Pre-Seed and Angel investing plays an important role in the Michigan startup community. Join MVCA for a conversation with representatives of both Grand Angels and Michigan Rise to learn more about their organizations as well as the types of deals they see which can be impactful to Michigan.

The panel will include:

PAUL D’AMATO, Managing Director / Grand Angels
Paul is a successful serial entrepreneur with more than 20 years of business building experience.  Paul is currently the Managing Director of  the Grand Angels Venture Fund II and Fund III.  He also is the Managing Director of Trout Creek Ventures, a regional co-investment venture capital fund focusing on early stage investments. He is an active angel investor with several angel groups in the Midwest. Previously, Paul owned and operated a retail chain in the Midwest that he sold to a strategic acquirer. Paul built the chain through organic growth and a series of acquisitions. 

JEFF WESLEY, Executive Director / Michigan Rise
Jeff Wesley leverages deep operational and investment expertise to support technology entrepreneurs in Michigan. Prior to joining MSU Foundation as part of its senior leadership team, Jeff was the CEO of Two Men And A Truck – the nation’s largest local moving company. Wesley received national recognition as a top franchise executive at Two Men And A Truck. He also served as the President of Accu Bite Dental Supply, an Inc. 100 company that was acquired by a Fortune 500 company.