Venture 313

FAQ

We know that grants, investments, and loans can be foreign concepts for some founders -- if the answers below don't answer the questions you have, email us at info@venture313.com and we'll help to clarify any inquires.

What is Venture 313?
Venture 313 is a Detroit entrepreneurship initiative backed by a $10M commitment from the Gilbert Family Foundation. We've built a coordinated capital continuum across three partner organizations — TechTown Detroit, Invest Detroit Ventures, and Detroit Development Fund — to route Detroit tech founders to the right capital at every stage of their journey, from first idea through post-revenue growth.
Who is eligible to apply?
V313 is designed for tech-focused founders and entrepreneurs based in or building toward Detroit. We support founders at every stage — from first idea through post-revenue growth — and route each applicant to the partner best suited to where they are right now.
How does the capital continuum work?
The V313 continuum has three stages. Founders at the idea and pre-product stage are routed to TechTown Detroit for grant capital. Founders with a validated product who are ready to scale are connected to Invest Detroit Ventures for equity investment. Post-revenue founders ready to accelerate are matched with Detroit Development Fund for equity and debt financing. A single application routes you to the right starting point.
Do I have to apply to each partner separately?
No. One application to Venture 313 routes you to the right capital partner based on your current stage. As your company grows, the continuum is designed to support your progression from one stage to the next — you don't need to start over each time.
Is Venture 313 only for Detroit-based companies?
Venture 313 prioritizes Detroit-based founders and companies. Founders building companies that will create economic value in Detroit — even if not yet headquartered here — are encouraged to apply and discuss their situation with the team.
What kinds of companies does V313 support?
Venture 313 focuses on technology-driven businesses — software, hardware, platforms, and tech-enabled companies across sectors. Our portfolio spans mobility, health technology, fintech, consumer tech, and more. If technology is at the core of your business model, you're a candidate.
How long does the review process take?
The Venture 313 team reviews every submission and tries to respond within a few business days. If you're a strong fit for one of our capital partners, you'll be introduced directly. If you're not quite there yet, we'll connect you with resources to help you get ready.
Who funds Venture 313, and what is GFF's role?
Venture 313 was created and is funded by the Gilbert Family Foundation, a Detroit-based philanthropic organization committed to the long-term economic development of the city. GFF committed $10M to establish the program and serves as the convening partner — bringing together TechTown Detroit, Invest Detroit Ventures, and Detroit Development Fund into a single coordinated capital continuum. GFF is not an investor in the traditional sense; their role is to fund the infrastructure that connects founders to capital.
Is Venture 313 a grant program, a venture fund, or something else?
It's both — and more. Venture 313 is a capital continuum, not a single fund. Through TechTown Detroit, it deploys non-dilutive grant capital ($250–$15,000) to early-stage founders. Through Invest Detroit Ventures, it offers equity investment ($25K–$250K) to founders with validated products. Through Detroit Development Fund, it provides debt and equity capital ($5K–$1M+) to post-revenue companies. A single application routes you to the right vehicle based on your stage.
Has the Venture 313 program been extended?
Yes. The Gilbert Family Foundation has renewed the Venture 313 program for an additional two years, extending the initiative beyond its original three-year commitment. The program continues to operate through TechTown Detroit, Invest Detroit Ventures, and Detroit Development Fund, with the same capital continuum structure.
What is Build313, and how does it relate to Venture 313?
Build313 is TechTown Detroit's AI and automation education program, operating within the Venture 313 ecosystem. Build313 runs monthly sessions in Detroit covering practical applications of AI tools, automation workflows, and product development — designed for founders at the earliest stages of the V313 pipeline. Think of it as the on-ramp: it's where founders develop the technical literacy and product intuition that prepares them to pursue V313 capital.
How much capital does V313 typically deploy per company?
It depends on the stage and partner. TechTown Detroit deploys grant capital averaging $15,357 per company (range: $2,500–$15,000). Invest Detroit Ventures invests $20K–$450K in equity at the go-to-market stage. Detroit Development Fund provides $30K–$320K in debt and equity capital to post-revenue companies. Across all three vehicles, Venture 313 has deployed $6.3M to 127 companies since 2022.
What makes a company "tech-focused" for V313 eligibility?
Venture 313 looks for companies where technology is a core driver of the business model — not just a tool they use. This includes software companies, hardware and IoT products, platform and marketplace businesses, and tech-enabled service companies where technology meaningfully differentiates the offering. Companies that use technology operationally but are primarily service businesses are generally not a fit. When in doubt, apply and describe your technology — the team will route accordingly.
What if I want to partner with Venture 313?
Venture 313 welcomes partnerships with organizations, institutions, and companies that share our commitment to Detroit's early-stage tech founder ecosystem. Partnership opportunities range from event co-sponsorship and programming collaboration to mentorship, recruitment, and capital co-investment. If you're interested in exploring a partnership, reach out directly through the contact information on this site — or connect with one of our partner organizations (TechTown Detroit, Invest Detroit Ventures, or Detroit Development Fund) to discuss how your resources or network might align with our work.
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Ready to find where you fit?

The V313 capital continuum starts with a single form. Tell us where you are — we'll route you to the right partner, stage, and program.