What started as an idea in 2010 to bring together investors has now grown into the top Michigan investment conference of the year. Over 100 investors from all around the country will come together for the three day Accelerate Michigan event. Entrepreneurs will pitch, and one will take home the $500,000 main cash prize.
Lauren Bigelow CEO of Growth Capital Network and the Executive Director Accelerate Michigan had wanted to bring her talents and her network of investors to create jobs in Michigan. Lauren spent many years traveling for the corporate world, working for New Energy Finance. When the company sold in 2009 she returned home to Michigan. She had no idea bringing her network together for an event would grow into Accelerate Michigan’s size today.
“It has just been great. Half of the investors that come in focus on the state’s wheelhouse – transportation, advanced materials, energy,” she said. “It’s been a great way to engage them with the state of Michigan and our companies, and to show off our top companies to national investors.”