Invest Detroit Ventures

Invest Detroit Ventures (IDV) serves as the venture capital arm of Invest Detroit, a prominent non-profit community development financial institution dedicated to fostering economic growth and opportunity within Michigan. Established with a core mission to support early-stage, high-growth companies, IDV plays a pivotal role in strengthening the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The firm is particularly noted for its commitment to inclusive growth, actively seeking to invest in diverse founders and businesses operating in underserved communities, thereby addressing critical funding gaps in the market.

IDV manages two distinct venture funds to cater to different stages of company development. The First Step Fund is designed for pre-seed and seed-stage companies, providing essential early capital with initial investments typically ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. This fund is often the first institutional investment for many nascent businesses. Complementing this, the Detroit Innovate Fund focuses on seed and early Series A rounds, offering larger initial investments that typically fall between $250,000 and $500,000, with the potential for follow-on capital up to $1 million as companies scale. While sector-agnostic, IDV's portfolio frequently includes companies in technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.

Since its inception, Invest Detroit Ventures has made a substantial impact on Michigan's startup landscape. The firm has deployed over $20 million into more than 150 companies, demonstrating a broad reach across various industries and stages. These initial investments have been instrumental in attracting significant further capital, with IDV's portfolio companies collectively leveraging over $600 million in follow-on funding from other investors. Beyond financial capital, IDV provides strategic resources, mentorship, and network access, underscoring its holistic approach to supporting its portfolio. This comprehensive support, combined with its focus on diversity and regional development, positions Invest Detroit Ventures as a key driver of innovation and job creation in the Midwest.