The Michigan Economic Development Corporation recently announced the creation of a $3 million Tech Startup Stabilization Fund to help stabilize early-stage tech startups in Michigan that are being impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
"In the face of this public health crisis and the economic uncertainty it is creating, it is more important than ever to encourage and support high-tech companies in the state in bringing their innovations to life," said Fred Molnar, vice president of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation initiative at the MEDC. "Through the creation of this fund, we are hoping to provide a critical source of capital for early-stage tech companies in Michigan that will allow them to survive and succeed once this crisis is over."
Administered by ID Ventures, the Tech Startup Stabilization Fund will provide early-stage tech companies direct investments or loans that can be converted into equity. Investment and loan sizes are expected to range between $20,000 to $100,000, depending on the stage of the company, the sector, estimated runway, and demonstration of need. Larger amounts may be awarded in scenarios where justified. The fund will prioritize early-stage tech companies that are beyond ideation and have previously raised capital from angel and/or venture capital sources. Fundraising to increase the impact of the fund is ongoing. Startups can visit TSSFund.com to apply for the fund or learn more.
The fund will prioritize investments and loans for early-stage companies that demonstrate the following criteria:
- Technology-based companies headquartered in Michigan with the majority of employees located in the state
- Early-stage technology and innovation-based businesses with fewer than 50 employees
- Strong team that has proven execution capability
- Prior investment from angel or venture capital sources, with matching angel and or/venture capital funds encouraged
- Pre-COVID-19, was on path for next round of funding, with favorable relationships in place
- Strong customer value proposition
- Conveys that company can survive and thrive post-crisis
"ID Ventures is an investor in many early-stage tech startups across Michigan and deeply embedded in the state's startup ecosystem. We are already seeing firsthand how the pandemic is negatively affecting promising companies with a high potential for job creation," said Patti Glaza, managing director of ID Ventures and executive vice president of Invest Detroit. "Just as important as supporting main street businesses, we need to ensure we are protecting the economic diversity of our economy by shoring up our high-tech community. We are grateful to the MEDC for this critical assistance and eager to get this investment to the companies that need it."
ID Ventures currently manages the First Capital Fund, which has become a vital source of capital for Michigan's early-stage tech companies and startups, having supported businesses from all corners of the state and throughout both peninsulas. Since its inception in 2017, the fund has invested more than $5 million in more than 40 companies, helping to create over 200 Michigan jobs and raise more than $50 million in leveraged capital. ID Ventures has also implemented statewide initiatives supported by MEDC in the past, including the Hacker Fellowship Program and the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition, making them a strong fit for administering the Tech Startup Stabilization Fund.
Last week's announcement is just the latest effort of MEDC and the state's small business support organizations to assist small businesses, startups, entrepreneurs and communities throughout the state in the face of the COVID-19 virus. Earlier last week, the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) awarded $3 million in Pre-Seed III funds to be administered by Michigan State University Foundation to better support entrepreneurs and tech startups across Michigan over a one-year period. The board also approved the MSF Awardee Relief Initiative program, which authorizes emergency relief to businesses and community projects that have previously received grants, loans or other forms of economic assistance from the MSF.
Other resources for businesses across Michigan to assist them in recovering from economic losses as a result of the COVID-19 virus can be found online at michiganbusiness.org/covid19. This site includes resources offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration including emergency loans, the Pure Michigan Business Connect virtual procurement and donation platform, support services offered through the Small Business Development Center and more. The MEDC has also developed a FAQ for Michigan businesses and communities at michiganbusiness.org/covid19-faq.
Published: Mon, Apr 20, 2020
