hear from detroit vcs on how to raise cash in the motor city today at techcrunch’s free detroit meetup
TechCrunch City Spotlight: Detroit Virtual Meetup
Join us for our virtual event held in Detroit today. Attendance is complimentary, and the program includes a startup pitch competition, an insightful discussion about StockX, and a panel featuring Detroit-based venture capitalists sharing fundraising advice.
A Focus on Emerging Tech Hubs
This Detroit event represents the second installment in TechCrunch’s new City Spotlights series. This initiative aims to showcase thriving tech ecosystems and highlight regional achievements. The series debuted last month in Miami, with Pittsburgh scheduled as the next location.
Event Highlights: Insights and Expertise
The agenda includes presentations on securing employment within the startup landscape. A fireside chat will feature Jonathon Triest of Ludlow Ventures and Patti Glaza from Invest Detroit Ventures. These prominent figures will offer valuable perspectives on effective fundraising strategies specific to the Detroit area.
Following the investor discussion, Ryan Landau, the founder of Purpose Jobs, will present on current startup hiring practices and employment trends throughout the Midwest.
Deep Dive into Detroit’s Success Story: StockX
The event will commence with a presentation centered around Detroit’s most recent unicorn, StockX. Recently, TechCrunch published an in-depth analysis of the company.
TechCrunch editor Alex Wilhelm will be in conversation with Rae Witte, the author of the featured StockX article.
Startup Pitch-Off Competition
Immediately after the StockX discussion, a pitch-off will showcase four Detroit-area startups. A panel of investors will serve as judges.
Participating Startups
- Rivet Work
- Diet ID
- Plain Sight
- FixMyCar
Pitch-Off Judging Panel
- Jim Tenzillo, VP at Invest Michigan
- Dawn Batts, Capital Strategist at TechTown and co-founder of Commune Angels
- Ben Bernstein, principal at Invest Detroit Ventures
Register for the event today!
Matt Burns
Matt Burns: A Profile of a Leading Technology Journalist
Matt Burns is an experienced journalist specializing in technology. He currently serves as Editorial Director at Insight Media Group, a position he assumed after a distinguished tenure at TechCrunch.
Early Career and TechCrunch
Prior to Insight Media Group, Burns dedicated over 15 years to TechCrunch. He progressed from a contributing writer to the role of Managing Editor, significantly contributing to the growth of the newsroom.
During his time at TechCrunch, he was instrumental in the organization and execution of events like Disrupt and other key TechCrunch gatherings.
Insight Media Group and Current Role
At Insight Media Group, Burns is responsible for directing editorial coverage and managing contributor programs across a portfolio of rapidly expanding technology publications.
Resilience Conference and Startup Innovation
Matt Burns is also the co-founder of the Resilience Conference. This event series focuses on the convergence of defense, security, and innovative startup technologies.
He actively shapes the conference agenda, facilitates sessions, and spearheaded the creation of “Launch @ Resilience,” a platform for showcasing early-stage companies developing technologies for national defense.
Reporting and Interview Experience
Throughout his career, Burns has extensively reported on and moderated discussions concerning AI, mobility, emerging technologies, and the challenges faced by technology companies.
He has had the opportunity to interview a diverse range of prominent figures, including world leaders, leading investors, startup founders, and CEOs of publicly traded companies.
Background and Personal Interests
Originally from Michigan, with considerable experience in Silicon Valley, Burns combines a Midwestern perspective with a keen editorial sensibility.
Outside of his professional endeavors, he provides guidance to teams on refining their messaging and validating market entry strategies. He also enjoys camping near Lake Michigan when his schedule allows.