Michigan VCtalk

Ted Velie, Midwest House S3, E54

Join host Ara Topouzian [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aratopouzian/] as he sits down with Ted Velie [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-velie/], a seasoned builder of the Midwest startup ecosystem. From co-founding the regional platform Midwest House [https://www.midwesthouse.org/] to serving as Co-Chair of Michigan Tech Week, Ted brings a unique perspective on what it takes to spark innovation in Michigan. In this episode, they talk about Ted’s efforts to help investors and founders work better together across the Great Lakes — and the bold ideas that could spark the region’s next big leap.

James Feagin, Black Bottom Venture / Michigan Angel Collective S3, E53

In this episode of Michigan VCtalk, ⁠Ara Topouzian⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aratopouzian/], Executive Director of the ⁠Michigan Venture Capital Association⁠ [https://michiganvca.org/], sits down with James Feagin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesfeagin/], Managing Partner of Black Bottom Ventures [https://www.blackbottom.vc/]and Michigan Angel Collective [https://michiganangelcollective.com/]. James shares his journey as a long-time Detroit ecosystem builder and investor, offering insights into the importance of inclusive growth, the role of angel investors in supporting early-stage companies, and what it takes to strengthen Michigan’s entrepreneurial landscape. Michigan VCtalk is a podcast series produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michigan Venture Capital Association⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://michiganvca.org/] (MVCA) and hosted by Ara Topouzian, Executive Director of MVCA. This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michigan Rise, Pre-Seed Fund III⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://michiganrise.com/].

Terra Osmon, Founder, Farmish, S3, E52

In this episode of Michigan VCtalk, Ara Topouzian [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aratopouzian/], Executive Director of the Michigan Venture Capital Association [https://michiganvca.org/], sits down with Terra Osmon, founder of Farmish [https://getfarmish.com/]. Farmish is a Michigan-based startup helping people buy and sell locally grown food in their communities, strengthening connections between growers and neighbors who care about fresh, sustainable options. Ara and Terra discuss her journey as a founder, what inspired her to launch Farmish, and the lessons she’s learned building a mission-driven company in Michigan’s startup ecosystem. Terra also shares her perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing entrepreneurs in Michigan, and why community and connectivity matter now more than ever. Michigan VCtalk is a podcast series produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michigan Venture Capital Association⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://michiganvca.org/] (MVCA) and hosted by Ara Topouzian, Executive Director of MVCA. This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michigan Rise, Pre-Seed Fund III⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://michiganrise.com/].

Justin Kosmides, Co-Founder, Bloom, S3, E51

Ara chats with Justin Kosmides [https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinkosmides/] — entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Bloom [https://www.togetherwebloom.us/], a Detroit-based platform reshaping how hardware startups scale and manufacture. From Wall Street to e-bikes to re-industrializing Michigan, Justin’s journey is a great example of innovation in action. Michigan VCtalk is a podcast series produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michigan Venture Capital Association⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://michiganvca.org/] (MVCA) and hosted by Ara Topouzian, Executive Director of MVCA. This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michigan Rise, Pre-Seed Fund III⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://michiganrise.com/].

Daniel Jeffries, Kalamazoo Forward Ventures, S3, E50

Ara chats with Daniel Jeffries [https://kzfv.com/team], Managing Partner at Kalamazoo Forward Ventures [https://kzfv.com/venture-capital]. They digs into how Kalamazoo Forward Ventures is helping high-growth startups—especially thoseled by underrepresented and mission-driven founders—get off the ground. From funding and mentorship to building connections, their work is creating real impact in Kalamazoo and beyond. This marks Michigan VCtalk's 50th episode since its inception! Michigan VCtalk is a podcast series produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Michigan Venture Capital Association⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://michiganvca.org/] (MVCA) and hosted by Ara Topouzian, Executive Director of MVCA. This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Michigan Rise, Pre-Seed Fund III⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://michiganrise.com/].