Jeff Wesley Joins Michigan Venture Capital Association Board of Directors
Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Ventures at the MSU Research Foundation, joins the Michigan Venture Capital Association board to advance Michigan's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Ventures at the MSU Research Foundation, joins the Michigan Venture Capital Association board to advance Michigan's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. (Jan. 17, 2025) — The Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA) announced the appointment of Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Ventures at the Michigan State University Research Foundation, to its Board of Directors.
Wesley brings extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship to the MVCA board. At the MSU Research Foundation, he oversees Red Cedar Ventures and the Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund III, supporting Michigan startups with strategic early-stage investments.
"I'm honored to join the MVCA board and work alongside such accomplished industry leaders," said Wesley. "Michigan's venture capital ecosystem is growing in exciting ways, and I look forward to contributing to MVCA's mission of strengthening our state’s role as a hub for innovation and investment. The combination of university innovation and venture capital creates powerful opportunities for Michigan's economy."
Under Wesley's leadership, the MSU Research Foundation's venture programs have deployed over $41 million across more than 200 active portfolio companies, catalyzing over $1 billion in co-investment capital. The portfolio has achieved 23 successful exits, while maintaining a strong commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship with 44 percent of portfolio companies having diverse founders.
Wesley’s appointment comes as MVCA transitions its board leadership, with Kim Pasquino of Wakestream Ventures stepping in as board chair, succeeding Patti Glaza of ID Ventures. Alison Todak, Principal at Plymouth Growth, also joins the board.
"Jeff's brings valuable expertise and a fresh perspective to our organization," said Ara Topouzian, CEO of MVCA. "His experience leading multiple university-affiliated funds and his dedication to advancing Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem align perfectly with MVCA’s goal of creating more opportunities for entrepreneurs across the state."
The Michigan Venture Capital Association is a nonprofit trade organization representing over 100 investors and entrepreneurial support organizations. It helps build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports high-growth companies and strengthens Michigan’s economy through advocacy, education, and resources. For more information, visit michiganvca.org.