Michigan is steadily becoming a hot place for entrepreneurs and venture capital, and the U-M Ross School of Business has played a central role. Consider: The number of venture capital firms in Michigan grew from seven in 2001 to 20 in 2012, according to the Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA).
Graduates of U-M, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University — which make up the Michigan University Research Corridor — have started or acquired businesses at double the national average rate among college graduates since 1996.
Venture capital investment spiked in Michigan to $232.3 million in 2012, up from $84.8 million in 2011, according to the MVCA. In 2012, the state’s rank also jumped from 25 to 15 in national venture capital investment, according to the MVCA.
