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.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:54 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:54:19 GMT
Who will open for Bon Jovi at Ford Field on July 18? Your vote will decide. 20 bands left in the Fox Rocks contest. Voting period: Now through July 10. Time to 'Fox Rocks' the vote.
Who will open for Bon Jovi at Ford Field on July 18? Your vote will decide. 20 bands left in the Fox Rocks contest. Voting period: Now through July 10. Time to 'Fox Rocks' the vote.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:18 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:18:12 GMT
Chrysler avoided a showdown with government safety regulators Tuesday, agreeing to recall 2.7 million older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire.
Chrysler avoided a showdown with government safety regulators Tuesday, agreeing to recall 2.7 million older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 12:20 PM EDT2013-06-18 16:20:44 GMT
Detroit Metropolitan Airport officials evacuated a section of the McNamara Terminal Tuesday morning after a canine picked up the scent of explosives on the apron, where planes load.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport officials evacuated a section of the McNamara Terminal Tuesday morning after a canine picked up the scent of explosives on the apron, where planes load.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:53 AM EDT2013-06-18 15:53:04 GMT
The Detroit Red Wings have confirmed to FOX 2 that they have agreed to a 3 year contract extension with Pavel Datsyuk that will keep him with the team through the 2016-2017 season.
The Detroit Red Wings have confirmed to FOX 2 that they have agreed to a 3 year contract extension with Pavel Datsyuk that will keep him with the team through the 2016-2017 season.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:08 AM EDT2013-06-18 15:08:18 GMT
Chrysler on Tuesday is expected to file papers explaining its refusal to recall 2.7 million older Jeep SUVs that are at risk of catching fire in rear-end collisions.
In one of the biggest-ever showdowns between an automaker and the government, Chrysler on Tuesday is expected to file papers explaining its refusal to recall 2.7 million older Jeep SUVs that are at risk of catching fire in rear-end collisions.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:02 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:02:29 GMT
The FBI and local police have teamed up hoping to solve a 38-year-old murder mystery. They are searching an Oakland Township field looking for Jimmy Hoffa.
The FBI and local police have teamed up hoping to solve a 38-year-old murder mystery. They are searching an Oakland Township field looking for Jimmy Hoffa.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:44 AM EDT2013-06-18 12:44:22 GMT
DTE Energy says about 17,000 customers remain without power Tuesday after a wave of thunderstorms hit parts of southeast Michigan. GO INSIDE THE STORY TO VIEW AND ADD YOUR PHOTOS.
DTE Energy says about 20,000 customers remain without power Tuesday after a wave of thunderstorms hit parts of southeast Michigan. GO INSIDE THE STORY TO VIEW AND ADD YOUR PHOTOS.
Josh Linkner
