The M@dison Block, a New 'Start-up Neighborhood' in Detroit, Partners with 'Google for Entrepreneurs'
- Downtown Detroit Chosen to Join Google's Tech Hub Network -
DETROIT, Sept. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Detroit Venture Partners (DVP), Grand Circus, the new cutting-edge technology training institute, Bedrock Real Estate Services and Bizdom, along with Google, announced a groundbreaking new partnership that will further cement Detroit's "The M@dison Block" as one of the most desirable hotbeds of technology entrepreneurship in the country.
As part of this alliance, Grand Circus, located on The M@dison Block in downtown Detroit, has been added to the brand new Google for Entrepreneurs Tech Hub Network, a program designed to grow Detroit-based technology start-ups.
Comprised of seven hubs throughout North America, the Google for Entrepreneurs Tech Hub Network will support entrepreneurs in Detroit through greater access to Google experts and products. In addition, The M@dison Block entrepreneurs will be invited to participate in a number of specialized Google events each year. Most important, Grand Circus will partner and exchange best practices with the other hubs in the network.
Google for Entrepreneurs Tech Hub Network is the first formal network of this kind in the world.
"Detroit has quickly become the destination for emerging technology companies looking to grow their business and at the same time make a positive impact on the community," said Dan Gilbert, Founder and Chairman of Rock Ventures. "Yesterday's announcement by Google is the latest piece of exciting news about the explosive high-tech corridor taking shape downtown. Google's investment is another example of a high-profile technology company seizing on the opportunities in Detroit."
The M@dison Block refers to the entire block of buildings near Grand Circus Park in downtown Detroit bordered by Woodward Avenue on the west, Broadway on the east, Witherell on the north, and John R. on the south. This area has quickly become ground zero for entrepreneurship in the region. The block is anchored by the well-known M@dison Theatre Building, home to DVP and 24 tech start-up businesses. The M@dison Block also includes four other tech-centric buildings located on Woodward Avenue.
- Grand Circus - 1570 Woodward, Broderick Tower, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Floors
- Bizdom, DVP portfolio company Stik.com - 1528 Woodward, 3rd and 4th Floors
- Sachse (builder of the state-of-the-art tech office space on The M@dison Block) – 1528 Woodward, 6th Floor
- Detroit Labs - 1520 Woodward, 5th and 6th Floors
- Avalon Films/Hudson Editorial - 1500 Woodward, 5th and 6th Floors
- Neumann/Smith (design firm of many of the spaces on The M@dison Block) – 1500 Woodward, 3rd Floor
"Google heard consistently from tech hubs that they wanted to be part of a larger network, to learn from each other and collaborate on ideas. We are happy to facilitate that," said John Lyman, head of partnerships for Google for Entrepreneurs. "Our team has been incredibly impressed with the great work these hubs have done in their cities, and are excited to partner with them to do even more."
Grand Circus, DVP and Bizdom are helping start-ups capitalize on this development by providing tools, mentorship and capital for entrepreneurs who are chasing their dreams, educational opportunities for talented developers, and a vibrant community for innovative start-ups.
The M@dison Block, Detroit's newest entrepreneurial corridor, will be unveiled at a media event on Monday, September 30 at 5 p.m. at Grand Circus' office located on the 4th floor in the Broderick Tower.
Google for Entrepreneurs is committed to empowering entrepreneurs around the world through programs, partnerships, and products. The other six hubs in the network include: CoCo in Minneapolis, MN; 1871 in Chicago, IL; Communitech in Waterloo, Ontario; Nashville Entrepreneur Center in Nashville, TN; American Underground in Durham, NC; and Galvanize in Denver, CO.
About M@dison Block
The M@dison Block, located in downtown Detroit, is quickly becoming one of the hottest high-tech entrepreneurial corridors in the nation. The technology district is near Grand Circus Park, bordering Woodward Avenue on the west, Broadway on the east, Witherell on the north, and John R. on the south. This area has quickly become ground zero for entrepreneurship in the region.
About Grand Circus
Grand Circus is a technology training institute based in downtown Detroit. Its mission is to provide effective and practical training in technology related applications. Based in the historic Broderick Tower, located at 1570 Woodward overlooking the historic Grand Circus Park, the Grand Circus space was designed to inspire collaboration and create the next big idea. For more information, visit www.grandcircus.co.
About Detroit Venture Partners (DVP)
Detroit Venture Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in seed and early-stage technology companies with a strong emphasis on Detroit-based start-ups. It provides hands-on coaching, mentorship, support, and resources to help drive growth and success. The firm was founded in 2010 by Josh Linkner, Dan Gilbert and Brian Hermelin. For more information, visit DetroitVenturePartners.com.
About Bizdom
Bizdom is a non-profit start-up accelerator that helps entrepreneurs launch, fund and grow innovative, tech-based businesses in the urban cores of Detroit and Cleveland. The nonprofit was founded in 2007 by Dan Gilbert, founder of Rock Ventures and Quicken Loans, and majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers. For more information, visit www.Bizdom.com.
About Bedrock Real Estate Services
Detroit-based Bedrock Real Estate Services is a full-service real estate firm specializing in purchasing, leasing, financing, developing and managing of commercial space. For more information, visit www.BedrockMgt.com.
SOURCE Detroit Venture Partners; Rock Ventures; Grand Circus
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