Nathan Labenz is originally from Clinton Township, Michigan, where he graduated as valedictorian from Chippewa Valley High School in 2002. He attended Harvard College, studying Chemistry and graduating Phi Beta Kappa / Magna Cum Laude in 2006.After graduation, Nathan founded an online writing services company (www.the-writing-center.com) while traveling in South America. He also worked briefly as a financial services and healthcare consultant at Oliver Wyman in New York before leaving for San Francisco to found Stik.com, a reviews website for local professional service providers.In 2012, Nathan and co-founder Jay Gierak partnered with Detroit Venture Partners and NorthCoast Technology Investors to move Stik to Detroit, MI.
Stik.com
Nathan Labenz is originally from Clinton Township, Michigan, where he graduated as valedictorian from Chippewa Valley High School in 2002. He attended Harvard College, studying Chemistry and graduating Phi Beta Kappa / Magna Cum Laude in 2006.After graduation, Nathan founded an online writing services company ( Read More![]()
When
Thursday, Dec 12
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM (EST)![]()
Where
Grand Circus
1570 Woodward Avenue
48226 DetroitBrought to you by
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Faris Alami
International Strategic Management
Chapter Director
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Novel Capital
Novel Capital provides non-dilutive growth capital to early-stage B2B tech startups. Leverage your predictable revenue for on-demand access of up to $5M in funding. Whether you need to round out or bridge equity rounds, accelerate sales & marketing, hire to support implementations, or smooth our seasonal/cyclical cashflow, Novel can help.AMEX
Our Corporate Program for Startups* provides you with powerful backing and working capital, plus all the benefits, business tools, and guidance that comes with American Express. From idea to IPO and beyond, we’re with you for the long haul.Dell Technologies
Partnering with Dell from the start will allow you to save money in the short and long-term. Dell can provide any product you need, from one computer to an entire enterprise solution, allowing you to get all your hardware and software needs without having to switch from company to company.DuploCloud, Inc.
DuploCloud’s no-code/low-code software platform is your DevSecOps expert, speeding time-to-market by translating high-level application specifications into detailed and fully managed cloud configurations. With pre-programmed knowledge of over 500 cloud services, the platform automatically provisions your application utilizing AWS best practices around security, availability and compliance standards.Local sponsors
Cellular EMT
Cellular EMT offers on-demand cellphone and tablet repairs in the Metro Detroit and Ann-Arbor areas. If you need the best in phone repair remember Cellular EMT. Lifetime warranties and most repairs are completed within an hour.Detroit Venture Partners
Detroit Venture Partners backs seed and early stage startup teams with the grit, creativity, and passion to tackle and mold opportunity. We offer unrivaled mentorship and connections throughout the Quicken Loans Family of Companies and to the broader businesses and leaders committed to seeing Detroit’s entrepreneurs succeed.Detroit Venture Partners
Detroit Venture Partners backs seed and early stage startup teams with the grit, creativity, and passion to tackle and mold opportunity. We look for founders who are creative, disciplined, and trustworthy. We offer unrivaled mentorship and connections throughout the Quicken Loans Family of Companies and to the broader businesses and leaders committed to seeing Detroit’s entrepreneurs succeed.Foundry Group
Our passion is helping outstanding entrepreneurs and fund managers turn promising ideas into market-defining and market-leading companies and firms. We are committed to spreading the Foundry Group ethos through our investments in companies and funds.Coffee of Origin
Is this the best coffee you've ever had?Ken Mitchell Videography
Ken Mitchell Editing Videographer Audio/Video TechGray Capital Solutions
Taking your business to new levels of success!Rivals
Keenan Hastings PhotograhperDickinson Wright
Exploring Opportunities Expanding PossibilitiesGrand Circus Detroit
Inspired LearningPartners
Bamboo Detroit
Bamboo builds shared workspaces for all, so you can do more together.Cellular EMT
On Demand Phone Repair. Got a broken phone? Short on time, or late to work? Order on-demand phone repair right now and one of our mobile repair EMTs will fix your phone fast!gBETA
gBETA Detroit is a local pre-accelerator that works with Detroit based startups helping them get to the next step be it funding or acceptance to a equity based accelerator. TestEverythingHR
At EverythingHR we believe DEI is essential to achieving our business goals and vision of being the most admired company in our industry. Openness to diversity expands our access to the best talent and inclusion allows us to engage talent. That’s why we pride ourselves in providing the best PEO, ASO, HRO, and financial services to our clients. Our goal is to free up your time so that you can do the things that make your business or organization a success.Innovative Solution Partners
At Innovative Solution Partners we understand business, technology, and the urgency behind making sound, accurate business decisions. We work with clients, large and small, just like you. Our exclusive process provides companies with thoughtful insights that align teams, enhance focus, and accelerates company performance. We help you take control of your data to create insights into how your business is operating.International Strategic Management, Inc.
ISM brings "best practice" marketing and cultural/diversity training and services to small and mid-sized companies nationwide by focusing on the development of your global enterprise and guiding you in working with ethnic-specific companies, domestically and overseas. Our project management specialists takes on the intricate details of designing, organizing and implementing projects such as RFPs, marketing campaigns, sales plans, and office organization. Test 1COWORKINGSALZBURG
COWORKINGSALZBURG is the first coworkingspace in our city. We organize lots of networking events on weekends/evenings concerning the topics of entrepreneurship, client acquisition & financing. We love spreading awesome things happening at COWORKINGSALZBURG or in our digital network. That‘s why we take loads of pics and share some of them online. Talents attract talents – that’s epic. COWORKINGSALZBURG is a place of opportunities. We love what we do – do you?Connecting Dots
International Strategic Management, Inc. and the Global Trade Mission have united to create a program that supports youth in STEM and entrepreneurship within global settings. Over 5,000 students have already engaged in this intensive hands-on virtual learning experience that simulates an entrepreneurial and business international trade mission.The Finjan Show
A podcast about entrepreneurship, leadership and globalization where we bust myths on leadership, management, culture, global and education.The Resilient Entrepreneur Program
A direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic designed to prepare both leaders and entrepreneurs in sustaining their business activities now and into the future. This includes a 5 week course that consists of weekly lessons comprised of structured educational material.Proxie
Black women are the largest demographic to start businesses yet, they are the least funded. Proxie aims to bridge this gap by creating and offering resources to black women-owned businesses. Since starting Proxie has grown to a 1100+ member online community that provides high-level content, partnerships, downloadable templates to new businesses and aspiring start-ups across the county, impactful courses and content packs to help businesses cut through the noise and reach their full potential.Bill & Rod's Applicance, Inc.
Bill & Rod's Appliance was established in 1963. We started with quality appliance service and parts sales with advice to go with it. This tradition continues to this day as we have expanded from a small store front to a 10,000 sq. ft. showroom space that showcases new and used appliances, and grills. We only carry brands that we are confident are better quality and feel confident selling to our friends and relatives.SkinnyTees
Launched in 2009 by fashion industry veteran Linda Schlesinger Wagner, skinnytees was created to quell women’s most essential need and hardest fought fight… the search for the “perfect top!” With more than 120 colors and prints and over 60 styles sold worldwide - skinnytees fits any occasion. skinnytees is a brand for all women, all ages, all sizes, from day to night, work out to work, pregnancy to post baby and everything in between. And that’s…..THE SKINNY!LaunchDETROIT
Launch Detroit, established in 2012, supports entrepreneurs in Metro Detroit, Taylor, Trenton, Southgate, and Riverview by providing free business education courses, Mentors, Networking Opportunities, and Micro-Loans.Michigan Economic Development Corporation
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with more than 100 economic development partners, markets Michigan as the place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies, and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state.BxAdvisors
To assist business owners in maximizing their business value by turning their hard work and dreams into reality by strategically planned exits.YOUR Center
YOUR Center's Mission To provide barrier free client-centered services that assist, serve, and advocate for policies and programs that help reduce the spread of HIV and other health disparities, and to improve the quality of life in unique communities.Michigan Governor's Office
As Governor Whitmer has led Michigan through an extraordinary time. Her leadership helped get the once in a century pandemic under control and laid the groundwork to rebuild Michigan’s economy. Whitmer ran on fixing the damn roads, cleaning up drinking water, and expanding opportunity for all. She remains dedicated to investing in small businesses, the lifeblood of our communities, making sure they have the support they need. Gretchen Whitmer is honored to serve as Governor of Michigan.Build Institute
Helping people turn their business ideas into reality by providing tools, resources and a support network. To date, we have graduated over 1800 aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs. We offer classes, networking events, mentorship, resource connections and a nurturing community that allows ideas to develop and flourish. With a little support and a lot of hard work, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running. Do you have an idea? Dream of starting a business? Join us and get Building!Pro-Literacy Detroit
Pro-Literacy Detroit, founded in 1984, provides literacy and basic education tutorial services in Metro Detroit using volunteer tutors. This Program is for adults 16 and older who need to improve their reading ability.Resonate
Accelerate your sales & revenues with MidMarket firms & decision-makers in the US/Europe. Through our Accelerate Sales Service we work with Founders of Tech Startups & Small Businesses with Go2Market services like: Target Market Research Booking Sales Appointments Improving Sales Playbooks, Assets & Sales Presentations/Demos Company explainer videos/digital marketing services to help boost your online presence/brand & or help polish your Investor Pitch Deck + introduce Angel Investors & VCs!Dr. Geneva Speaks
Dr. Geneva Williams is an impact leadership expert, certified life coach, podcaster, author, and speaker that assists successful businesses, nonprofit organizations women, executive leaders, & teams with: Community Planning/Needs Assessment/Engagement Fundraising Strategy Interim Executive Management Leadership Development/Training/Coaching Techniques on Navigating Workplace Dynamics Program/Grants Development Relationship Building Strategic Communications/Planning Strategic Philanthropic AdviceAccutrak Consulting and Accounting Services PLLC
Accutrak is a certified SBA 8(a), Woman-Owned Small Business firm providing accounting, tax, and financial management consulting solutions. Our team of professionals and CPAs, offer comprehensive financial management and accounting services to government agencies and growing small to medium sized businesses that are committed to success.Warren Galloway & Associates LLC
We are a small business consulting firm providing professional business coaching and planning, with a specialty in supporting businesses access capital.T-Share
T-share is a social-collaborative platform for Spanish-speaking educators that combines social media interactions with monetary rewards to take their teaching methods to the next level.National Arab Orchestra
The NAO is dedicated to preserving and performing the classical and contemporary traditions of Arab music and provides educational opportunities to students bridging social and cultural barriers through music.Gocleer
Gocleer's mission is to create simple and flexible access to mobility insurance, governed by the values of transparency, smartness, personalization, justice and honesty, in order to attract users looking for car insurance and new forms of mobility (scooters, bicycles, etc). Its short-term objective is to help users save on 100% digital insurance by reducing the use of the car by promoting intermodality, that is, the combined use of alternative means of transport.ToDoolie
ToDoolie is a home services marketplace allowing busy homeowners to hire young people within their metropolitan area. For **suburban households**, we are a better option for outsourcing unskilled work, and many of our clients outsource for the very first time using ToDoolie. Additionally, our clients feel good providing work opportunities to young people.Global Innovative Online School (GIOS)
GIOS is an interactive TikTok-style Math platform / tutoring marketplace for К12 students & teachers originally from Ukraine. An all-in-one solution with interactivity for kids, progress tracking for parents, an e-library + flexible course-builder for Math teachers, & a marketplace for proven STEM tutors. Skilled GIOS-tutors conduct classes for various goals like prep for ACT, SAT, etc according to American & Canadian curricula. Our platform has shown student engagement in studying is up by 43%!Not Sorry Goods
Not Sorry Goods is a Midwest-based brand that's all about looking good, feeling good and doing good -unapologetically. By upcycling pre-loved garments with our bold designs, focusing on eco-friendly materials and sourcing ethically made goods, our intention is to be a leading sustainable & inclusive retailer of the future. Currently we serve the Metro-Detroit area 5 days a week at our flagship store in Ferndale, Michigan and folks across the US.