Michigan’s innovation economy is evolving rapidly, and with it, the flow of capital that fuels startup growth. On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, investors, founders, and policymakers will gather at the Vanguard Hotel in Ann Arbor for the Michigan Startup Capital Summit (MSCS), a day-long event designed to unpack how investment, innovation, and policy intersect across the state. The Summit is part of a2Tech360, Ann Arbor’s annual series of events showcasing the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The day will open with a keynote by Peter Hill, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Business Leaders for Michigan, who will share findings from the organization’s Innovation Economy Scorecard. Hill’s remarks will frame the day’s conversations around Michigan’s competitiveness and the strategies needed to make the state a top destination for startups and capital.
“The strength of our innovation economy—and our ability to connect ideas with capital—will define the state’s competitiveness for decades to come. Coming together to align strategies and strengthen relationships at forums like The Michigan Startup Capital Summit is essential to building a vibrant ecosystem.”
Exploring Capital, Policy, and Technology
Public Policy & Capital Access
One of the day’s early sessions will spotlight the current state of entrepreneurial and investment policy in Michigan. Jenn Hayes (Invest Detroit), Kelly Sexton (University of Michigan), and Paul Krutko (Ann Arbor SPARK) will share insights into how lobbying efforts and statewide initiatives are shaping access to capital and influencing the startup environment.
The State of Angel Investing – Trends & Insights
Angel Capital Association Chair Kristina Montague and Vice Chair Dawn Batts will explore recent data, trends, and policy tools for angel investing, from both national and Michigan perspectives.
AI: Opportunities on the Horizon
Technology is moving fast, and Michigan companies are at the forefront of fields like artificial intelligence and robotics. In the Voices of AI: Industry Perspectives session, moderator Danny Ellis (Side Quest Strategies) will lead a discussion with Rada Mihalcea (University of Michigan), Shane Emmons (Swept AI), and Jason Harper (Ready Signal) on how these technologies are reshaping industries and creating new opportunities for startups and investors alike.
Throughout the day, Michigan-based startups will deliver fast-paced presentations, showcasing innovation across sectors from AI to healthcare. The Summit includes networking over coffee, lunch, and a closing reception from 4–6 p.m.
The Michigan Startup Capital Summit will examine both investment trends and the policy landscape that impacts entrepreneurial growth. Attendees will:
- Gain insider insights into entrepreneurship and innovation policy and advocacy in Michigan and the effects on early-stage investment.
- Get the latest national data and insights on angel investing.
- Hear directly from experts on how AI is evolving and being utilized across industries.
- Build relationships with investors, founders, and policymakers who are actively shaping Michigan’s innovation economy.
“Startups and scale-ups thrive when they have access not only to capital but also to a community that understands their challenges and opportunities,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. “This event convenes those voices, ensuring we’re building a robust, inclusive, and competitive innovation economy.”
The Michigan Startup Capital Summit is supported by Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Barnes & Thornburg, Bodman, Bank of Ann Arbor, Taft Law, Invest Detroit, and the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund, with additional support from the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA).
