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Michigan Angel Summit 2023: Fostering Investment and Growth in Michigan’s Startup Ecosystem

The eagerly anticipated Michigan Angel Summit will be held on Monday, September 18 at the Kensington Hotel from 9 AM to 4 PM, as part of the much-celebrated a2Tech360 series. This premier event will bring together angel investors, entrepreneurs, industry experts, and thought leaders to explore the dynamic landscape of startup investment and innovation in Michigan.

The Michigan Angel Summit, organized by Ann Arbor SPARK, is a hub for investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the Great Lakes region. The summit offers a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in insightful discussions, network with like-minded individuals, and gain valuable insights into the world of angel investing and startup growth.

Mike Flanagan, vice president of capital programs at Ann Arbor SPARK, emphasizes the crucial role of angel investing in Michigan’s economic landscape: “Angel investors play a pivotal role in nurturing the growth of startups, creating jobs, and driving innovation. Their support is instrumental in turning groundbreaking ideas into successful businesses that contribute to Michigan’s prosperity.”

Highlights of the Agenda:
The Michigan Angel Summit features a robust agenda designed to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the latest trends and best practices in angel investing. Some of the key sessions and topics include:

Jeffrey Sohl, Director of the Center for Venture Research at the University of New Hampshire, is a prominent figure in angel investment and will kick off the Summit with an inspiring talk on the role of angel investors in driving innovation and economic growth.

Over lunch, Clay Rankin, Managing Director & Founder at North Coast Ventures, will make a presentation on incentives that other states offer to angel investors, as well as the latest news on discussions happening in Washington DC, in Congress, and at the SEC, regarding tax credits and the ‘qualified investor’ definition.

Mike Klein, angel investor and CEO of Genomenon, Lauren Bigelow, angel investor and CEO of Growth Capital Network, Dave Hartmann, angel investor and MIR Emeritus at UM, and Jeff Ponders, Co-Founder of Commune Angels and Principal at ID Ventures, will join forces for an insightful conversation on the topic of “Maximizing Angel Impact: Adding Value Beyond Funding.”

Additionally, Chris Rizik, CEO of Renaissance Venture Capital, will be hosting a discussion on the trends and challenges of early-stage investing in 2023 with Patti Glaza, EVP and Managing Director at ID Ventures, Guy Turner, Partner at Hyde Park Venture Partners, and Kathleen Kaulins, Principal at Plymouth Growth.

Further highlights of the day-long event include company pitches, discussions focusing on startup fundraising successes and challenges, the importance of due diligence, finance and accounting for angels, the Artificial Intelligence craze, the Catalyst Angel Program, and more.

With a lineup of distinguished speakers, interactive sessions, and ample networking opportunities, the Michigan Angel Summit promises to be an event that will inspire, educate, and empower attendees to make meaningful contributions to the startup ecosystem.

For registration and additional information about the Michigan Angel Summit, please visit a2tech360.com/events/michigan-angel-summit-2023. Discounted early bird tickets are available through August 20th.