Hacker Fellows and Invest Detroit Ventures Launch 2019 Hacker Fellows Program

Hacker Fellows program connects top tech talent with early stage tech startups throughout Michigan

Detroit, Mich. – Hacker Fellows, a program of Invest Detroit Ventures and supported through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation initiative, recently announced its 2019 cohort of tech fellows. The program recruits and trains emerging software talent by pairing their skills with tech startups in the state. It aims to build upon Michigan’s emerging entrepreneurial community and connect the state’s top talent with early stage companies by curating the next generation of hackers, coders and startup junkies with an extensive year-long fellowship program.

“Michigan’s startup community thrives on talent, engagement, development and a never-ending desire to continue growth and fostering the next generation of talent,” said Sam Ging, program director of Hacker Fellows. “Our 2019 hackers are brilliant and ambitious, and with the support of the companies that we’ve partnered with, I am sure that they will carry the torch of innovation and help continue to grow Michigan’s thriving tech startup industry.”

Since its inception in 2015, the Hacker Fellows program has grown extensively. The 2019 program gained interest from over 700 applicants across the U.S. and 64 companies, including companies such as StockX, Integral, Saganworks, Censys, Shoptelligence and ToDoolie.

“Hacker Fellows has a wealth of talent, but the program is much more than that -- it's a community,” said Brad Hoos, executive director of Hacker Fellows. “Year after year, we are constantly impressed by the skills and curiosity of the Hacker Fellows -- but more importantly so are the companies with whom they work. Through their effort and commitment, our fellows and interns have made Hacker Fellows the go-to-source for career opportunities with tech startups.”

Recently, the 2019 program kicked off in Downtown Detroit with a five-week entrepreneurship bootcamp for fellows and interns that immerses the cohort in Michigan’s technology and entrepreneurship scene, preparing them to begin full-time employment later this month. The five-week bootcamp covers housing and training and provides a stipend to the 25 developers as they prepare to begin their careers. Alumni of the program have gone on to not only lead early stage startups but grow within their industries to become expert leaders and innovators.

“With the launch of the fifth Hacker Fellows cohort we see the progression of the program as a true testament to the amazing work and results of our fellows,” said Nataliya Stasiw, portfolio manager for MEDC. “With the support of the MEDC, the fellowship has gained substantial momentum with a budding reputation of producing problem solvers with an astounding repertoire of talent. The 2019 cohort is a diverse and energetic group looking to make their mark through supporting the growth of the companies for which they work. I am anxious to see their full potential bloom.”

Michigan’s top talent lives within the Hacker Fellows program and will continue to grow and curate the next generation of business leaders.

MEDC’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation initiative establishes Michigan as the place to create and grow a business by providing high-tech startup companies with access to a variety of critical resources, such as funding and expert counsel, from ideation to maturation. For more on MEDC’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation visit www.michiganbusiness.org/entrepreneurship.

For more information on Hacker Fellows, visit here: https://www.hackerfellows.com/

Invest Detroit Ventures (ID Ventures), the venture capital team of Invest Detroit, supports promising Michigan-based, high-tech startups through investment capital and programs that strengthen the startup ecosystem. As a collaborative investor and community partner, our approach is to provide inclusive access to resources for Michigan entrepreneurs with high-growth potential. For more information, visit investdetroit.vc.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.