Do you have an idea that could be the next Twitter or Facebook? If so, Detroit Venture Partners is looking for you.
"Right here in metro Detroit, we have incredible ideas," says Josh Linker.
Linkner knows what it takes to turn an idea into a business. And easy isn't part of it. Linker founded ePrize, the world's largest interactive promotion agency, in 1999 when he was only 20 years old. "Everyone thought I was crazy."
But what some once called crazy has turned into a lucrative tech company based right here in southeast Michigan. Now, Linker is trying to help other local entrepreneurs create their own success. That's where Detroit Venture Partners comes into play. A venture capital firm Linkner founded with Quicken Loans founder Dan Gilbert and ex-NBA star Magic Johnson, DVP invests in Internet start-ups by providing the initial investment of between $250K - $750K.
"In addition to capital, we provide coaching, mentorship, support. We're there deep in the trenches with these entrepreneurs to help them win, which in turn, will help our city win," says Linkner. "We're looking for the next Facebook or Twitter or Instagram."
And they may have found it.
UpTo is a mobile app that allows users to share a calendar full of appointments and upcoming events with whoever they choose. The point is, your followers will know what you're 'UpTo.'
Greg Schwartz is one of UpTo's founders. "We've had over 50,000 downloads over the past few months and we're growing," says Schwartz.
DVP not only provided the start-up cash, they've helped the company make serious connections and deals.
In less than two years, DVP has received over 1,000 pitches and funded 13 companies. They judge companies based on a wide-range of criteria, including whether or not the company is willing to commit to Detroit.
DVP and its start-ups are based in downtown's Madison Building which has been transformed into a space where work and fun go hand-in-hand.
"Big bangs can happen in tech start-up world and that's what we're hoping to happen here in Detroit," says Linkner.
Monday, June 17 2013 11:31 PM EDT2013-06-18 03:31:06 GMT
Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr is working on improving city services, including the streetlights. More than 40 percent of them do not work, but the Detroit Public Lighting Authority is now beginning its work.
As Kevyn Orr tries to solve Detroit's financial crisis, he is also working on improving city services, including the streetlights. More than 40 percent of them do not work, but the Detroit Public Lighting Authority is now beginning its work.
Friday, June 14 2013 10:25 PM EDT2013-06-15 02:25:13 GMT
A team led by a state-appointed emergency manager said Friday that Detroit is defaulting on about $2.5 billion in unsecured debt and is asking creditors to take about 10 cents on the dollar of what the city owes them.
A team led by a state-appointed emergency manager said Friday that Detroit is defaulting on about $2.5 billion in unsecured debt and is asking creditors to take about 10 cents on the dollar of what the city owes them.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:41 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:41:47 GMT
FBI agents grabbed shovels and combed through dirt and mud in the search for Jimmy Hoffa's remains or clues to the disappearance of the former Teamsters boss. Once again, the search was futile.
For at least the third time in a decade, FBI agents grabbed shovels and combed through dirt and mud in the search for Jimmy Hoffa's remains or clues to the disappearance of the former Teamsters boss. Once again, the search was futile.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:28 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:28:39 GMT
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:32 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:32:27 GMT
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley has signed a bill giving local governments in Michigan power to restrict the use of fireworks on the day before, during and after a national holiday.
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley has signed a bill giving local governments in Michigan power to restrict the use of fireworks on the day before, during and after a national holiday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:24 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:24:16 GMT
Kolcraft is recalling more than 96,000 Jeep Liberty strollers after at least 18 people were injured by tire blowouts, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday.
Kolcraft is recalling more than 96,000 Jeep Liberty strollers after at least 18 people were injured by tire blowouts, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:40 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:40:48 GMT
Nearly a hundred years ago, two girls from Detroit put a message in a bottle and threw it into the waters of the St. Clair River. Now that message is back on dry land after being found by a diver in 30 feet of water.
Nearly a hundred years ago, two girls from Detroit put a message in a bottle and threw it into the waters of the St. Clair River. Now that message is back on dry land after being found by a diver in 30 feet of water.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:45 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:45:33 GMT
Kid Rock has added an eighth date to his "$20 Best Night Ever" tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre. Officials say tickets for the Aug. 20 show will go on sale at 10 a.m. on June 22.
Kid Rock has added an eighth date to his "$20 Best Night Ever" tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre. Officials say tickets for the Aug. 20 show will go on sale at 10 a.m. on June 22.
Josh Linkner
