Five Michigan Startups Selected to Receive Investment from MSU Student Venture Capital Fund
The MSU Research Foundation and Broad College of Business announce this year’s student-selected investments, backing Michigan startups in eco-friendly packaging, wearable health tech, and pet wellness.
EAST LANSING, Mich. (Apr. 8, 2025) — The Michigan State University Research Foundation and Broad College of Business Center for Venture Capital, Private Equity and Entrepreneurial Finance have announced recommendations for pre-seed investment in five promising Michigan-based startups at the seventh annual Student Venture Capital Fund (SVCF) Investment Celebration event held on April 3 in East Lansing. The SVCF provides hands-on experience in venture capital investing for students taking the FI 444: Entrepreneurial Finance course at MSU. In the class, students review a pipeline of early-stage startup companies from the entrepreneurial ecosystem and conduct investment selection, due diligence, market and competitive analysis, and valuation analysis to make an investment recommendation to Red Cedar Ventures, a venture investment subsidiary of the MSU Research Foundation.
The five companies chosen this year are:
BRCE: Develops lightweight sports gear using strong, flexible materials to create products like shoelaces and athletic accessories.
Kadeya: Provides reusable beverage vending stations that dispense drinks in sanitized, refillable bottles, aiming to eliminate single-use plastic waste in workplaces.
LifeKnight: Uses AI and wearables to detect emergencies like falls or health issues through its LOIS Safety App, instantly alerting responders for faster assistance.
Translational Osteosynthesis: Improves bone healing and regeneration by providing design services, specialized machining, and experimental support for researchers and surgeons.
Vetr Health: Delivers comprehensive pet wellness services, including in-home care, vaccinations, testing, and unlimited telehealth support for pet owners.
“This program continues to provide our students with a truly immersive venture capital experience,” said Hayong Yun, Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Center for Venture Capital, Private Equity and Entrepreneurial Finance at MSU. “By evaluating real startup applications, conducting due diligence alongside professionals from the MSU Research Foundation, and engaging directly with founders, students gain invaluable exposure to the full investment process. We’re proud to offer this hands-on opportunity and deeply value the partnership that makes it possible.”
The SVCF program has provided more than $320,000 of pre-seed and seed stage investments deployed in 32 companies. Those companies have gone on to raise over $74.3 million from dilutive and non-dilutive sources.
"Classroom learning through reading and lectures is valuable, but nothing compares to the practical experience of real-world due diligence," emphasized Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Ventures at the MSU Research Foundation. "Students gain a deep understanding that goes beyond textbooks when they make investment decisions based on intangible factors. They quickly learn how much influence the founding team has on making investment decisions."
The current SVCF portfolio is a diverse set of investments covering many sectors. Most of the companies in the portfolio have experienced success this past year, many of them attracting new angel and venture capital investments in addition to winning grants for non-dilutive sources available from the State of Michigan and federal government programs.
“Having the students think through priced investment rounds, debt conversions, bridge financings and standard venture metrics in a real portfolio will make them more attractive candidates upon graduation,” Wesley added. “We believe this partnership will help solidify the Broad College at Michigan State as a producer of emerging talent for the venture industry.”
The SVCF also has an outstanding team with many different majors and minors represented. The class includes finance, management, supply chain, engineering, computer science, neuroscience and biology majors, plus students in the entrepreneurship minor.
The Center for Venture Capital, Private Equity and Entrepreneurial Finance continues to expand its academic reach and community engagement. This year, the Center welcomed new faculty members: Caroline Genc in research, Mingming Qiu in operations and outreach, and Joerg Picard as an external industry liaison. It also introduced an alumni-engaged judging process, where MSU Research Foundation venture investment professionals, Center faculty, and MSU alumni evaluated student pitch presentations.
“It’s exciting to see students recommend five promising startups for investment, reinforcing our commitment to cultivating innovation within the MSU ecosystem,” said Yun. “As the Center expands its activities, we invite more alumni to get involved—whether by teaching, joining future Investment Celebration events as judges or mentors, or providing students with real-world opportunities such as internships and job interviews in venture capital and private equity.”
The SVCF Investment Celebration event attracted more than 100 participants, including MSU alumni in the venture industry, advisory board members, and guests.