History

In 1927, the University of Michigan offered the nation’s first Small Business Management course at its Business School. Today, the Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies is leading the development of the next generation of serial entrepreneurs and venture investors.

The Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies was established at the University of Michigan Business School with an endowment of $10 million from Samuel Zell and Ann Lurie, on behalf of her late husband Robert H. Lurie, in 1999. In 2015, the Zell Family Foundation pledged an additional $60 million to extend programs at the Institute and create a new fund for student business ventures. Advisory Board members include: Mr. Zell, Chairman of Equity Group Investments; Michael Hallman, former COO of Microsoft Corporation; and Pamela Applebaum, President of Arbor Investments Group, LLC.

Entrepreneurship at Ross

The existence and growth of entrepreneurial studies at the University of Michigan Business School dates back virtually to the inception of the School in the late 1920’s. A small number of courses in Small Business Management were offered primarily to those students who intended to return to family business and for those interested in employment with smaller, local market companies. Today, the School’s Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies is one of the best-resourced, top-ranked University-based entrepreneurship and venture investing programs around the globe.

Whether students wish to pursue a new business venture, join an existing startup, or bring the innovative mindset of an entrepreneur to a large company, strong linkages with alumni and industry professionals elevate the student learning experience and expand career development opportunities.

 

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Headshot of founder, Zell

Advisory Board

These successful entrepreneurs and venture capitalists contribute their noted talent and expertise to the Board, advising the Zell Lurie Institute on its activities and future direction.

Michigan Business Challenge winners, holding their investment check

Team

The faculty and staff of the Zell Lurie Institute bring a wealth of experience to the study and practice of entrepreneurship. The ZLI team is a dedicated group of professionals with backgrounds and ongoing practice in founding startups, venture capital, technology commercialization, startup management, invention, and successful exit strategies.