Vision
Where economic development meets underrepresented entrepreneurship.
About NCTF
We invest capital and conviction in underrepresented founders of color building Michigan's next generation of great companies.
OUR THESIS
Overlooked founders offer some of the most unique growth opportunities in the market.
For decades, capital has flowed to the same kinds of founders in the same few places. That isn’t just unfair—it’s inefficient. Extraordinary companies go unfunded simply because they didn’t fit a familiar pattern.
We look past the pattern to the potential. We invest capital and conviction in scalable, early- to mid-stage businesses across Michigan, then stay close—opening doors to customers, talent, and the relationships that turn a good company into a great one.
~0.4%
Share of U.S. startup funding that went to Black-founded startups in 2024—a multiyear low, down from 1.3% in 2021.
Source: Crunchbase News, February 2025.
We invest in Conviction, not pattern
We measure in Returns & impact
We are rooted in Michigan
FOUNDATION
Mission
Investing in overlooked founders, investors, and companies across Michigan—while creating strong, risk-adjusted returns for our investors.
What we value
Success for the business and the community. Trust and personal responsibility in every relationship. Innovation that grows the whole ecosystem.
HOW IT STARTED
From one conviction to two funds.
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THE BEGINNING
A Vision for Michigan
NCTF was founded on a simple belief: Michigan grows stronger when more of its people get the chance to build. We set out to create opportunity for entrepreneurs who’d been overlooked—and to prove it could work as a real fund, with real returns.
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FUND I
Proving the model
Our first fund put the thesis to work across West Michigan, backing founders across fintech, healthcare, and beyond—and partnering with The Right Place to surround every company with mentors, customers, and resources. The companies delivered. The model held.
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FUND II
Scaling the momentum
With Fund I validating the approach, Fund II expands our reach across all of Michigan—from first institutional checks at pre-seed through growth capital at Seed+ and Series A. NCTF is the only fund in West Michigan to receive a $9.8M commitment from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF).
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WHERE WE ARE NOW
Just getting started
Two funds deployed, 10+ companies backed, and a region taking notice. We’re continuing to invest capital and conviction in the founders building Michigan’s next generation of great companies.
WHAT SETS US APART
Built differently, on purpose.
We get it
We’ve been the overlooked founder in the room. We read potential where others read risk, and we understand the path firsthand.
We get to yes
Founders shouldn’t have to decode a black box. We’re clear about what we look for, and we move with conviction—so a yes is a real yes.
A fund, with impact
Not a grant. Not charity. Not an impact fund that trades returns for good intentions. We pursue real returns and real impact, together.
DIFFERENTIATORS
Capital and Community
| TRADITIONAL FUNDING | NCTF APPROACH |
|---|---|
| Transaction-focused | Relationship-focused |
| Short-term capital | Long-term partnership |
| Limited access | Founder-first support |
| Narrow networks | Community-powered ecosystem |
| Success measured only in returns | Success measured in returns and impact |
Common Questions
Is NCTF a fit for you?
The questions founders and partners ask us most. If you don’t see yours here, reach out—we’re easy to talk to.
Is NCTF a grant or a nonprofit?
No. NCTF is a venture capital fund. We make investments and aim for strong, risk-adjusted returns—alongside real community impact.
Who do you invest in?
Underrepresented, under-resourced entrepreneurs of color building scalable, early- to mid-stage companies with an economic impact on Michigan. We look beyond balance sheets to see potential others miss.
What stages and check sizes do you fund?
Typical ranges: up to $100K at pre-seed, up to $500K at seed, and up to $1.5M at Seed+/Series A—depending on stage, traction, and syndication.
What industries do you focus on?
We’re industry-curious and have backed companies across fintech, healthcare and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and information technology.
Do I have to be based in Michigan already?
You need to have—or be willing to build—a real economic footprint in Michigan. Fund II invests statewide.
How is NCTF different from an impact fund?
We don’t trade returns for good intentions. We pursue both. Strong companies that also move their communities forward—that’s the whole thesis.
How do I apply for funding?
Start with our application form.
How should I prepare to pitch?
Come ready to talk through the fundamentals and know we’re rooting for you, not testing you:
- Your market, your competitors, and your “why“
- Who your core customers are and why they choose you
- How you’ll expand beyond your first market
- Your unit economics—lifetime value, cost to acquire, cost to deliver, and how it scales
- Your use of proceeds
- Your long-term plan, including potential exit
- And the big one: why Michigan, and why NCTF?
LOOKING AHEAD
The next generation of Michigan starts here.
Whether you’re seeking funding or looking to invest alongside us, we’d love to start a conversation.