Grand Rapids, Mich. (Dec. 6, 2021) – Michigan Capital Network (MCN), the state’s largest association of regional angel investing groups, announced today the addition of Diane Durance as Executive Vice President. Durance joins CEO Paul D’Amato in leading 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,” said 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, Durance served as the director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington. She also has previously served as president of Great Lakes Entrepreneur’s Quest (GLEQ), a Michigan non-profit organization supported by MEDC to connect early stage technology ventures with funding opportunities. She began her work with technology startups in Ann Arbor in 2005 as president of the Ann Arbor IT Zone, an organization that preceded Ann Arbor SPARK. Durance started her business career as an entrepreneur herself, launching and growing three companies including a telecommunications engineering firm, a contract publishing company and a residential construction business.
“We are so fortunate and thankful to add Diane to our association,” said Paul D’Amato, CEO of Michigan Capital Network. “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.”
Michigan Capital Network 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.