Mayor, DEGC present $300,000 in grants to 13 innovative startups through Detroit Startup Fund

• Round 2 of Detroit Startup Fund supporting a diverse cohort of tech startups, spanning healthcare, fintech, environmental solutions, advanced manufacturing, and mobility
• Ten seed grant ($15,000) awardees and three scale grant ($50,000) awardees are committed to continuing to build in Detroit
• Round 2 drew hundreds of applications, reflecting Detroit's growing position as a leading tech ecosystem

Mayor Mary Sheffield, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) and partners today announced the second cohort of 13 startup companies selected for investment through the Detroit Startup Fund, continuing efforts to support high-growth companies building solutions to real-world challenges.

The Round 2 grants build on the strong foundation established in the Fund's inaugural cohort, which demonstrated the impact of early-stage capital in helping Detroit founders hire, innovate and scale across key industries. Seed grants of $15,000 were awarded to 10 startups and scale grants of $50,000 were awarded to three companies.

Demand for the Detroit Startup Fund continues to grow. Round 2 drew hundreds of applications from founders across sectors, demonstrating the depth of Detroit's entrepreneurial talent and reinforcing Detroit's position as a rising hub for innovation.

"Detroit's future is being built by entrepreneurs who are solving real problems and creating real opportunity," said Sheffield. "The Detroit Startup Fund ensures those founders have access to the capital and support they need to grow right here in our city."

Applicants were evaluated on traction, job creation potential, ability to scale and commitment to building in Detroit. The scale grant recipients have already secured significant outside investment, and all awardees demonstrated scalable business models and a commitment to sharing progress data with the City. The Startup Fund is designed to ensure startups have the support needed to turn strong ideas into companies that grow, hire and deliver impact.

"Detroit startups have the potential to once again revolutionize industries and create jobs for generations of Detroiters," said Justin Onwenu, Director of the Office of Small Business Affairs. "Founders are choosing to build and scale their innovative startups in Detroit as part of a strong and expanding ecosystem and we are excited to support their work."

Scale grant awardees tackle real world challenges

Among the standout recipients, HAAS Alert received a $50,000 scale grant to expand its connected vehicle platform that delivers real-time hazard alerts to drivers and first responders, improving roadway safety. Total Analysis received a $50,000 scale grant to advance its rapid testing technology, enabling food processors and healthcare providers to detect infectious diseases in minutes and strengthen public health response. Constrat also received $50,000 to grow its AI-powered platform supporting contractors with better financial, operational and capital access tools.

"The volume and quality of applications this round make clear that the pipeline is strong and growing," said DEGC President and CEO Kevin Johnson. "Through the Detroit Startup Fund, we are connecting that talent to the capital and support needed to turn ideas into scalable companies."

Seed recipients demonstrate innovation across sectors

The seed grant recipients reflect a wide range of innovation across mobility, education, clean energy and small business support. Companies are expanding access to transportation, strengthening civic participation, supporting teachers and students, building next generation infrastructure, and helping small businesses adopt new tools and technologies.

One startup in particular, Spanish S.W.A.G., reflects the strength of Detroit's small business and startup support ecosystem. Through Motor City Match, founder Jessie Feliz established a multilingual learning center in Brightmoor. During the business planning process, she was encouraged to expand her concept by developing a complementary digital platform. The Detroit Startup Fund will now support the continued growth of Spanish S.W.A.G., an application that provides on-demand Spanish language learning for elementary students in a format that is interactive, engaging and accessible.

Future of the Detroit Startup Fund

Mayor Mary Sheffield helped establish the Detroit Startup Fund as a City Council President and included it in her first proposed Mayoral budget. Future rounds are contingent on City Council approval of additional funding.

Detroit Startup Fund Round 2 grant recipients:

Scale Grant $50,000 Awardees

• HAAS Alert ($50,000): Connected vehicle safety platform delivering real time hazard alerts to millions of drivers through vehicle to everything technology.
• Total Analysis ($50,000): Rapid testing platform helping food processors and healthcare providers detect and prevent infectious disease outbreaks in minutes.
• Constrat($50,000): Construction fintech company building an AI powered platform to help contractors manage operations, improve profitability, and access capital.

Seed Grant $15,000 Awardees

• Bhadala ($15,000): Mobility platform building a unified digital wallet for public transit with transferable fare subsidies to expand access to jobs and transportation.
• POGO ($15,000): Civic engagement platform designed to help younger generations build consistent civic habits and provide real time insights to organizations and governments.
• Reyz ($15,000): Advanced textile company commercializing engineered knit apparel and products designed for comfort, recovery, and performance.
• RoundHere.io ($15,000): Digital platform connecting entrepreneurs to events, resources, service providers, and funding opportunities across the ecosystem.
• Electric Outdoors ($15,000): Clean energy and infrastructure platform building modular, off grid systems powered by integrated energy and AI technologies.
• Penny Pickup ($15,000): Micromobility logistics platform enabling zero emission goods movement by connecting demand with smaller scale transportation solutions.
• EdLoop ($15,000): Education technology platform helping teachers deliver real time feedback while giving school leaders visibility into classroom instruction.
• Shophand ($15,000): Platform equipping small businesses with tools, workforce support, and access to capital while creating pathways into AI enabled careers.
• Ciyfr ($15,000): AI powered workforce intelligence platform helping healthcare systems predict staffing challenges and reduce financial loss.
• Spanish SWAG ($15,000): Spanish S.W.A.G. provides on demand, Spanish Language Program for elementary scholars that is fun, interactive and personable.

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC)

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation is a non-profit organization that serves as Detroit's lead implementing agency for business retention, attraction and economic development. DEGC is led by a board comprised of business, civic and community leaders. Its staff provides services for key public authorities that facilitate incentives and other forms of financing for projects that bring new jobs and investment to the City.

DEGC also manages important initiatives to support small businesses and grow neighborhood commercial corridors. DEGC is dedicated to inclusive development and access to economic opportunity.