Scale-Up! Sessions

October 21, 2025

FUNDING YOUR FIRST VENTURE: ANGELS, SEED CAPITAL, GRANTS, & MORE!

Securing your first round of funding can feel daunting, but understanding the early-stage capital landscape is key to building momentum. This session will break down practical strategies for accessing investments, connecting with angels, and navigating the Red Cedar Ventures and Michigan Rise investment process. Learn what funders are looking for, how to craft a competitive application, and when to seek equity-based funding.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the Red Cedar Ventures & Michigan Rise investment process and expectations
• Building relationships with angel networks and investor groups
• Information on Grants and other resources
• Getting to know the benefits & resources for startups in Michigan

PRESENTERS: Tommy Skinner, Director, Venture Investments and Pete Martin, Director, Portfolio Management (MSU Research Foundation and Michigan Rise)

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November 18, 2025

PITCH PERFECT: TELLING YOUR STORY TO INVESTORS WITH IMPACT

A strong pitch can open doors to funding, partnerships, and growth opportunities. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to craft and deliver a compelling narrative that resonates with investors and stakeholders. From structuring your pitch deck to sharpening your storytelling skills, this workshop will provide actionable insights and live feedback to help you pitch with confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Building a storytelling framework that captivates audiences
• Designing a visually impactful and investor-ready pitch deck
• Tips for mastering delivery and handling Q&A sessions

PRESENTER: Kim Gamez, Program Manager (MSU Research Foundation)

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February 24, 2026

BUILDING YOUR FOUNDER BRAND: WHY IT MATTERS EARLY

Your startup’s reputation starts with you. In today’s innovation ecosystem, investors and partners invest not just in ideas, but in founders. This session explores how to intentionally craft your personal brand as a founder or researcher, strengthen your digital presence, and establish yourself as a thought leader in your field. Learn strategies to stand out, attract opportunities, and build trust with your audience early.

Key Takeaways:

• Creating a founder brand that complements your startup vision
• Building a strong online presence and leveraging social media
• Establishing thought leadership and cultivating a professional network

PRESENTER: Pete Martin, Director, Portfolio Management (MSU Research Foundation & Michigan Rise)

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March 24, 2026

STARTUP LAW 101: THE LEGAL FOUNDATIONS YOU NEED

Legal decisions made in the early stages of your startup can have long-term consequences. This session, led by startup-focused attorneys from Foster Swift, will cover the critical legal basics every entrepreneur needs to know. Learn how to structure your company, protect your intellectual property, and set clear agreements with co-founders and stakeholders to avoid common pitfalls.

Key Takeaways:

• Choosing the right legal entity for your business
• Crafting solid founder agreements and avoiding disputes
• Protecting your intellectual property from the start

PRESENTERS: Foster Swift Startup Law Team

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April 28, 2026

MSU FACULTY FOUNDERS PANEL: LESSONS FROM THE TRENCHES

Learn directly from MSU faculty innovators who have successfully transformed their research into thriving startups. This interactive panel will share personal stories, challenges, and lessons learned from the commercialization journey. Moderated by MSU Technologies, the discussion will also provide guidance on navigating the MSU tech transfer process, with insights from Brad Fingland on the MSU Startup Guide. Get practical resources and actionable advice to accelerate your path from lab to market.

Key Takeaways:

• Real-world experiences and lessons from MSU faculty founders
• Overcoming barriers to commercialization and funding
• Practical tools and university resources to accelerate innovation

PRESENTERS: Selected MSU Faculty Founders & MSU Technologies Moderator

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Scale-Up! Sessions is a monthly series for startup and growth companies covering key topics like branding, customer discovery, fundraising, marketing, and more, hosted by the MSU Research Foundation. Sessions are a mix of formats, from hands-on workshops and presentations to casual networking events. Whether you're refining your pitch deck, learning about SBIR/STTR grants, or exploring sales strategies, these sessions offer practical tools and insights to help your business scale.

Mark your calendar and join us in the 300 Room at our City Center headquarters in East Lansing!

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ORGANIZER:

The MSU Research Foundation supports the Michigan State University ecosystem with resources that increase the impact of research and innovation. The Foundation achieves its mission through grant programs that contribute over $15 million annually to the University, entrepreneurial programming and early-stage investments that accelerate technology transfer and startup growth throughout Michigan, and environments where startup businesses and collaborators can thrive. The Foundation's work is made possible through its stewardship of a flexible and sustainable endowment, nourished by over 50 years of licensing revenues and investment returns. Learn more about the MSU Research Foundation and its impact at msufoundation.org

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