Inside 20 New Deals and Two New Funds with Jeff Wesley

Season 1 Episode 13:

In this episode, David Washburn interviews Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Ventures at the MSU Research Foundation, to recap a high-impact fourth quarter of venture activity. Jeff shares highlights from 20 new investments and financial transactions completed between April and June 2025, including support for startups tackling everything from microbiome therapeutics to plant health monitoring, as well as portfolio wins like the acquisition of Atlas Space Operations and a major funding milestone for Traverse City–based Takanak.

We also cover two major announcements: the launch of a new $10.6 million evergreen fund, created with support from the Michigan Innovation Fund, and a $10 million healthcare innovation fund in partnership with Henry Ford Health + MSU Health Sciences. Jeff discusses what these new initiatives mean for early-stage investing in Michigan, and why statewide partnerships are key to building a more competitive startup ecosystem.

Host: David Washburn
Guest: Jeff Wesley (Executive Director of Ventures, MSU Research Foundation)

Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug Snitgen

Music: “Devil on Your Shoulder” by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic Sound

Stay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.