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Huron River Ventures

North America, Michigan, United States, Ann Arbor

Description

Huron River Ventures is an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in disruptive technologies across the energy, agriculture, and transportation sectors. Established with a commitment to fostering innovation in the Midwest and beyond, the firm primarily targets seed to Series A stage companies. They seek out startups that are leveraging deep technology to solve significant industry challenges, often with a strong emphasis on sustainability and efficiency.

The firm's investment strategy involves providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and access to a robust network of industry experts and co-investors. Huron River Ventures typically writes initial checks ranging from $250,000 to $1,500,000, reserving significant capital for follow-on rounds to support their portfolio companies through subsequent growth stages. Their approach is hands-on, working closely with founders to navigate product development, market entry, and scaling challenges.

Huron River Ventures has played a pivotal role in the regional startup ecosystem, particularly in Michigan, while also extending its reach nationally for compelling opportunities. With a fund like their second vehicle reportedly closing at approximately $25 million, they demonstrate a capacity to be a meaningful lead or co-investor in early-stage rounds. Their portfolio includes companies that have achieved significant milestones, such as successful acquisitions and substantial growth, underscoring their ability to identify and nurture high-potential ventures.

This firm stands out for its dedicated focus on critical industries and its commitment to early-stage innovation. By combining strategic capital with operational support, Huron River Ventures aims to accelerate the development of groundbreaking technologies that address pressing global needs in energy, food production, and logistics. Their presence strengthens the venture landscape in the Midwest, providing crucial funding and mentorship to a new generation of entrepreneurs.

Investor Profile

Huron River Ventures has backed more than 36 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 6 rounds, about 17% of its total and boasts 7 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series A, Series B, Seed rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States.
  • Strong thematic focus on Internet, Analytics, Big Data.
  • Typical check size: $250K – $1.5M.

Stage Focus

  • Series A (31%)
  • Series B (22%)
  • Seed (19%)
  • Convertible Note (17%)
  • Series C (6%)
  • Series D (6%)

Country Focus

  • United States (100%)

Industry Focus

  • Internet
  • Analytics
  • Big Data
  • Software
  • Manufacturing
  • Robotics
  • Internet Of Things
  • Agriculture
  • Enterprise Software
  • Apps
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Huron River Ventures frequently co-invest with?

Clarion Direct Investment
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 4
Oreilly AlphaTech Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
ff Venture Capital
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 4
Mercury
North America, Texas, United States, Houston
Co-Investments: 3
HPA (Hyde Park Angels)
North America, Illinois, United States, Chicago
Co-Investments: 4
Hyde Park Venture Partners
North America, Illinois, United States, Chicago
Co-Investments: 5
IA Ventures
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 3
Red Sea Ventures
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 3
Hatch
North America, Ohio, United States, Cleveland
Co-Investments: 4
DM
North America, Texas, United States, Houston
Co-Investments: 4

Which angels does Huron River Ventures often collaborate with?

MP
North America, Colorado, United States, Aspen
Shared Deals: 1
JS
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
Robert Safrata
North America, British Columbia, Canada, Vancouver
Shared Deals: 1
JK
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
JE
North America, California, United States, Irvine
Shared Deals: 1
JC
North America, New York, United States, Rochester
Shared Deals: 1
JZ
North America, California, United States, Stanford
Shared Deals: 1
LG
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
KO
North America, California, United States, Mountain View
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Huron River Ventures?

SkySpecs

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Simplifying renewable energy asset management with purpose-built technologies, delivering industry-leading productivity.

AnalyticsAsset ManagementRenewable EnergyRoboticsWind Energy
Series DMay 12, 2022
Amount Raised: $80,000,000
SkySpecs

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Simplifying renewable energy asset management with purpose-built technologies, delivering industry-leading productivity.

AnalyticsAsset ManagementRenewable EnergyRoboticsWind Energy
Series BJan 9, 2018
Amount Raised: $8,000,000
FarmLogs

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

FarmLogs' platform exposes critical operational data insights to more than 1 in 3 US row crop farmers.

AgricultureAgTechBig DataInternetSoftware
Series CJan 11, 2017
Amount Raised: $22,000,000
Sight Machine

San Francisco, California, United States

Sight Machine provides analytics platform that helps address critical challenges in quality and productivity throughout the enterprise.

AnalyticsArtificial Intelligence (AI)AutomotiveBig DataInternet of ThingsMachine LearningManufacturingRoboticsSaaS
Series BNov 16, 2016
Amount Raised: $6,000,000
Algal Scientific

Plymouth, Michigan, United States

Algal Scientific serves the animal feed, human nutrition, and wastewater treatment industries.

AgricultureAnimal FeedBiotechnologyFood and BeverageHealth CareNutraceuticalWater
Convertible NoteSep 9, 2016
Amount Raised: $2,000,000
Ambiq Micro

Austin, Texas, United States

Ambiq Micro is a semiconductor manufacturing company that develops mixed-signal solutions for wireless electronics.

Consumer ElectronicsInternet of ThingsManufacturingSemiconductorWearables
Series CJul 27, 2016
Amount Raised: $9,500,000
PeachWorks

Southfield, Michigan, United States

PeachWorks develops a software that enables on-the-fly restaurant management.

CollaborationEnterprise SoftwareKnowledge ManagementRestaurantsSoftware
Convertible NoteJul 12, 2016
Amount Raised: $2,000,000
Sportsman Tracker

Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

Sportsman Tracker is a cross-platform digital toolset designed to increase success opportunities for hunters and fishermen.

AppsHuntingInformation TechnologyService IndustrySoftware
Series AJul 8, 2016
Amount Raised: $950,000
Cribspot

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Cribspot is an online platform for college students and property managers that streamlines finding and leasing off-campus housing.

EducationInternetReal EstateRental
SeedJun 1, 2016
Amount Raised: $1,750,000
ArborMetrix

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

ArborMetrix is a performance measurement for Acute and Specialty Care.

AnalyticsCloud ComputingHealth Care
Series BMar 31, 2016
Amount Raised: $6,850,000