Invest360 in Ann Arbor recognized 15 startups in the mobility, healthcare and technology industries

The recent Invest360 event, held at the University of Michigan Golf Club in Ann Arbor, celebrated some of the most innovative early-stage companies in southeast Michigan.

Invest360 is a key event in the a2Tech360 series that brings together Southeast Michigan’s most promising startups, investors and technology leaders. Hosted by Ann Arbor SPARK, the annual event series highlights the region’s innovation ecosystem through a week-long celebration of technology, entrepreneurship and cutting-edge solutions.

The Invest360 2024 event saw 15 startups compete for a share of $200,000 in investment funds across the technology, healthcare and mobility sectors. The meeting, which took place on September 20, highlighted the region’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Culturebie has won top honors in the technology sector for its enterprise software designed to strengthen company culture and engage employees.

In the healthcare sector, Decimal Code led the way with its automated medical coding platform that increases revenues and reduces costs for healthcare providers.

And Electric Outdoors was No. 1 in the mobility sector with its solar-powered, off-the-grid camping platform that enables landowners to acquire new land and destinations while generating new revenue streams.

Invest360 reports that this year’s lineup included a wide range of forward-thinking companies, all of which presented impressive offers to a panel of seasoned venture capitalists.

The day also featured a keynote address from Sean Ainsworth, president and CEO of Immusoft Corp., who shared his startup journey, including RetroSense Therapeutics, and provided valuable insights on navigating the entrepreneurial environment.

Attendees also attended a panel session on entrepreneurial exit led by Ben Marchionna, director of the innovation ecosystem at the Michigan Economic Development Corp. Panelists included Priya Gogoi, Moses Lee, and Mark Gurney, all of whom have gone on to achieve success that has provided SPARK Capital with significant profits. they discussed the ups and downs and lessons learned from their own journeys.

At the conclusion of the event, a “People’s Choice” vote awarded Decimal Code an additional $50,000.

“Invest360 continues to validate Southeast Michigan as a leading innovation center,” says Mike Flanagan, vice president of equity programs at Ann Arbor SPARK. “The creativity and determination of today’s participants reflect the strength and potential of our local startups.”

The Invest 360 event was sponsored by Michigan Rise, ID Ventures and the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund. The event is part of the larger a2Tech360 series, supported by the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Local Development Finance Authority, that showcases the region’s thriving technology ecosystem.

For more information about a2Tech360 and upcoming events, visit the website a2tech360.com.

Ann Arbor SPARK is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the economic development of the Ann Arbor region, making it a desirable place for innovation, business development and talented people to live and work.

For more information, call 734-761-9317 or visit the website AnnArborUSA.org.