Edition: August 2026 |
August brought plenty of momentum across the ID Ventures community, from portfolio wins to new founders joining the portfolio – and we launched a NEW Fund. Here’s a look at what’s happening across Michigan’s startup ecosystem. |
NEW FUND: FUSE Fund |
Funding University Startups Early |
🚀 We’re excited to launch the FUSE Fund, a new ID Ventures initiative designed to help currently enrolled students at Michigan universities take their first steps toward building high-growth companies. FUSE will invest $20,000–$50,000 in 4–6 student-led companies each year, providing early capital alongside mentorship, connections, and access to the ID Ventures network. FUSE is about getting promising student ideas off the ground earlier and helping Michigan’s next generation of founders build what’s next. Currently enrolled at a Michigan university and building something? |
NEW Company Spotlight |
The latest additions to our growing portfolio |
🌊 Detroit-based Motmot is using autonomous underwater robotics to help water utilities see what’s happening inside their pipes. Its technology captures detailed data from live water mains, giving communities better information to prioritize repairs, plan investments, and manage aging infrastructure.
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Follow-on Support |
Portfolio companies continuing to scale |
🧬 Genomenon uses AI to help researchers and clinicians make sense of complex genomic information and accelerate the discovery of disease-causing genetic variants. 🏗️ Constrat.AI uses AI to help construction teams streamline project planning, improve decision-making, and manage complex construction data more efficiently. 🔗 Bloom is an AI-powered supply chain and operations platform helping hardware companies build, source, and scale by connecting them with a vetted network of manufacturing, logistics, and service partners. |
📰 Founders in Motion |
Celebrating the progress, growth, and stories of our founders |
🚀 Venture 313 was recently recognized by AFROTECH for its continued work supporting Detroit’s Black tech founders. Together with the Gilbert Family Foundation, TechTown Detroit, and Detroit Development Fund, we’re proud to be part of a partnership expanding access to capital and creating more opportunities for Detroit founders to build and grow. 🎥 Venture 313 was recently featured on Detroit PBS’s American Black Journal, highlighting the founders, resources, and community working to strengthen Detroit’s startup ecosystem. 🎉 Catapult was named to the 2026 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies, ranking #1 in Michigan and among the top companies nationally in Food & Beverage. We’re proud to see Jake Schostak and the Catapult team recognized for the momentum they’ve built. |
On the Rise & Hiring |
Opportunities to join some of Michigan’s most exciting startups |
🏭 NOX METALS is rethinking how critical metals are recovered and reused, building technology with the potential to make a real impact on the future of manufacturing and a more circular economy. If you’re looking for a chance to roll up your sleeves, solve hard problems, and help build something from the ground up, this is one to check out. ⚾ GripFusion is hiring across data science, engineering, software, and marketing for people excited to help shape the future of sports technology through AI, advanced sensors, and performance science. They are looking for curious, driven people who are excited to solve challenging problems and help shape the future of sports technology. |
🌐 Mark Your Calendar |
Upcoming events and where to find the ID Ventures team |
💵 PitchMI founder-focused startup competitions, designed to identify, support, and invest in Michigan’s most promising startups through a competitive statewide selection process 📅 Tech Week Grand Rapids 📅 SBIC Investor Match Live 📅 a2Tech360 📅 Renaissance Venture Capital UnDemo Day 🏆 MVCA 19th Annual Awards Celebration |
Michigan Innovation Alliance |
Powering Michigan’s Prosperity |
🤝 Michigan Innovation Alliance Michigan’s innovation economy grows stronger when we work together. As a founding partner of the Michigan Innovation Alliance, ID Ventures is joining organizations from across the state to improve collaboration, expand access to capital, and support the next generation of high-growth companies. Whether you’re an investor, founder, corporate partner, university, or ecosystem supporter, we invite you to learn more and become part of this statewide effort to shape Michigan’s innovation future. |
📊 ID Ventures Portfolio Snapshot |
ID Ventures has invested in high-tech startups based in Michigan since 2010. Annual (2026): 💰 Amount Deployed: $2.9M 🏢 Total Companies Invested In: 22 Lifetime: 💰 Amount Deployed: $44M 🏢 Total Companies Invested In: 252 🚀 Active Companies: 135 🌍 Diverse Founders: 72% 🎉 Exits: 33 |
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. |
