About Us
About Us
Michigan Rise is a subsidiary of the Michigan State University Research Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 1973 to advance economic development through technology commercialization. Together with our partners at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), we’re committed to building Michigan’s future as a leading hub for technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
Meet Our Team
Our team combines deep venture capital expertise with hands-on entrepreneurial experience. Drawing from backgrounds in executive leadership, startup founding, and technical innovation, we bring decades of operational and investment knowledge. Our multidisciplinary approach helps us identify high-potential ventures and deliver impactful support to founders across Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Jeff Wesley
Executive Director
Pete Martin
Director, Portfolio Management
Matt Okoneski
Director, Venture Investments
Tommy Skinner
Director, Venture Investments
Abdel Diab
Data Analyst
Katie Kirsch
Venture Associate
Nichole Maguire
Venture Coordinator
Vikram Mohan
Venture Associate
John Tran
Venture Associate
Calvin VanderWal
Venture Associate
Award-Winning Venture Capital
Michigan Rise was awarded the Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA) Community Impact Award for our success connecting Michigan’s entrepreneurs with the resources they need. For startups seeking funding, this means you’re working with a venture capital firm that has proven relationships across the state’s business community and a track record of helping founders succeed.
