Michigan Venture Capital Association Awards: Celebrating Impact and Innovation
The 17th Annual Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA) Awards Celebration was a night to remember for the Michigan Founders Fund (MFF), as they received the “Prestigious Community Impact Award”. This recognition reflects not only the efforts of MFF but also the collective contributions of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem across Michigan. It is a celebration of the vision, dedication, and hard work of our entire community, as well as our shared commitment to creating a founders-first network that fosters growth, innovation, and economic development.
About the Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA)
The Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the growth of Michigan’s venture capital industry. Since its inception, MVCA has played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration among venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders in Michigan. It serves as a unifying body that advocates for policies supporting the venture capital community, while also providing a platform for sharing best practices, nurturing talent, and creating investment opportunities.
Through events like the Annual Awards Celebration, MVCA honors the outstanding achievements of entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and companies that have made significant contributions to Michigan’s economy. The awards also provide an opportunity to highlight the innovation and progress within the state, particularly within the fields of technology, life sciences, manufacturing, and more.
Michigan Founders Fund: A Community-First Approach
Receiving the Community Impact Award from MVCA is a testament to the incredible work of the Michigan Founders Fund (MFF). This award recognizes the significant impact MFF has had on fostering the growth of local startups and entrepreneurs. As a fund focused on creating opportunities for Michigan-based founders, MFF is dedicated to building a robust network of support that helps these entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of scaling their businesses.
One of the core philosophies of MFF is its “founders-first” approach. This means that MFF not only provides the financial capital needed for startup success but also offers the mentorship, resources, and connections that founders need to thrive. By championing a collaborative and inclusive ecosystem, MFF helps startups grow sustainably, thus contributing to job creation and innovation across the state of Michigan.
This award signifies more than just success; it highlights the efforts of everyone in the MFF community. From the entrepreneurs who continue to drive innovation to the investors who provide the necessary funding, every person involved has played a crucial role in building a strong and impactful network.
Recognizing Exceptional Talent and Achievement
The MVCA Awards Celebration was a night of celebration for many exceptional individuals and companies that have made an impact in Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Alongside MFF’s recognition, several other notable awards were presented to individuals and companies that exemplify excellence in their respective fields.
Brian Moore, Voxel51 – Entrepreneur of the Year
MFF member Brian Moore of Voxel51 was honored with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Brian’s leadership in growing Voxel51 into an AI software that enables machine learning and computer vision scientists to rapidly create and experiment with their datasets in order to build higher performing machine learning systems. His visionary approach to using technology to solve real-world problems has positioned Voxel51 as a leader in the AI space, and Brian’s entrepreneurial journey serves as an inspiration to others in the Michigan startup ecosystem.
Ryan Meitl and Alison Accavitti, RIVET Work – Up-and-Coming Company of the Year
MFF members Ryan Meitl and Alison Accavitti, co-founders of RIVET Work, were recognized as the Up-and-Coming Company of the Year. RIVET Work is transforming the way companies approach human resources by offering a people-centric platform that enhances employee engagement and workforce management. Their innovative approach to HR technology is helping businesses across the state build better workplace cultures and improve employee satisfaction.
Johnnie Turnage, EvenScore and Black Tech Saturdays – Community Impact
MFF member Johnnie Turnage was recognized for his work in both EvenScore and Black Tech Saturdays with the Community Impact Award alongside co-founder Alexa Turnage. Through his dedication to creating inclusive spaces for Black entrepreneurs and professionals in tech, Johnnie is helping to break down barriers and create more opportunities for underrepresented groups in the startup ecosystem. His leadership in driving positive change and building supportive communities for aspiring entrepreneurs has grown across the country.
Adrian Fortino, Mercury – Capital Event of the Year
MFF member Adrian Fortino and Mercury were honored with the Capital Event of the Year Award. Mercury’s investment strategy focuses on early-stage funding for companies with the potential to disrupt their industries, and Adrian’s leadership in orchestrating successful funding rounds has played a significant role in the growth of many high-potential startups across Michigan. This recognition underscores the importance of capital in enabling innovation and business success.
Hall of Fame Inductee: Chris Rizik, Renaissance Venture Capital
A Hall of Fame Inductee Award went to Chris Rizik of Renaissance Venture Capital, which is a partner and has members in MFF. Chris has been a driving force behind the development of Michigan’s venture capital landscape and has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for growth and innovation in the state. His decades of experience and success in venture capital have had a profound impact on the Michigan business community, and this recognition is a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy.
A Heartfelt Thank You to the MFF Team and Community
While the MVCA Awards celebration was a night of recognition for outstanding individuals and companies, it also provided an opportunity to reflect on the collective achievements of the MFF team and community. It is an honor to work alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals who are committed to strengthening Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
A special thank you goes to the board and staff for their unwavering support throughout this year, as well as the founding members and champions of MFF since the beginning. Their dedication to advancing our mission has been invaluable, and they are incredibly grateful for their hard work and commitment.
Congratulations again to all the award recipients. Here’s to a future of continued growth, innovation, and success for Michigan’s entrepreneurs and the venture capital community that supports them!
