Venture capital experts talk Michigan VC in Detroit today

Movers, shakers, investors and innovators in the Michigan venture capital community will discuss the state and future of Michigan’s VC environment this morning, April 21, at Michigan's Private Equity Conference at Wayne State University.

"I think the programs that are in place in Michigan right now have set the stage for Michigan to really attract new technology, technologists and venture capitalists to look at all of the wonderful raw material Michigan has, in terms of both technologies coming out of its world-class educational institutions coupled with its long history of outstanding technology development and manufacturing," says Kelly Williams, managing director and co-head of the Customized Fund Investment Group for Credit Suisse.

Among those attending are more than 300 of the nation's top institutional investors and private equity fund managers. They will be networking and discussing the latest trends in venture capital and what can be done to bring more of it to Michigan.

Michigan has worked hard (and spent handsomely) in recent years to boost its venture capital environment, often called the mother’s milk for the new economy. The state has consistently ranked in the upper half of venture capital investment for several years, but well behind industry leaders like California and Massachusetts. Michigan's ranking took a hit this year as the economy has experienced a significant downturn.

For information on today's conference, call Phil Lewis at (517) 487-9320 or (517) 927-9310.

Source: Kelly Williams, managing director and co-head of the Customized Fund Investment Group for Credit Suisse
Writer: Jon Zemke
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