The Right Place
Regional economic development, corporate growth, investor connectivity, and startup ecosystem support.
Source record
Connector, ecosystem support, possible programmatic support
Not traditional VC; may connect to programs and co-investment infrastructure
Chris Knape referenced in source; verify current leadership.
Ecosystem legitimacy, local introductions, employer/economic-development narrative, West Michigan anchor credibility.
Direct ED inquiry, chamber/tech ecosystem, local advisors.
Cannot be treated as a capital lead; role must be connector and legitimacy builder.
Ask for ecosystem mapping and warm introductions, not an investment decision.
Verification requirement
Verify current public information, investment mandate, team members, and check range before live outreach.
Scoring
- Warmth bonus
- +2
- Timing bonus
- +0
- Friction penalty
- −10
- Priority
- 26.6
Warmth state
Ring 0 cadence
Weekly local presence, walkable meetings, frequent informal touchpoints.
Local legitimacy, angels, lead candidates, connectors.