Microsoft Ventures today announced it will open an office in downtown Detroit’s Madison Building, the Dan Gilbert-owned tech hub that houses homegrown startups like UpTo and Detroit Labs as well as the local offices of tech giants like Google and Twitter.
Microsoft Ventures partners with startups to offer funding, acceleration services, or general mentorship. According to its website, Microsoft Ventures has 58 locations worldwide. In Detroit, the Microsoft Ventures team plans to work with Detroit startups and develop business partnerships in the region.
“It’s important to us to participate and contribute to the growing technology hub downtown, where startups and established businesses are collaborating on driving innovation and growth,” said Microsoft’s vice president John Fikany in a press release. “There is a ton of energy going on in Detroit and we are excited to continue to be a part of it.”
Grand Circus, the Gilbert-affiliated tech training institute, secured the partnership with Microsoft Ventures on behalf of the Madison Block, which is the official name Gilbert is now using to refer to his downtown tech empire. Located near Grand Circus Park, its borders are Woodward Avenue to the west, Broadway Street to the east, Witherell Street to the north, and John R Street to the south.
As part of the partnership, Microsoft Ventures will provide entrepreneurs with a variety of services to support growth, according to the press release, including “technology, mentors, and networking opportunities.”
Gilbert’s Bedrock Real Estate Services recruited Microsoft Ventures to lease office space on the second floor of the Madison Building. According to the press release, Bedrock now controls or manages more than 8 million square feet over more than 40 downtown Detroit properties, and has invested more than $1.3 billion in real estate.
