NVCA’s Shiloh Tillemann-Dick to Keynote Invest360 Summit & Pitch Competition

Ann Arbor SPARK's signature a2Tech360 event features a $200,000 startup pitch competition, HistoSonics commercialization story, and a full day of networking and investment insights.

Ann Arbor SPARK today announced that Shiloh Tillemann-Dick, Research Director at the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), will keynote the Invest360 Summit & Pitch Competition on Wednesday, September 23, one of the signature events of a2Tech360, the region's premier celebration of innovation.

New for 2026, Invest360 combines the best of Ann Arbor SPARK's previous Michigan Startup Capital Summit and Invest360 into one dynamic event, bringing together venture capitalists, angel investors, founders, entrepreneurs, and innovation leaders for a full day of investment insights, networking, and live startup pitches.

Held at the University of Michigan Golf Course Clubhouse, the event will feature a national keynote, expert discussions on venture capital and startup growth, a fireside chat exploring the remarkable journey of HistoSonics, and a live pitch competition showcasing 15 of Michigan's most promising startups.

The pitch competition will award $200,000 in investment prizes, including $50,000 investments in the mobility, information technology, and life sciences categories, along with a People's Choice Award selected by attendees. This year's finalists represent some of Michigan's most innovative early-stage companies:

Information Technology

• Altumatim
• Constrat, Inc.
• GripFusion
• Maka
• Shifty Inc.

Life Sciences

• Crank Bio
• Entirety Biomedical
• Keryx
• Sequestro, Inc.
• Zera Medical LLC

Mobility

• Lacuum
• Marel Power Solutions
• Motion Sync Tech
• Neumo
• RoboWorkX Inc.

Last year's Invest360 competition highlighted the strength of Michigan's innovation ecosystem, with Modal Motors earning both the Mobility Award and People's Choice Award ($100,000 total), BedConnect winning the Life Sciences category ($50,000), and Gildform taking top honors in Information Technology ($50,000).

As Research Director at the National Venture Capital Association, Tillemann-Dick leads research examining venture investment activity, fundraising trends, and the policy issues shaping the innovation economy. His keynote will provide founders and investors with a data-driven look at today's venture capital landscape, emerging investment opportunities, and the trends expected to influence startup fundraising in the years ahead.

"Michigan is home to world-class entrepreneurs and groundbreaking technologies, but transforming innovation into successful companies requires access to capital, strategic relationships, and a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem," said Mike Flanagan, vice president of Capital Programs at Ann Arbor SPARK. "Invest360 is designed to bring those pieces together. By combining the strengths of the Michigan Startup Capital Summit and Invest360 into one event, we're creating an even more valuable experience for founders and investors while showcasing the incredible companies being built across our state. We're thrilled to welcome Shiloh, whose national perspective will provide attendees with timely insights into where venture capital is heading and what it means for Michigan startups."

The event will also feature a fireside chat, "The HistoSonics Story: From Startup Founder to Commercialization Leader," featuring Christine Gibbons and Mike Blue, offering an inside look at how one of Michigan's most successful medical technology companies grew from an ambitious startup into a global commercialization success.

Whether attendees are actively investing, preparing to raise capital, or simply interested in Michigan's innovation economy, Invest360 offers a unique opportunity to hear from national thought leaders, discover emerging technologies, and connect with the founders and investors shaping the future.

Registration includes a continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and networking happy hour with drinks and appetizers.

Invest360 is one of eight signature events during a2Tech360, taking place September 22 through October 2. With 20+ events spanning the region - including signature programs and Partner Events hosted by organizations across the innovation ecosystem - the series brings together entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, startups, established companies, and community leaders for 10 days of conferences, networking, pitch competitions, career events, and community celebrations.

Tickets are $150. Reserve your spot today to connect with investors, founders, and innovation leaders while experiencing one of Michigan's premier startup and venture capital events.

To learn more and register, visit https://a2tech360.com/events/invest360-2026/.

Ann Arbor SPARK thanks a2Tech360 Presenting Sponsors Oracle and OpenAI, as well as University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Barnes & Thornburg, Bodman, MRPR, ID Ventures, and Bank of Ann Arbor, for supporting Invest360.