Two newly minted University of Michigan MBA grads were busy this summer laying the groundwork for the formal launch of their Ann Arbor-based venture capital firm, Resonant Venture Partners.
Jason Townsend and Michael Goodwin are its founders, and both Michigan natives. They are proud to be back in region after working in Silicon Valley and hope to help build on the promise of Michigan as an emerging hub for technology innovation and startup success. Others are taking notice of the State’s investment potential as Resonant has raised a large portion of its initial funds from Texas and Colorado.
Jason and Michael are drawing on their experience from their time spent on the University of Michigan’s student-led Wolverine Venture Fund to jumpstart this endeavor. They invited Tom Kinnear, limited partner at Arboretum Ventures, managing director of the Wolverine Venture Fund, and head of the Zell Lurie Institute, to serve on their board.
Resonant has closed its first investment – it was part of a $1 million investment in Scio Security, a computer security startup led by serial entrepreneur Dug Song and University of Michigan PhD candidate Jon Oberheide. West coast firm True Ventures led the round, which also included two strategic angel investors with extensive security expertise. As a result of Resonant’s involvement, Scio will maintain its local headquarters.
Jason and Michael will undoubtedly ride this wave of success through the upcoming months, so keep watch for updates on their progress!