Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund

The Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund is a $3 million pre-seed venture fund managed by InvestUP, a private sector-led economic development organization based in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation through the Michigan Innovate Capital Fund program. The fund targets Michigan-based for-profit companies (LLC, C-corp, or S-corp) in business seven years or less that are commercializing technology to increase the enjoyment, accessibility, or sustainability of outdoor recreation. Sectors of focus include outdoor mobility, wearables, trail advancements, sporting goods, tourism and experience enhancements, clean tech, sustainability tech, and blue tech. Initial checks range from $50,000 to $100,000, with a maximum of $250,000 per company across multiple rounds. Investment instruments include preferred equity, convertible notes, and SAFEs. The fund invests on a rolling basis and targets 30–35 companies over its deployment period. Founders apply via an online intake form; after submission, the fund responds within two weeks with feedback or a request for an introductory meeting, followed by external review committee evaluation and investment committee approval. The fund is the first seed-stage venture fund in the Upper Peninsula and rural Michigan.