Rishi Moudgil, an Indian American with a strong background in the social sector investment, has assumed the role of Executive Director at the Michigan Founders Fund (MFF), an organization dedicated to fostering Michigan’s startup ecosystem into the most prosperous, inclusive, and community-centric in the United States.
MFF announced Moudgil’s appointment on April 30, highlighting his extensive experience in social impact and entrepreneurship. His past roles include serving as the Founding Executive Director of GreenLight Fund Detroit, where he spearheaded locally-driven initiatives aimed at addressing challenges faced by families in Detroit, with models replicated nationwide. Previously, he initiated tech and community-based ventures in Southeast Michigan, managed the Great Lakes Entrepreneurs Quest, and established the Center for Social Impact at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.
Moudgil’s appointment underscores his commitment to combining social impact with entrepreneurship. His vision for MFF involves creating networks, narratives, and pathways for equitable economic access, fostering a community-driven approach to building high-growth businesses while giving back to local communities.
Looking ahead, Moudgil is optimistic about Michigan’s venture capital landscape, noting the state’s significant increase in VC investment between 2016 and 2020. Since its inception in 2020, MFF has seen substantial growth in membership and event participation, showcasing the state’s potential as a hub for innovation across various industries.
Despite these positive trends, Moudgil recognizes the need to address the lack of demographic diversity within Michigan’s startup ecosystem. MFF is actively working to address this challenge by focusing on diversity and inclusion throughout the talent pipeline, including internship programs for underrepresented college students and skill-building workshops for Michigan students.
Moudgil believes that fostering inclusivity is crucial for MFF’s success, particularly in ensuring that the network represents people from all backgrounds across the state. By investing in individuals who have historically been marginalized in high-growth ecosystems, MFF aims to build a more equitable and robust economy in Michigan, where entrepreneurship can flourish across all communities.
