Huge congratulations to @civilized_cycles , for winning the #TMFSustainableCities Detroit Challenge: Transforming Freight!
Venture313 has been involved in Civilized Cycles early in their journey through our @techtowndetroit non-dilutive grant that helped fund a critical pilot to build prototype units. This initial funding was instrumental in validating their concept, advancing product development, and creating the momentum needed to position them for larger implementation opportunities like the TMF Sustainable Cities Detroit Challenge. Seeing their growth from pilot-stage support to now is a strong example of the impact of strategic early-stage capital within the Detroit ecosystem.
We are proud to support their mission as they prepare to share in $1.5M of implementation funding to deploy their commercial-grade cargo e-bikes in Detroit's historic Eastern Market. Read more about how they are working to reduce emissions and cut local freight costs alongside the City of Detroit, Toyota Mobility Foundation, Challenge Works, and World Resources Institute here: /toyota-mobility-foundation-names-innovators-in-clean-freight-as-detroit-winners-of-global-sustainable-cities-challenge/
A month later, and we’re still carrying the momentum from our Venture 313 Women Who Lead Luncheon.
What stood out most wasn’t just the conversation—it was the caliber of women in the room. Founders, leaders, and builders showing up with intention, sharing openly, and pouring into one another. That’s what makes this ecosystem different.
At Venture 313, our focus is simple: back ambitious founders and create spaces where they can connect, grow, and be seen. This luncheon was a reflection of that—bringing together voices from across Detroit who are actively shaping what leadership looks like today.
From powerful storytelling to honest dialogue around navigating leadership, the room was filled with perspective that doesn’t always get a stage—but should.
We’re grateful to everyone who contributed to making it meaningful—from our partners and speakers to every woman who showed up and added to the energy.
If this is what one afternoon can spark, we’re excited for what’s ahead.
#WomenWhoLead #Venture313 #DetroitEntrepreneurs #WomenInLeadership #PowerInPurpose
GTM Office Hours for Founders
We’re hosting Go-To-Market Office Hours with Roshni Shokar!
🗓️ April 17
🕦 11:30 AM – 1 PM
📍 Newlab Detroit
This is a group session, so come ready with:
👉 A stuck deal
👉 A ghosting prospect
👉 Funnel challenges
👉 ICP or sales strategy questions
💥 Bring a real problem—leave with clarity.
🔗 Sign up: https://wkf.ms/4ejUmWe
#DetroitStartups #Venture313 #StartupGrowth #GoToMarket #FounderSupport DetroitInnovation
All over Michigan this week 🚀
• Patti at 20Fathoms hosting Inside the Investor’s Mind
• Jeff at Black Tech Saturdays + gener8tor showcase
• Tember at Venture 313’s Women Who Lead luncheon
Showing up, connecting, and building with the community—that’s what it’s all about.
#Startups #Community #MichiganStartups #entrepreneurship #ecosystem
Looking back at Day 2 of the Founder House.
Day 2 was about leveling up what already exists. These aren’t just ideas — founders came in with real products and real customers, and spent the day building what’s next. Shipping new features, integrating AI, and pushing their products to better serve the people already using them.
Less about starting. More about scaling, refining, and getting sharper.
March Madness is here, but Detroit founders stay in the game all year. 🏀🔥
Venture 313, an initiative from the Gilbert Family Foundation, was featured on FOX 2 Detroit, spotlighting the founders building and scaling in our city.
Belvin Liles III from ID Ventures joined the conversation alongside Jordan Morgan, founder of Spin Travel Co., to share what’s driving Detroit’s startup momentum.
Detroit’s ecosystem is having a moment, and we’re here for it. 🚀
🎥 Watch via link in bio
#DetroitStartups #Entrepreneurship #Startup #MarchMadness #innovation
313 Day at SXSW — Detroit on a national stage.
We teamed up with @startgarden to bring the East vs. West to the stage for a $10K pitch competition. One founder from each side of the state. Two winners. One Michigan.
Competition brought us together — collaboration is what moves us forward.
313 x 616.
Founder House was about more than sessions. It was about building alongside a community of founders who are all pushing to get better, faster.
The goal is simple: leave better than you came and that’s exactly what happened.
We spent the day bringing founders together for hands-on sessions, practical insights, and meaningful conversations focused on building, fundraising, and growing their companies. From workshops and pitch practice to investor office hours, the energy in the room was all about learning, collaboration, and momentum.
A great start to the week with an incredible group of founders, builders, and investors. 🚀
#FounderHouse #SXSW #Venture313 #startups
Happy 313 Day! 313 Day is more than a date—it’s a celebration of the builders, dreamers, and doers shaping the future of Detroit.
At Venture 313, we’re proud to stand alongside a community of founders who are launching companies, creating jobs, and proving that innovation thrives in the 313. Every pitch, product, partnership, and late night spent building is moving the city forward.
Today we celebrate the founders in our network and the impact you’re making every day. The future of the 313 is being built right now.
Big news from the team 🎉
Congratulations to Belvin Liles III on his promotion to Principal at ID Ventures.
Belvin has been instrumental in supporting founders, strengthening Detroit’s startup ecosystem, and helping lead initiatives like Venture313 to expand access to capital and opportunity.
Excited to see his continued impact in this new role. 🚀
#TeamNews #DetroitStartups #VentureCapital #IDVentures #venture313
March 13 (313 Day) | 4–6 PM
Midwest House | SXSW | Austin, TX
Venture 313 and Start Garden are joining forces for Michigan Day at Midwest House to present the 5x5 Pitch Competition.
The brand-new format brings together Michigan’s top founders from across the state to pitch live for $10,000 in prizes.
⚡ East vs West Michigan
⚡ 10 founders
⚡ 5 minutes
⚡ 5 slides
Pull up and find out which side is the best side.
Register: Link in bio: /midwest/
