Coverage from WOODTV, published 2024-09-24.
Kalamazoo Forward Ventures, a new venture capital fund created to drive economic growth and support innovators among Kalamazoo’s underrepresented population, held its Tuesday launch event at Kalamazoo Country Club. The fund opens with a $50 million investment and is organized into three parts that will lead property development, invest in high-growth startups and put capital into local businesses. Founders told the station their work is meant to fill gaps that have kept businesses in the city from thriving.
Von Washington Jr., speaking for Kalamazoo Forward Ventures, said the partners had grown weary of watching underrepresented individuals struggle to access capital or the education and momentum needed to think ambitiously, and that the group wants to find people with strong ideas and help them pursue those ideas. The report said several projects were already in the works when the fund was announced. The story was posted at 9:23 p.m.
EDT on Sept. 24, 2024.
