GRAND RAPIDS — Grand Angels launched a new affiliate in Flint, further expanding its presence across Michigan.

Since securing a $40 million capital investment last spring, Vestaron Corp. has been assembling commercial and operating teams as it prepares for the broad launch of a brand of eco-friendly pesticides in 2020.

As Michigan’s venture capital industry made further gains in 2018, it made some progress on one front that’s been the focus of attention the last few years: Diversity. Statistics tucked into the Michigan Venture Capital Association’s 2019 research report show an uptick over five years in investments into startups companies led by women and minorities.

Venture capital funds based in Michigan more than doubled the amount they invested in startups in 2018, although the money went to fewer companies.

Grand Angels’ formation of an affiliate investment group in Detroit brings more capital and investors into the field to support startup companies in Michigan. 

KALAMAZOO — The Kalamazoo affiliate of Grand Angels easily exceeded expectations after launching more than a year ago.

The Michigan Venture Capital Association presented Jody Vanderwel, the former president of Grand Angels, with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

GRAND RAPIDS — Investment firm Grand Angels plans to launch its third venture capital fund, MiBiz has learned.

Michigan has more angel investors than ever who invest in startup companies, but Skip Simms believes that’s still not nearly enough.

GRAND RAPIDS — Drug developer Tetra Discovery Partners Inc. plans to launch a clinical trial later this spring on a potential treatment for an autism spectrum disorder.