VC Insights & Innovation Showcase: Capital Meets Innovation

Be part of the momentum as Grand Rapids continues its emergence as the Midwest's most exciting new tech hub.

• Startup Showcase: Watch carefully selected startups unveil their game-changing solutions to industry's most compelling challenges while accessing multiple capital pathways beyond traditional venture funding
• Investment Leader Panel: Dynamic discussion featuring venture capital partners, angel network leaders, corporate innovation fund managers, and alternative financing experts revealing insider perspectives on today's tech investment landscape
• Keynote Presentation: Powerful insights on navigating the evolving tech funding environment in 2025, delivered by a leading industry expert
• Strategic Timing: Hosted during Tech Week Grand Rapids to maximize networking opportunities and celebrate our city's flourishing innovation economy
• Multi-Level Networking: Connect local entrepreneurs with both regional and national funding networks in one high-impact evening

• Entrepreneurs ready to scale their ventures and seeking capital partners
• Investors hunting for the next breakout success story in emerging tech sectors
• Industry Professionals tracking innovation trends and investment opportunities
• Corporate Leaders exploring partnership and acquisition possibilities

Be part of the momentum as Grand Rapids continues its emergence as the Midwest's most exciting new tech hub. This signature event connects the brilliant minds shaping tomorrow's technology with the diverse capital partners who can fuel their journey.

Join us for this high-value networking experience where breakthrough innovations meet breakthrough funding.

Info: Join us for an insider's look at the current investment landscape as leading VCs and angels share their real-world insights on where capital is flowing, what they're looking for, and how the funding environment is evolving. From early-stage angel rounds to institutional venture capital, our expert panelists will decode the trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping today's investment decisions. Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking funding or an investor exploring new opportunities, this candid discussion will provide the intelligence you need to navigate the capital markets in 2025.

Moderator: Meagan Malm, Senior Principal, Michigan Capital Network

**Panelists:**
- Calvin VanderWal, Venture Associate, Red Cedar Ventures and Michigan Rise
- Reena Krishnan, Director of Venture Capital & Private Equity, Gartner
- Zachariah Booker, Managing Partner, Carlew Capital & CEO, Startup Garage

Host or Publisher Tech Week Grand Rapids