TechTown Hires New Managing Director

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DETROIT — As part of its ongoing plant to expand programming in support of the region’s most promising technology-based enterprises, TechTown today announced that Charlie Moret has joined the nonprofit incubator as managing director, entrepreneurial programs. Moret, a veteran of the technology innovation and entrepreneurial space, come to Detroit from Rocky Hill, Conn.-based Connecticut Innovations Inc, where he most recently served as managing director of business development for the quasi-public corporation providing financing and other forms of financial assistance to technology companies in early stages of the business life cycle. 

As TechTown, Moret is responsible for the design and execution of the organization’s refined programming model to be announced next month. It will feature a highly competitive accelerator for technology-based or -enabled businesses and placed-based boot camps for retail and wholesale enterprises. He also oversees TechTown’s SWOT City neighborhood stabilization work; capital for clients; and technology pipeline development in partnership with the region’s leading research institutions. Moret reports directly to TechTown President and CEO Leslie Smith and is a member of the leadership team. 

“Bringing Charlie to TechTown was a critical move in our efforts to stimulate a healthy pipeline of technology-based deal flow to create sustainable businesses that will drive economic development,” Smith said. “He brings not only a fresh perspective, but also the experience we need to augment the strength of the existing leadership team and create a significant uptick in the number of new tech-based starts coming out of Detroit. I could not be more delighted to welcome Charlie to our city and I look forward to the extraordinary results we’ll see with him at the helm of our entrepreneurial programs.”

At Connecticut Innovations, Moret was responsible for developing and supporting business opportunities and maintaining relationships with key partner organizations. He also directed the organization’s TechStart accelerator program, its pre-seed fund and C Tech initiative, a technology business incubator focused on supporting entrepreneurs, start-up and early-stage technology ventures. His experience, particularly in proof of concept, launching and funding startups, and working with angels, investment firms and universities, makes him uniquely qualified to overhaul TechTown’s programming model. 

“I’ve spent the last 13 years working with tech-based and clean-tech startups and designing programs to accelerate the sustainable development of technology companies in Connecticut,” Moret said. “In my short time here, I’m already inspired by the robust activity and high potential among Detroit’s entrepreneurs, especially those working the tech space. When I signed on to join TechTown, I was charged with the task of creating innovative programming — a model that supports the regional entrepreneurship and complements existing assets. The programming we’re developing will do just that and I look forward to officially sharing our plans come January.”