The Detroit Trek is an immersive experience where Zell Entrepreneurs explore prominent Detroit businesses, learn from entrepreneurs, and network with industry leaders.
Zell Entrepreneurs is an exclusive, year-long program that offers personalized support to help students launch a new venture or acquire and lead an existing company. If you’re interested in applying to become a Zell Entrepreneur, please sign up for the ZLI newsletter to receive notifications when the application opens. HERE
CULTURE
During The Detroit Trek, students toured various landmark institutions as well as local startups like StockX, which was founded by a University of Michigan alumnus. The day began with a tour of Michigan Central led by Michigan alumnus Sean White.
Michigan Central is an iconic statement of the revitalization of Detroit. With a mix of the old and the new through restored original pieces and the use of modernized technology, this local business highlights the key characteristics of why entrepreneurship within Detroit excels.
ECOSYSTEM
Detroit is a city rich with resources and talent showcased through a hardworking community and the desire for constant innovation. Michigan Central has seen the highs and lows of the Detroit economy, and its ability to withstand it all was an inspiring message to the Zell Entrepreneurs of determination and dedication.
FUNDING
There is a lot of promise for the tech sector within the city of Detroit, Michigan. Entrepreneurs of companies like AirSpace Link (CEO: Michael Healander) and StockX (CEO: Greg Shwartz; Representative: Philip Brailsford) have leveraged the access to venture capital and funding provided by Detroit investors who are curious about the growth potential of tech startups.
The Zell Entrepreneurs also gained insights from those accelerators of success like NewLab and Detroit Venture Partners. Through conversations with representatives of those companies, the students obtained a better understanding of what the investor relationship should look like, what start-ups need to consider while breaking into Detroit’s tech scene, and so much more.
Thank you to all of the speakers, presenters, and representatives who supported this event.