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X-WR-CALNAME:Michigan Founders Fund
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Michigan Founders Fund
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230816T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230818T120000
DTSTAMP:20260623T105117
CREATED:20230601T124423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230707T114750Z
UID:1891-1692187200-1692360000@michiganfoundersfund.org
SUMMARY:Founders Retreat - August
DESCRIPTION:This unique experience is open to all MI-based\, high-growth founders seeking leadership growth opportunities\, a safe forum to share and discuss real business challenges and goals amongst a group of like-minded peers\, and a way to build meaningful connections and a long-lasting support network to lean on throughout your startup journey. \nThis is an all-inclusive experience at a private B&B on Lake Michigan designed specifically for founders. We will accept 10-12 founders into the August 2023 cohort. For those who apply and are invited to attend\, the retreat will be $500 with a 50% discount for MFF Members. \n*A limited number of financial scholarships will be available to accepted applicants to support their participation in the program. \n  \nGoals of the Founders Retreat: \n\nBuild meaningful relationships and camaraderie\nShare experiences and networks – learn from and with others\nBecome invested in each other’s success\nEnhance leadership skills to take the company to the next level\nEstablish the connection between business culture\, success and community\n\nParticipants are required to be present at all retreat activities\, which will take place from Wednesday\, August 16 at noon through Friday\, August 18 at noon. Retreat Activities Include: \n\nGroup breakfasts\, lunches and dinners\nA series of 3-4 business and culture workshops over the course of the retreat – led by a professional facilitator and MFF\nTime for founder case studies – exchange and discussion\nOptional exercise/workout activities (such as yoga on the beach) and a group lake activity or vineyard tour\nFree time to explore the local area and enjoy the beach\n\nRetreat attendees will also meet periodically for the subsequent 12 months as a cohort\, to continue fellowship with peers and provide space for continued exchange and support. \nClick here to read about a recent Founders Retreat and see photos from the experience. \n  \nApplication process \nTo apply\, please complete the application below by July 21st\, 2023. Applicants will be notified of their selection to this retreat’s cohort by July 25th. If you have questions\, please email: community@michiganfoundersfund.org \nApplications will be evaluated on a few key criteria: \n\nThere is an established team\, large addressable market\, and scalable business model\nHave secured some level of funding for the company\nProduct is in market (and ideally generating revenue)\n\n  \nAugust 2023 Founders Retreat Application
URL:https://michiganfoundersfund.org/event/founders-retreat-august-2023/
LOCATION:Rosemont Inn\, 83 Lakeshore Drive\, Douglas\, MI\, 49406\, United States
CATEGORIES:Coaching,Community,Founder Relationships,Startup Advancement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://michiganfoundersfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/TVT_2468-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230804
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230805
DTSTAMP:20260623T105117
CREATED:20230531T113458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230802T113717Z
UID:1890-1691107200-1691193599@michiganfoundersfund.org
SUMMARY:Founders First Fridays
DESCRIPTION:The first Friday of each month\, founders get together to connect\, share their challenges\, and be resources for each other. This is a casual meetup with no set agenda\, just Founders helping Founders.We’re holding Founders First Fridays in multiple cities across the state so all founders have a place to connect with the other great folks building companies here in Michigan. Hope to see you there! \nRSVP HereMeetup locations and times: \nAnn Arbor  \n9-10am at Cahoots (206 E Huron St\, Ann Arbor\, MI 48104) \nHosted by Prashant Salla\, founder of GoodHood \nDetroit \n9-10am at Newlab @ Michigan Central (2050 15th St\, Detroit\, MI 48216) \nHosted by Achsha Jones\, founder of TripSlip \nEast Lansing \n10-11am at Blue Owl Coffee (213 Ann St Suite C\, East Lansing\, MI 48823) \nHosted by Shreesha Maddur\, founder of Zenit \nGrand Rapids \n10-11am at Start Garden (40 Pearl St NW #200\, Grand Rapids\, MI 49503) \nHosted by Terra Osman\, founder of Farmish\, and Dre Wallace\, founder of Opnr \nKalamazoo \n9:30-10:30am at Startup Zoo (229 E Michigan Ave Suite 335\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007) \nHosted by Sydney Davis\, founder of NixCode \nRoyal Oak \n9-10am at Bamboo (220 S Main St\, Royal Oak\, MI 48067) \nHosted by Christina Fair\, founder of Hum \nTraverse City \n9-10am at Happy Camper Coffee (212 River St\, Elk Rapids\, MI 49629) \nHosted by Broc Crandall\, founder of Stocked
URL:https://michiganfoundersfund.org/event/founders-first-fridays-august/
LOCATION:Michigan\, MI\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founder Relationships,Networking,Startup Advancement
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230714T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230714T120000
DTSTAMP:20260623T105117
CREATED:20230531T112246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230707T162821Z
UID:1882-1689328800-1689336000@michiganfoundersfund.org
SUMMARY:MFF Member Workshop: Positioning
DESCRIPTION:MFF Member-Only Event \nCome join this free Positioning Workshop\, where we’ll dive into effective strategies to ensure your startup is correctly understood\, valued\, and desired by your target audience. Engage with seasoned founders\, marketing gurus\, and brand strategists who have successfully positioned their startups in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Bring your questions\, your product descriptions\, your elevator pitches – and let’s refine your positioning for maximum impact! Let’s make sure when you talk\, your market listens and understands! \nRSVP HereWe want to ensure each attendee gets the attention they need during this workshop\, so please register as soon as you can.
URL:https://michiganfoundersfund.org/event/mff-member-workshop-positioning/
LOCATION:Northville
CATEGORIES:Founder Relationships,Members Only Event,Startup Advancement
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230707
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230708
DTSTAMP:20260623T105117
CREATED:20230531T113259Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230707T114907Z
UID:1889-1688688000-1688774399@michiganfoundersfund.org
SUMMARY:Founders First Fridays
DESCRIPTION:The first Friday of each month\, founders get together to connect\, share their challenges\, and be resources for each other. This is a casual meetup with no set agenda\, just Founders helping Founders.We’re holding Founders First Fridays in multiple cities across the state so all founders have a place to connect with the other great folks building companies here in Michigan. Hope to see you there! \nRSVP HereMeetup locations and times: \nAnn Arbor  \n\n9-10am\nCahoots (206 E Huron St\, Ann Arbor\, MI 48104)\n\nGrand Rapids \n\n10-11am\nStart Garden (40 Pearl St NW #200\, Grand Rapids\, MI 49503)\n\nRoyal Oak \n\n9-10am\nBamboo (220 S Main St\, Royal Oak\, MI 48067)
URL:https://michiganfoundersfund.org/event/founders-first-fridays-july/
LOCATION:Michigan\, MI\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founder Relationships,Networking,Startup Advancement
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230623T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230623T120000
DTSTAMP:20260623T105117
CREATED:20230531T111811Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230608T161332Z
UID:1880-1687514400-1687521600@michiganfoundersfund.org
SUMMARY:MFF Member Workshop: Fundraising Prep
DESCRIPTION:MFF Member-Only Event \nMembers that are raising funds in the next 3-6 months are encouraged to attend this free workshop where we’ll workshop best practices for pitching to Angels and VC firms. Come and talk with experienced founders and investors that are here to help you prepare for your pitches. Bring your questions\, bring your pitch decks\, and let’s get to work! \nRSVP HereWe want to ensure each attendee gets the attention they need during this workshop\, so please register as soon as you can. This is a virtual event.
URL:https://michiganfoundersfund.org/event/mff-member-workshop-fundraising-prep/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Founder Relationships,Members Only Event,Startup Advancement
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230602T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230602T090000
DTSTAMP:20260623T105117
CREATED:20230531T113042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231219T233849Z
UID:1886-1685692800-1685696400@michiganfoundersfund.org
SUMMARY:Founders First Fridays
DESCRIPTION:The first Friday of each month\, (Friday June 2nd!) 8-9am\, founders get together to connect\, share their challenges\, and be resources for each other. This is a casual meetup with no set agenda\, just Founders helping Founders.We’re holding Founders First Fridays in Metro Detroit at Bamboo Royal Oak\, Ann Arbor at Cahoots\, and Grand Rapids at Start Garden so founders from across the state have a place to connect with the other great folks building companies here in Michigan all at the same time. Hope to see you there! \nRSVP Here
URL:https://michiganfoundersfund.org/event/founders-first-fridays-june2023/
LOCATION:Michigan\, MI\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founder Relationships,Networking,Startup Advancement
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230524T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230526T120000
DTSTAMP:20260623T105117
CREATED:20230323T170634Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230323T171359Z
UID:1665-1684929600-1685102400@michiganfoundersfund.org
SUMMARY:Founders Retreat - May 2023
DESCRIPTION:This unique experience is open to all MI-based\, high-growth founders seeking leadership growth opportunities\, a safe forum to share and discuss real business challenges and goals amongst a group of like-minded peers\, and a way to build meaningful connections and a long-lasting support network to lean on throughout your startup journey. \nThis is an all-inclusive experience at a private B&B on Lake Michigan designed specifically for founders. We will accept 10-12 founders into the May 2023 cohort. For those who apply and are invited to attend\, the retreat will be $500 with a 50% discount for MFF Members. \n*A limited number of financial scholarships will be available to accepted applicants to support their participation in the program. \n  \nGoals of the Founders Retreat: \n\nBuild meaningful relationships and camaraderie\nShare experiences and networks – learn from and with others\nBecome invested in each other’s success\nEnhance leadership skills to take the company to the next level\nEstablish the connection between business culture\, success and community\n\nParticipants are required to be present at all retreat activities\, which will take place from Wednesday\, May 24 at noon through Friday\, May 26 at noon. Retreat Activities Include: \n\nGroup breakfasts\, lunches and dinners\nA series of 3-4 business and culture workshops over the course of the retreat – led by a professional facilitator and MFF\nTime for founder case studies – exchange and discussion\nOptional exercise/workout activities (such as yoga on the beach) and a group lake activity or vineyard tour\nFree time to explore the local area and enjoy the beach\n\nRetreat attendees will also meet periodically for the subsequent 12 months as a cohort\, to continue fellowship with peers and provide space for continued exchange and support. \nClick here to read about a recent Founders Retreat and see photos from the experience. \n  \nApplication process \nTo apply\, please complete the application below by April 20th\, 2023. Applicants will be notified of their selection to this retreat’s cohort by April 30th. If you have questions\, please email: community@michiganfoundersfund.org \nApplications will be evaluated on a few key criteria: \n\nThere is an established team\, large addressable market\, and scalable business model\nHave secured some level of funding for the company\nProduct is in market (and ideally generating revenue)\n\n  \nMay 2023 Founders Retreat Application
URL:https://michiganfoundersfund.org/event/founders-retreat-may-2023/
LOCATION:Rosemont Inn\, 83 Lakeshore Drive\, Douglas\, MI\, 49406\, United States
CATEGORIES:Coaching,Community,Founder Relationships,Startup Advancement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://michiganfoundersfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/TVT_2468-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230405T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230405T130000
DTSTAMP:20260623T105117
CREATED:20230220T191236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230220T191643Z
UID:1572-1680696000-1680699600@michiganfoundersfund.org
SUMMARY:Founder Roundtable: Leading a DEIB-centered Company
DESCRIPTION:Michigan’s tech startup and venture capital ecosystems continue to grow at a rapid pace but the talent within this community is often disproportionate to the diversity found across the state. \nIn an effort to change this trajectory\, MFF has partnered with startups\, universities\, and experts in diversity\, equity\, inclusion\, and belonging (DEIB) to coordinate an annual internship program for underrepresented college students to gain access to the tech industry and to help tech leaders build more DEIB-centered companies. \nThis Founder Roundtable is open to all MFF Pledged Members and founders who are hiring interns through the program. Our goals for this virtual program are to create a space for tech founders to: \n\nGet to know each other\, share experiences\, and build trust\nDiscuss leading a DEIB-centered company\nLeave with specific tools\, best practices\, and actions\n\nRSVP Here\nAdditional details will be provided two weeks before the event. Here’s what to expect: \n\nWelcome & level setting\nSmall group introductions\nFacilitated founder-to-founder discussion on leading a DEIB-centered company\nCall to action & close\n\nReach out to sarah@michiganfoundersfund.org with questions!
URL:https://michiganfoundersfund.org/event/lead-with-deib/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Community Impact,Founder Relationships,Startup Advancement
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20221012
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20221014
DTSTAMP:20260623T105117
CREATED:20220830T194335Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220907T164635Z
UID:1374-1665532800-1665705599@michiganfoundersfund.org
SUMMARY:Michigan Tech Week - Oct 12 & 13 - Detroit
DESCRIPTION:The first-ever Michigan Tech Week launches October 12th – 13th! \nStartups\, tech employees\, investors\, innovators and anyone interested in building community with Michigan’s tech ecosystem should join us this fall at the Gem Theater in Detroit. \nThis premier conference will offer unique insights and networking opportunities across our tech ecosystem – with a full lineup of exciting speakers and panelists. \nMark your calendars and subscribe here for conference updates and registration: https://www.michigantechweek.com/ \nMFF is a host and co-sponsor of Michigan Tech Week\, along with our friends at Midwest House\, Endeavor Great Lakes\, Intermitten\, Bamboo\, Shine & Rise\, Cahoots\, Start Garden\, Venture Catalysts and Techstars.
URL:https://michiganfoundersfund.org/event/michigan-tech-week-oct-12-13-detroit/
LOCATION:Gem Theater\, 33 Madison Street\, Detroit\, MI\, 48226\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founder Relationships,Networking,Startup Advancement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://michiganfoundersfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Announcement-Post-1200x630-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220817T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220819T120000
DTSTAMP:20260623T105117
CREATED:20220319T193212Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220708T154425Z
UID:651-1660737600-1660910400@michiganfoundersfund.org
SUMMARY:Founders Retreat - 2022
DESCRIPTION:The application for this opportunity is closed. \nThis unique experience is open to all MI-based\, high-growth founders seeking leadership growth opportunities\, a safe forum to share and discuss real business challenges and goals amongst a group of like-minded peers\, and a way to build meaningful connections and a long-lasting support network to lean on throughout your startup journey. \nThis is an all-inclusive experience at a private B&B on Lake Michigan designed specifically for founders. We will accept 10-12 founders into the 2022 cohort. For those who apply and are invited to attend\, the retreat will be $500 with a 50% discount for MFF Members. *A limited number of financial scholarships will be available to accepted applicants to support their participation in the program. \nGoals of the Founders Retreat: \n\nBuild meaningful relationships and camaraderie\nShare experiences and networks – learn from and with others\nBecome invested in each other’s success\nEnhance leadership skills to take the company to the next level\nEstablish the connection between business culture\, success and community\n\nParticipants are required to be present at all retreat activities\, which will take place from Wednesday\, August 17 at noon through Friday\, August 19 at noon. Retreat Activities Include: \n\nGroup breakfasts\, lunches and dinners\nA series of 3-4 business and culture workshops over the course of the retreat – led by a professional facilitator from Stanford University and MFF\nTime for founder case studies – exchange and discussion\nOptional exercise/workout activities (such as yoga on the beach) and a group lake activity or vineyard tour\nFree time to explore the local area and enjoy the beach\n\nRetreat attendees will also meet periodically for the subsequent 12 months as a cohort\, to continue fellowship with peers and provide space for continued exchange and support. \nClick here to read about the 2021 Founders Retreat and see photos from the experience. \nThank you for your interest. Applications for 2022 are now closed. For those who have applied\, you will be notified of your selection to this year’s cohort shortly. If you have questions\, please email: community@michiganfoundersfund.org \nApplications will be evaluated on a few key criteria: \n\nThere is an established team\, large addressable market\, and scalable business model\nHave secured some level of funding for the company\nProduct is in market (and ideally generating revenue)
URL:https://michiganfoundersfund.org/event/founders-retreat-2022/
LOCATION:Rosemont Inn\, 83 Lakeshore Drive\, Douglas\, MI\, 49406\, United States
CATEGORIES:Coaching,Community,Founder Relationships,Startup Advancement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://michiganfoundersfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Founders-Retreat800.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220712T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220712T130000
DTSTAMP:20260623T105117
CREATED:20220622T172021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220813T210948Z
UID:1304-1657627200-1657630800@michiganfoundersfund.org
SUMMARY:Founder & VC Discussion: How the Market Slowdown is Impacting Investing & Michigan Startups
DESCRIPTION:The country’s economy seems to be entering a slowdown and the impact on the markets will\, undoubtedly\, impact Michigan startups. We’ve invited two leaders in the startup ecosystem to help the MFF network prepare for what’s to come. \nThis virtual program is an informative and conversational session for the startup ecosystem to learn about what’s happening in the economy\, how it’s impacting investing\, and what Michigan startups can do to prepare.  By the end of the program\, participants should feel:  \n\nMore informed on the current state of VC investing\nMore prepared to take action at their companies\nMore connected to founders and investors across the state’s ecosystem \n\nRSVP HereCome with questions\, experiences\, and best practices as we all navigate this ever-changing economy. \nAbout our speakers: \nAdrian Fortino is a Board Member of the Michigan Founders Fund and  Managing Director at Mercury Fund. He has over a decade of experience investing in and advising high-growth companies and co-founded three software companies in the early 2010s. Adrian will bring his experiences\, insights from the national VC ecosystem\, and share recommendations for founders as they change the way they grow and operate within this new economy. \nKurt Skifstad is the Executive Director of the University of Michigan’s Center for Entrepreneurship and has more than 25 years of experience leading successful early- and growth-stage companies. Kurt led companies through multiple economic cycles and will share his experiences and best practices to help founders today to navigate the economic environment.
URL:https://michiganfoundersfund.org/event/founder-vc-discussion-how-the-market-slowdown-is-impacting-investing-michigan-startups/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Investing,Startup Advancement
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220615T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220615T124500
DTSTAMP:20260623T105117
CREATED:20220524T145802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220525T200621Z
UID:1241-1655294400-1655297100@michiganfoundersfund.org
SUMMARY:June Founder Roundtable: Early Funding (Virtual)
DESCRIPTION:Founder Roundtables are an opportunity for founders across the state to connect\, share\, and learn from each other as they work to advance their businesses. This virtual session will focus on taking on (or not taking on) startup investment\, including the challenges\, opportunities\, and decision points a founder should consider. \nThis session will feature serial entrepreneur\, advisor\, mentor\, and investor David Corcoran to help guide the conversation\, answer questions\, and share experiences. \nRSVP Here\nThis program is open to founders and investors across Michigan. This session is highly interactive and conversation-driven so founders should come with questions\, challenges\, success stories\, and insights on the topic of startup funding. An overview of the agenda includes: \n\nWelcome and small group introductions\nFeatured founder discussion and topic overview\nGroup discussion with featured founder and peers\nDebrief & close\n\nBy the end of the program\, we hope participants feel: \n\nMore confident in choosing the right investors and funding opportunities that align with personal goals for the company;\nMore connected to and supported by the startup ecosystem;\nValue in the state’s founder network.\n\nMore about David Corcoran: \nDavid is a pledged member of the Michigan Founders Fund and a true builder and leader in the Midwest startup ecosystem. In the late 90s\, David developed an open-source software stack for using cryptographic smart cards in embedded environments\, which led him to several consulting opportunities from Apple to the US government. He built a cybersecurity company called TrustBearer Labs\, which sold to Verisign and Symantec in 2010\, was a founding investor and board member of remote K-12 education platform PearDeck which sold to GoGuardian in 2020\, and in 2017 co-founded Censys\, a cybersecurity SaaS company based in Ann Arbor. Currently\, David serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence with Purdue DIAL Ventures helping launch a venture studio around sustainable food and agriculture.
URL:https://michiganfoundersfund.org/event/june-founder-roundtable/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Founder Relationships,Startup Advancement
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220421T160000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220421T170000
DTSTAMP:20260623T105117
CREATED:20220322T115618Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220813T222208Z
UID:991-1650556800-1650560400@michiganfoundersfund.org
SUMMARY:Founder Roundtable (Virtual)
DESCRIPTION:Founder Roundtables create an opportunity for founders across the state to connect\, share\, and learn from each other as they work to advance their businesses. This virtual session will focus on two questions: \n\nHow can founders build an effective board?\nHow can founders grow a high-performing\, motivated\, and inclusive team?\n\nWe’ll be featuring two founders to help facilitate the discussion\, answer questions\, and share their personal stories: \n\nRobert Wolfe\, co-founder of Moosejaw\, Crowdrise\, and now Zeck\nAnn Marie Sastry\, co-founder of Sakti3 and now the founder of Amesite\n\nRSVP HereThis program is highly interactive and conversation-driven. Founders should come with questions\, challenges\, success stories\, and insights on these topics! An overview of the agenda includes: \n\nWelcome (5 min)\nSmall group introductions (10 min)\nFeatured founder discussion and topic preview (10 – 15 min)\nSmall group  discussions with featured founders and peers (15 – 20 min)\nDebrief & close (10 min)\n\nBy the end of the program\, participants should feel: \n\nMore confident in addressing these topics at their own company\nMore connected to the startup ecosystem and supported by other founders\nValue in the state’s founder network
URL:https://michiganfoundersfund.org/event/founder-roundtable-april/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Founder Relationships,Startup Advancement
END:VEVENT
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