Unlock the future of Michigan’s startup scene with a fresh perspective from Claire Stevens, an emerging venture analyst at Straylight Capital. Despite her recent entry into the industry, Claire’s insights into the evolving venture landscape—particularly AI's transformative role—are eye-opening and designed to inspire both seasoned investors and aspiring entrepreneurs. In this episode, discover how a former psychology major turned finance enthusiast is helping bridge the gap between early-stage companies and strategic growth capital.

Claire’s journey started at Wayne State, where she co-founded the university’s first student-run venture fund, inspiring a new wave of entrepreneurial involvement on campus. She shares how her team built a thriving community of students, local partners like Tech Town, and cross-state collaborations that continue to fuel Michigan’s innovation ecosystem. Learn how her unique approach at Straylight Capital focuses on supporting “the magnificent middle”—companies doing $3-13 million in revenue that are often overlooked by traditional VC firms but ripe for strategic growth and targeted funding.You'll discover: the nuanced criteria Straylight uses to select promising B2B tech-enabled service companies, how the firm’s evolution reflects shifting industry dynamics, and Claire’s firsthand insights into AI’s influence on VC strategy. She also highlights compelling success stories—family-run businesses, founders with successful exits, and cross-border teams making Detroit their home for innovation. Plus, gain expert perspective on Michigan’s rising role as a magnet for entrepreneurs and out-of-state talent alike, fueling a diversifying economy and a vibrant startup culture.

Why does this matter? Because understanding these shifts enables smarter investing, better supporting local founders, and seizing early opportunities in Michigan’s burgeoning tech scene. Whether you're an investor, founder, or just passionate about Michigan’s future, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiring stories that could redefine your approach to venture capital and entrepreneurship.

Perfect for aspiring VCs, startup founders, or anyone curious about Michigan’s innovation scene—this conversation reveals the untapped potential right at your doorstep. Tune in for a compelling look at how new voices like Claire are shaping the next chapter in Michigan’s growth story.

Join host Ara Topouzian as he sits down with Ted Velie, a seasoned builder of the Midwest startup ecosystem. From co-founding the regional platform Midwest House to serving as Co-Chair of Michigan Tech Week, Ted brings a unique perspective on what it takes to spark innovation in Michigan. In this episode, they talk about Ted’s efforts to help investors and founders work better together across the Great Lakes — and the bold ideas that could spark the region’s next big leap.

In this episode of Michigan VCtalk, ⁠Ara Topouzian⁠, Executive Director of the ⁠Michigan Venture Capital Association⁠, sits down with James Feagin, Managing Partner of Black Bottom Ventures and Michigan Angel Collective. James shares his journey as a long-time Detroit ecosystem builder and investor, offering insights into the importance of inclusive growth, the role of angel investors in supporting early-stage companies, and what it takes to strengthen Michigan’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Michigan VCtalk is a podcast series produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michigan Venture Capital Association⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (MVCA) and hosted by Ara Topouzian, Executive Director of MVCA.

This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michigan Rise, Pre-Seed Fund III⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of Michigan VCtalk, Ara Topouzian, Executive Director of the Michigan Venture Capital Association, sits down with Terra Osmon, founder of Farmish. Farmish is a Michigan-based startup helping people buy and sell locally grown food in their communities, strengthening connections between growers and neighbors who care about fresh, sustainable options.

Ara and Terra discuss her journey as a founder, what inspired her to launch Farmish, and the lessons she’s learned building a mission-driven company in Michigan’s startup ecosystem. Terra also shares her perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing entrepreneurs in Michigan, and why community and connectivity matter now more than ever.

Michigan VCtalk is a podcast series produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michigan Venture Capital Association⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (MVCA) and hosted by Ara Topouzian, Executive Director of MVCA.

This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michigan Rise, Pre-Seed Fund III⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Ara chats with Justin Kosmides — entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Bloom, a Detroit-based platform reshaping how hardware startups scale and manufacture. From Wall Street to e-bikes to re-industrializing Michigan, Justin’s journey is a great example of innovation in action.

Michigan VCtalk is a podcast series produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michigan Venture Capital Association⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (MVCA) and hosted by Ara Topouzian, Executive Director of MVCA.

This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michigan Rise, Pre-Seed Fund III⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Ara chats with Daniel Jeffries, Managing Partner at Kalamazoo Forward Ventures. They digs into how Kalamazoo Forward Ventures is helping high-growth startups—especially thoseled by underrepresented and mission-driven founders—get off the ground. From funding and mentorship to building connections, their work is creating real impact in Kalamazoo and beyond.

This marks Michigan VCtalk's 50th episode since its inception!

Michigan VCtalk is a podcast series produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Michigan Venture Capital Association⁠⁠⁠⁠ (MVCA) and hosted by Ara Topouzian, Executive Director of MVCA.

This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Michigan Rise, Pre-Seed Fund III⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Ara chats with Robert Wolfe, co-founder and CEO of Zeck.

Robert is a serial entrepreneur who’s no stranger to innovation, having previously co-founded Crowdrise and Moosejaw. Now, with Zeck, he’s rethinking how boards and leadership teams operate—transforming clunky, outdated processes into streamlined, digital experiences.

Michigan VCtalk is a podcast series produced by ⁠⁠⁠Michigan Venture Capital Association⁠⁠⁠ (MVCA) and hosted by Ara Topouzian, Executive Director of MVCA.

This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠Michigan Rise, Pre-Seed Fund III⁠⁠⁠.

Ara chats with Michigan Venture Capital Association members and Venture Fellow recipients Terese Hunwick (Augment Ventures) and Caroline Wolanin (Plymouth Growth).

Caroline is one of the first Venture Fellows when MVCA relaunched the program a few years ago. She shares her experience in the program and the exciting work she’s now doing at Plymouth Growth. We’re also joined by Terese Hunwick who gives us insight into her background and the impactful work she’s leading here in Michigan.

Michigan VCtalk is a podcast series produced by ⁠⁠Michigan Venture Capital Association⁠⁠ (MVCA) and hosted by Ara Topouzian, Executive Director of MVCA.

This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠Michigan Rise, Pre-Seed Fund III⁠⁠.

Ara chats with Ben Marchionna, Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Ben plays a key role in fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurs, and strengthening Michigan’s tech and startup landscape. We’ll explore his insights on building a thriving innovation ecosystem, the impact of public-private partnerships, and what we all need to be doing to drive investment in Michigans future.

Michigan VCtalk is a podcast series produced by ⁠Michigan Venture Capital Association⁠ (MVCA) and hosted by Ara Topouzian, Executive Director of MVCA.

This episode is sponsored by ⁠Michigan Rise, Pre-Seed Fund III⁠.

Ara chats with Blake Mischley, Co-Founder of Meet Your Class, a platform designed to help students build meaningful connections before their first day. Ara and Blake talk aboutthe inspiration behind the idea, the challenges of launching a startup, and what’s next for Meet Your Class. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an educator, or just love a good startup story—this episode is for you.

Michigan VCtalk is a podcast series produced by Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA) and hosted by Ara Topouzian, Executive Director of MVCA.

This episode is sponsored by Michigan Rise, Pre-Seed Fund III.