Capital venture fund aims to invest in Kalamazoo startups, local businesses

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — A new capital venture fund is aiming to drive economic growth and empower innovators in Kalamazoo’s underrepresented population.

Kalamazoo Forward Ventures was launched Tuesday night at an event at the Kalamazoo Country Club. There are three funds that will lead property development, make investments in high growth startups and invest in local businesses. Founders of the fund say their work will fill in gaps needed for business to thrive in Kalamazoo.

“We were tired of seeing those gaps for those individuals. Underrepresented individuals that have a difficult time accessing capital or just getting access to anything from education to the momentum to dream big. And we want to be in there. … We want help fill that gap, be a part of it, find those individuals with fantastic ideas and help them live out their dreams,” said Von Washington, Jr. with Kalamazoo Forward Ventures.

The fund starts with a $50 million dollar investment and several projects already in the works.

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