In one week, we will see the launch of a new web-based platform designed to create connections and opportunities for Michigan based tech startups and entrepreneurs.

“Michigan is the first state in the country to create an online resource designed specifically for startups, hubs and funders to help fuel the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) tweeted last week.

The database, startupMICHIGAN.tech, is expected to feature more than 335 Michigan based startups. The platform, which will be free for users, is focused on making researching Michigan startups easier, allowing users to filter by business model, funding stage, location and more.

“We often work with investors from outside the state and try to introduce them to Michigan startup companies,” Chris Rizik, CEO and fund manager, Renaissance Venture Capital in Ann Arbor, said. “But there has never before been a single resource that included the relevant startup business and fundraising information that startupMICHIGAN.tech has. The central resource provides strong tangible value that will be a great help to the startup community in Michigan.”

The platform received funding by the MEDC and Michigan philanthropy including CMF members the William Davidson Foundation, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation and the New Economy Initiative (NEI), a project of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

The NEI is supported by 12 CMF members and is focused on inclusive growth and culture of entrepreneurship in Southeast Michigan.

“StartupMICHIGAN.tech will help connect Michigan’s promising high-growth companies with investors and talent both locally and from around the world. NEI is pleased to support this much-needed platform because it raises the awareness of Southeast Michigan’s startups that have the potential to rapidly create high-quality jobs and economic prosperity for our community,” Maria LaLonde, senior program officer, NEI said.

Since its launch in 2007, the NEI has helped to launch 2,725 companies and provided entrepreneurial services to more than 276,000 people.

In 2018 alone NEI’s investments assisted 2,513 companies and helped to launch 207 companies, which collectively employ more than 5,600 people.

As for the database, it will officially launch during an event on May 20 in Detroit.