Michigan Capital Network, an association of regional angel investing groups based in Grand Rapids, announced the addition of Diane Durance as its executive vice president.
In her new role, she joins CEO Paul D’Amato in leading the efforts to increase angel investor activity across the state and supporting membership growth at the five angel organizations under the MCN umbrella.
“I am extremely pleased to join the talented leadership team at Michigan Capital Network,” says Durance. “The economic impact of angel investments is very significant. Every dollar invested in an early-stage Michigan venture results in nearly ten dollars of additional capital being brought into the state. I look forward to helping MCN and its investors build on that return and drive even more high-tech business development in Michigan.”
Prior to joining MCN, she served as the director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington. She also served as president of Great Lakes Entrepreneur’s Quest (GLEQ), a nonprofit aimed at connecting early-stage technology ventures with funding opportunities.
“We are so fortunate and thankful to add Diane to our association,” says D’Amato. “Her extensive experience in early-stage technology ventures and her overall understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystem will benefit all of our angel investors and the companies in our portfolio.”
MCN includes investing members from Grand Angels, Ka-Zoo Angels, Woodward Angels, Flint Angels and the recently added BlueWater Angels. Combined, the association’s 162 members have invested more than $57 million with 91 companies. More than 1,500 jobs have been created through those investments.
