Red Cedar Ventures

Red Cedar Ventures is the venture investment subsidiary of the Michigan State University (MSU) Foundation. It focuses on providing early-stage funding to startups emerging from MSU’s research and entrepreneurial ecosystem, as well as other high-tech companies in Michigan. With the aim of driving economic impact in the region, Red Cedar Ventures supports innovation by helping to bridge critical funding gaps for startups, offering both pre-seed and growth-stage investments. The firm manages several funds, including a Pre-Seed Fund, Opportunity Fund I and II, and Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund III. These funds target startups at different stages of development, providing them with the capital needed to scale. Red Cedar Ventures also partners closely with Spartan Innovations and supports the Conquer Accelerator program, offering selected startups access to investment, mentorship, and resources to help them grow beyond the early phases. The firm’s investments span a wide range of industries, from AI to healthcare and cybersecurity, supporting startups like DeepView (smart cameras for factory inspections) and Flightpath Biosciences (therapies for pathogen-based diseases). With its roots in MSU, Red Cedar Ventures plays a key role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship throughout Michigan.