By Aubrey Haase
Michigan State University has announced a new landmark initiative designed to engage a community of supporters to elevate MSU’s entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem and scale its impact on today’s students and tomorrow’s innovators.
Spartan Founders Club unites alumni and friends of Michigan State University — including entrepreneurs, executives, investors, and philanthropists — around a shared goal of supporting student entrepreneurship education at the University. In partnership with the new community of supporters, the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation will advance its wide spectrum of resources and services for the thousands of students it engages annually through curricular or co-curricular programming.
“The Spartan Founders Club will transform the entrepreneurial ecosystem at MSU,” said Laurel Ofstein, faculty director at the Burgess Institute. “This initiative is more than just a networking opportunity—it’s about Spartans supporting Spartans, building a future where ideas are supported, funded, and grown into successful ventures.”
Through philanthropic contributions and dedication of time, expertise, and talents, members of the Spartan Founders Club will enjoy a variety of benefits, including access to exclusive networking events, and the opportunity to collaborate with other like-minded Spartans passionate about entrepreneurship and investment opportunities through the Spartan Angel Network.
In collaboration with the MSU Research Foundation, the Spartan Angel Network plays a pivotal role in providing capital and support for early-stage Spartan-affiliated ventures. This powerful connection between founders and investors fosters a spirit of collaboration and shared success, with the common goal of elevating Spartan-led businesses.
The Spartan Angel Network aims to bridge the gap between great ideas and the resources necessary to execute them. Members of the Spartan Founders Club who choose to be part of the Spartan Angel Network will serve as mentors, advisors and partners for entrepreneurs to help propel innovative ventures forward.
“Through this partnership with the MSU Research Foundation, the Burgess Institute will provide entrepreneurs access to not only the financial backing they need but also the expertise and network required to thrive in today’s competitive business environment,” said Sean Fochtman, director of alumni venture support at the Burgess Institute.
Pete Martin ('09, Hospitality Business), a proud MSU alum and head of connection at the Michigan Founders Fund is among the first to commit to the Spartan Founders Club. As an inaugural member, Pete is excited about advocating for Spartans to join the cause. “The Spartan 300 is working to build a future brighter than we can imagine. I’m proud to be part of this powerful philanthropic community, united in support of the next generation of MSU entrepreneurs,” he shared.
The Spartan Founders Club is a consortium of MSU alumni and friends from different industries, interests, and career stages. The common thread will be a collective goal to take MSU’s nationally-ranked campus-wide entrepreneurship program to new heights.
“We need Spartans who are ready to make an impact,” said Christopher Sell, Burgess Institute’s associate director for development. “Whether you are an experienced investor, a seasoned entrepreneur, or simply someone with a passion for innovation, the Spartan Founders Club provides a platform for you to make a lasting impact.”
With the support of 300 Spartans, the Spartan Founders Club will continue to fuel innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment for MSU students and Spartan-affiliated ventures. In collaboration with the new community of dedicated supporters, the Institute looks forward to building a future where MSU continues to lead the way in entrepreneurship and innovation.
To join the Spartan Founders Club, visit https://entrepreneurship.msu.edu/Spartan-Founders-Club.
More information about the Spartan Founders Club is available via the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.