Mike Flanagan on Ann Arbor SPARK: How Michigan Fuels Startups with Pre-Seed Capital | EP. 22

Ann Arbor is providing access to millions of dollars for business startups, in this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant talks with Mike Flanagan, Vice President of Capital Programs at Ann Arbor SPARK, who breaks down how it all works. Mike explains how SPARK began as a public-private partnership, what “the Valley of Death” really means for early-stage founders, and how pre-seed/seed investing (plus angel networks) can keep high-growth companies in Michigan. He also shares why Ann Arbor’s talent pipeline and quality of life matter, how “boomerang” grads return home, and standout success stories like Duo Security, Llamasoft, and Histo Sonics. For more information, visit: marketingthemidwest.com