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$15MM startup fund launched in West Michigan
11–20 of 24 posts
Re: $15MM startup fund launched in West Michigan
#12I have really mixed feelings about this idea. The single biggest impediment to startups in Michigan is lack of angel investors.
I wish them luck, but have to think if that much money was invested in Michigan startups through a mechanism such as angel list the overall benefit would be much, much greater.
Re: $15MM startup fund launched in West Michigan
#13I knew there was a West Virginia, but I did not know there was a West Michigan!
cultural insight: west michigan is what west michiganders call themselves to distance themselves from Detroit.
To be fair, other Michiganders call it West Michigan to distance themselves from West Michigan as well.
Re: $15MM startup fund launched in West Michigan
#14Earlier quoted context omitted.
cultural insight: west michigan is what west michiganders call themselves to distance themselves from Detroit.
Bingo. I'm originally from Northern Michigan - technically Northern Lower Michigan, to distance ourselves from the crazy backwoods folk in the UP, and from the run-down big city craziness of Detroit and Lansing.
...and yoopers call us trolls because we live "under the bridge."
Re: $15MM startup fund launched in West Michigan
#15Rick DeVos also started http://www.artprize.org/. It's good to see things happening in the midwest.
Re: $15MM startup fund launched in West Michigan
#16I predict Grand Rapids will be a software powerhouse in the next 10 years.
Re: $15MM startup fund launched in West Michigan
#17I spent a day in Grand Rapids last year, very impressed with the tech scene there. A lot of bright folks, good companies, beautiful mid sized city, and a surprising lean focus.
Go StartGarden! I hope we can cop some of GR's vibe here in St. Louis.
Also the micro-funding concept is brilliant, great way to draw out the hidden midwest talent
Re: $15MM startup fund launched in West Michigan
#18I knew there was a West Virginia, but I did not know there was a West Michigan!
cultural insight: west michigan is what west michiganders call themselves to distance themselves from Detroit.
i don't think that distance is the right word there, more like differentiate. michigan is a big diverse state. i think it is more so geographic shorthand
Re: $15MM startup fund launched in West Michigan
#19am i understanding the contract correctly that they want 3% for a $5000 investment?
That looks right. I mean, it's not too far off from YC's 6% for ~12k, but I'm curious as to whether the rights they spell out affect that in any way, particularly with dilution.
Re: $15MM startup fund launched in West Michigan
#20I spent a day in Grand Rapids last year, very impressed with the tech scene there. A lot of bright folks, good companies, beautiful mid sized city, and a surprising lean focus. Go StartGarden! I hope we can cop some of GR's vibe here in St. Louis. Also the micro-funding concept is brilliant, great way to draw out the hidden midwest talent
Might you be more easily impressed than most HNers, coming from StL? Or have you got to know one of the big startup hubs? Also I'm curious what you did in a day to get a feel for it. I've spent a week in SF so far but I don't feel that I have a good grasp of what it's like there. If you have insight into how to quickly check out a city's tech scene, please share.