The latest additions to our growing portfolio

⚾️ GripFusion (Ann Arbor, MI) is innovating sports tech with the ForceBall, a smart grip-sensing baseball that helps athletes train smarter and play safer.

⚡ Volt Harbor (Ann Arbor, MI) an energy tech startup transforming retired EV batteries into affordable, scalable energy storage systems that support a cleaner, more resilient grid. 

Portfolio companies continuing to scale

🎮 Scorbit is a connected gaming platform that modernizes classic arcade play by linking physical machines with digital social competition and engagement.

🧬 CircNova is a biotech startup leveraging proprietary AI to design circular RNA molecules aimed at accelerating development of novel therapies for hard-to-treat diseases.

💼 Zeck is a software startup reinventing board governance with a cloud-based platform that streamlines board meeting preparation, collaboration, and decision-making for companies and nonprofits.

🍽️Shifty, a hospitality tech startup offering a mobile training, communication, and scheduling platform to help restaurants onboard staff faster and improve retention.

🛠️ 86 Repairs is a restaurant industry repair and maintenance management platform that streamlines equipment upkeep, vendor coordination, and preventative maintenance to reduce downtime and costs.

Celebrating the progress, growth, and stories of our founders

Our portfolio company BRCĒ is heading to the tank! Tune in March 4 at 10PM ET on ABC to watch BRCĒ appear on Shark Tank. From a classroom idea to national television, this milestone reflects years of grit, hustle, and a true #NEVERQUIT mindset. Mark your calendar, don’t miss out.

Celebrating the latest successful exits from our portfolio

💡TheraB Medical was acquired by Natus Sensory to expand access to its wearable neonatal phototherapy technology and integrate it into a broader family‑centered newborn care portfolio. 

🥗 Chiyo was acquired by Epicured to combine Chiyo’s women‑focused, stage‑specific nutrition programs with Epicured’s food‑as‑medicine platform and scale women’s health nutrition solutions across the U.S.

📈 FirstIgnite was acquired by Merit Holdings, bringing its AI‑driven tech‑transfer and research partnership platform into a larger suite of specialized software tools to accelerate innovation commercialization.

Upcoming events and where to find the ID Ventures team

🔥Connect with the Venture313 team, including Belvin Liles and Jeff Ponders, at SXSW. ID Ventures’ presence at SXSW helps ensure Michigan founders are represented, connected, and competitive on a global startup stage.

📍517 Innovation & Entrepreneur Week, April 6-10, a multi-day event in the Greater Lansing region that brings together founders, investors, and community partners for workshops, networking, and startup showcases focused on growing Michigan’s innovation ecosystem.

🏆 PitchMI Championship – April 7th! Michigan’s statewide startup pitch competition where founders compete for up to $1.25M in investment and showcase innovation.

📍Connect with Prem Bodagala (hosting 2 sessions at 20Fathoms) at Northern Michigan Startup Week  – April 20-24 Register for each session below, space is limited.
1 – Funded: A VC’s Guide to What It Really Takes to Raise Capital
2 – Pitch Deck to Purchase Agreement: The Exit Story You Don’t Hear Enough

📍Michigan Tech Week – May 19-21 A week-long celebration of Michigan’s innovation ecosystem with region-wide events, pitches, workshops, and meetups that connect founders, investors, and tech leaders across the state.

Noteworthy opportunities, trends, stories, and resources

🎓The Science of Scaling: Using Data to Decide When and How Fast to Scale Revenue

🚀 From our friends at Carta: The Early Stage Market in 2026

📈 Michigan Venture Capital Association’s Entrepreneur & Investment Guide: A valuable tool for anyone building in Michigan

ID Ventures has invested in high-tech startups based in Michigan since 2010. 

Annual (2026):

💰 Amount Deployed: $819K

🏢 Total Companies Invested In: 7

Lifetime:

💰 Amount Deployed: $42M

🏢 Total Companies Invested In: 244

🚀 Active Companies: 137

🌍 Diverse Founders: 72%

🎉 Exits: 30

ID Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on supporting innovative founders and high-potential startups in Michigan. We provide capital, guidance, and connections to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of building and scaling their businesses.

Our investments are in industry agnostic, high-growth sectors, with a focus on creating lasting impact for both companies and the broader Michigan innovation ecosystem. At ID Ventures, we aim to be a trusted partner to founders from their earliest stages through long-term growth.