startups

Back from White House, innovator weighs in on diversity, Michigan ecosystem

The Next IdeaAnn Marie Sastry is a former University of Michigan professor, a material science researcher, and the founder of Sakti3 -- one of 30…

Commentary

East Coast transplant offers fresh perspective on Michigan's startup scene

Joe Linstroth

The Next IdeaMichigan will never be the next Silicon Valley.Michigan can't compete with the allure of the Coasts, or even Chicago, for the nation's best…

Entreprenuer Rick DeVos explains how Start Garden works at a press conference Thursday.

DeVos’ venture capital fund shifts focus to businesses on the verge of making it big

Lindsey Smith

Rick DeVos’ venture capital fund will stop giving away $5,000 each week to people with a good business idea. The fund, known as Start Garden, has given…

Commentary

Michigan's investment culture must adapt to help new businesses grow

The Next IdeaMichigan’s economy is changing, and our state’s investment culture must change along with it. As we work to diversify by stimulating…