EF Social Impact Startup Pitch Competition. Six selected startup teams will share their business plan with a panel of expert judges at the pitch competition on Sept. 24. The pitch competition was launched by the Ann Arbor Entrepreneurs Fund in partnership with the University of Michigan Social Venture Fund and A2 Startup Garage to provide an opportunity for growth. Ann Arbor Entrepreneurs Fund is an initiative lead by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. The A2EF Social Impact Competition will take place as part of Ann Arbor Sparks A2Tech360 programming.