Michigan Ross Innovation Conference Unites Alumni Innovators and Investors

The University of Michigan Ross School of Business organized and hosted the all-day event, which drew a diverse and vibrant community of Bay Area entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and industry leaders. Several U-M students also participated in the event as part of the Silicon Valley Experience, an action-based learning experience managed by the Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at Ross. 

Attendees engaged in keynote presentations, networking sessions, and interactive panel discussions. Topics included disruptive technologies, venture capital trends, market insights, and strategies for scaling businesses in today's dynamic market environment.

“The drive to innovate is incredibly strong in the Michigan community,” said Sharon F. Matusik, the Edward J. Frey Dean of Business at Ross. “It was very powerful to see so many bright minds come together to tackle big questions and discuss how entrepreneurial opportunities are evolving.  I know the conversations and connections sparked will have important implications for the future.” 

The Michigan Ross Innovation Conference—planned exclusively for Ross and U-M alums—was the brainchild of Dean Matusik and Ross alumnus Mike Jung, MBA '96, partner and co-founder of Founders Circle Capital, a growth-stage venture fund. Mike has invested in several internet and software companies, including DoorDash, Twilio, Hashicorp, Poshmark, Udemy, and others. Mike is also the founder of Alpha, a peer networking organization of over 1,000 founders, CEOs, executives, and venture capitalists in the technology ecosystem.

“Events like these are essential for fostering collaboration and driving growth in the startup community,” Jung said, “and the more diverse the participants, the better.”