Do you have an idea that could be the next Twitter or Facebook? If so, Detroit Venture Partners is looking for you.
"Right here in metro Detroit, we have incredible ideas," says Josh Linker.
Linkner knows what it takes to turn an idea into a business. And easy isn't part of it. Linker founded ePrize, the world's largest interactive promotion agency, in 1999 when he was only 20 years old. "Everyone thought I was crazy."
But what some once called crazy has turned into a lucrative tech company based right here in southeast Michigan. Now, Linker is trying to help other local entrepreneurs create their own success. That's where Detroit Venture Partners comes into play. A venture capital firm Linkner founded with Quicken Loans founder Dan Gilbert and ex-NBA star Magic Johnson, DVP invests in Internet start-ups by providing the initial investment of between $250K - $750K.
"In addition to capital, we provide coaching, mentorship, support. We're there deep in the trenches with these entrepreneurs to help them win, which in turn, will help our city win," says Linkner. "We're looking for the next Facebook or Twitter or Instagram."
And they may have found it.
UpTo is a mobile app that allows users to share a calendar full of appointments and upcoming events with whoever they choose. The point is, your followers will know what you're 'UpTo.'
Greg Schwartz is one of UpTo's founders. "We've had over 50,000 downloads over the past few months and we're growing," says Schwartz.
DVP not only provided the start-up cash, they've helped the company make serious connections and deals.
In less than two years, DVP has received over 1,000 pitches and funded 13 companies. They judge companies based on a wide-range of criteria, including whether or not the company is willing to commit to Detroit.
DVP and its start-ups are based in downtown's Madison Building which has been transformed into a space where work and fun go hand-in-hand.
"Big bangs can happen in tech start-up world and that's what we're hoping to happen here in Detroit," says Linkner.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:28 AM EDT2013-05-22 06:28:15 GMT
More than 2,000 people were in attendance to hear Donald Trump speak at Oakland County's Lincoln Day Dinner. Before the event, he told reporters he believes Detroit is "on the right path."
More than 2,000 people were in attendance to hear Donald Trump speak at Oakland County's Lincoln Day Dinner. Before the event, he told reporters he believes Detroit is "on the right path."
Monday, May 20 2013 11:08 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:08:56 GMT
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:36 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:36:39 GMT
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:56:23 GMT
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:46:26 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:28:18 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:57 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:57:50 GMT
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:38 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:38:51 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:44:18 GMT
Today at 2 p.m. 100 community leaders, union officials, concerned residents and Northwestern High School Alumni will protest the closure of the high school.
Today at 2 p.m. 100 community leaders, union officials, concerned residents and Northwestern High School Alumni will protest the closure of the high school.
Josh Linkner
