Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund

The Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund is proud to announce five new portfolio additions - Student Athlete Score, Inc., Hercules Electric Mobility, Electric Outdoors, KUHMUTE ⚡, and LIVAQ - in the second round of pre-seed funding awards. Together, these companies are pushing the boundaries and creating breakthroughs in outdoor recreation with technologies that span from e-mobility charging solutions to sustainable camping technologies and electric off-road vehicles, playing a pivotal role in the growth and sustainability of Michigan and beyond. Although the Fund has already deployed nearly $1 million, it has significant resources remaining to ensure that the Fund capitalizes on creating new opportunities and building momentum for Michigan’s outdoor economy. Read more about the investments here: https://lnkd.in/gCi3wwtt

Building the future and creating real-world solutions, one electric ATV at a time.   That’s what LIVAQ, an exciting startup backed by the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund, is doing by transforming the electric all-terrain vehicle industry and bringing cutting-edge design to our region with their EQUAD.   Visionary entrepreneur, David Medina Álvarez, is making a lasting sustainable impact in the mobility sector with his futuristic ATVs that are also eco-friendly and accessible.   We are proud to support innovative companies like LIVAQ, who are driving the future of mobility in Michigan and beyond.   Read the full story in The New York Times: https://lnkd.in/g_TZb3Hz

A big round of applause for Grounded, the first company the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund invested in, as they are charging forward with their innovative modular electric RV platform! The Detroit-based startup, founded by former SpaceX engineer Sam Shapiro, has secured $3.5M in pre-seed funding led by Also Capital and The 81 Collection. “The reality is, I think it takes a truly exceptional human with a long-term vision that everybody aligns with to get [funding] rounds done today,” said Also Capital managing partner Mike Annunziata. “And Sam meets that bar and exceeds it by a lot.” Grounded’s modular electric RVs, which began as eco-friendly recreational vehicles, are now meeting the demand for electric-powered vans in sectors like mobile medicine, food transport, and logistics. Its “Lego-like” approach to EV design makes it easy to create custom vans across industries, providing sustainable solutions for these small businesses. With early success and increasing demand, Grounded is well on its way to revolutionizing the future of electric mobility! Learn more about how Grounded is charging up the industry with its sustainable transportation solutions here: https://tcrn.ch/4eyD3hw

Electric Outdoors is charging ahead! Michigan-based startup Electric Outdoors recently closed an initial $1.3M seed round, bringing their game-changing off-grid glamping platform, the EO Canopy, one step closer to market. With pilot units already launched in the U.P., EO Canopy combines sustainability and luxury for an unparalleled outdoor experience, including everything from energy and water to satellite internet and EV charging - entirely off-grid. The Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund (powered by InvestUP), alongside Veolectra Inc and Michigan Rise, is proud to support this mission to revolutionize outdoor recreation by empowering landowners and adventurers alike. Learn more about how Electric Outdoors is sparking the future of eco-friendly camping:  https://bit.ly/4eyuWRx

Big day for the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund. Our LinkedIn page is now live and, more importantly, we are proud to be teaming up with Michigan Tech Week and the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office to sponsor the first ever Michigan Outdoor Tech Pitch Competition. We are looking for Michigan's best and brightest companies that are building tech companies that enhance the enjoyment, accessibility or sustainability of the outdoor industry. Grand prize receives a $50,000 investment from the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund. Applications are open now until September 15th. Hope to see you there! Jim Baker Jim Tenzillo Marty Fittante Brad Garmon Joe T. Ted Velie Rishi Moudgil Pete Martin Michelle Erickson Vince Nystrom Don Manfredi Glenn Stevens Dan Radomski Lee Rawlings https://lnkd.in/ea5J2cdC