Founded in 2010 by Dan Gilbert, the visionary behind Rocket Companies and Rocket Mortgage, Detroit Venture Partners (DVP) is at the forefront of Detroit’s entrepreneurial renaissance. Gilbert’s leadership in reshaping industries through his companies extends seamlessly into DVP, a venture capital firm committed to investing in bold entrepreneurs and game-changing startups. Underpinned by the same guiding principles, or ISMs, that drive Rocket Companies—like“Obsessed with finding a better way” and “You’ll see it when you believe it”—DVP is built to help startups thrive.
DVP’s focus is more than financial—it’s about fueling innovation and fostering an environment where businesses can grow sustainably while contributing to Detroit’s emergence as a tech hub. By harnessing the extensive network of over 100 companies in the Rock Family of Companies, DVP offers founders unparalleled access to resources, mentorship and strategic partnerships that can catapult their startups to success.
A Legacy of Innovation and Impact
Since its founding, DVP has invested more than $100 million into Michigan-based startups, and those companies have gone on to raise over $1.5 billion from global investors. These investments position DVP as a catalyst for Detroit’s economic growth, helping create one of the top entrepreneurial ecosystems in the world, attracting top talent and visionary ideas to the city. DVP’s commitment to Detroit goes beyond funding—it’s about investing time, talent and expertise to help shape a community of innovators today and start the flywheel of innovation for decades to come.
Investing in Visionary Entrepreneurs
DVP’s portfolio spans sectors such astechnology, fintech, real estate, sports, ecommerce and more. Their focus is backing entrepreneurs who are passionate about building companies that disrupt industry and create long-lasting value.
This investment strategy reflects a belief in the “For More Than Profit” philosophy, a term coined by Dan Gilbert to illustrate that profit and community are linked. When communities do well, companies in that community do well. DVP seeks founders who are not just chasing profits, but are also committed to making a positive impact in Detroit and other communities where they operate.
Leveraging Detroit’s Unique Advantages
Detroit, with its storied history of industrial innovation, provides an ideal environment for DVP’s mission. The city’s resilience and creative energy make it a fertile ground for ambitious startups looking to challenge the status quo. DVP taps into this ecosystem, utilizing local talent, corporate networks, top-tier universities and partnerships with accelerators to help startups scale quickly and efficiently.
By leveraging the Rock Family of Companies, DVP’s portfolio companies have access to a wide range of resources, from legal and financial expertise to potential customers and strategic partnerships. This advantage is particularly valuable in helping startups move quickly, overcome early challenges and seize opportunities.
Notable Success Stories
DVP has built a portfolio of standout companies that exemplify its commitment to driving innovation and creating real value. One of the most high-profile success stories is StockX, the global online marketplace for sneakers, streetwear, and collectibles. StockX, founded in Detroit and backed by DVP, has revolutionized the way consumers buy and sell these items by providing transparency, authentication and a trusted platform for enthusiasts around the world. Today, StockX is a multibillion-dollar company that has redefined ecommerce in its niche, further highlighting Detroit’s growing reputation as a hub for tech innovation.
Standout Airspace Link, is reshaping urban mobility through its digital infrastructure for drone operations. By enabling safe and efficient drone integration into urban environments, Airspace Link is helping transform industries like healthcare, public safety and logistics.
Livegistics, another notable DVP portfolio company, is enabling the construction industry to evolve by digitizing and automating construction logistics. Livegistics provides cloud-based solutions that track, manage and report real-time data for waste management and hauling operations. By streamlining what was once a fragmented and inefficient process, Livegistics is helping construction companies operate more efficiently while reducing environmental impact. With DVP’s backing, Livegistics is growing rapidly and transforming how construction logistics are handled across the country.
DVP-backed Revelais building the best-in-class property management platform to help real estate investors digitize and automate portfolio operations from a single dashboard. The platform is truly an end-to-end product, streamlining tenant management, payments, accounting and maintenance, among many other features. With DVP’s support, Revela has rapidly scaled into new markets and offerings, providing additional revenue streams.
A Team Dedicated to Entrepreneurial Success
DVP’s team is a dynamic mix of experienced venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and corporate leaders, many of whom have launched and scaled companies themselves. This firsthand knowledge of the startup journey gives DVP a unique perspective on the challenges founders face. More than just investors, the team serves as active partners, providing strategic guidance, mentorship and access to a powerful network that helps startups grow.
Scaling Innovation and Impact
As the maxim in the technology industry goes, “People tend to overestimate what can be done in one year and underestimate what can be done in a decade.” DVP is proud of the role its portfolio companies have played in the resurgence of Detroit’s startup community over the past decade but is even more excited to back the next wave of founders building generational companies that will continue to drive Detroit forward for decades to come.
Looking ahead, DVP is focused on expanding its reach into emerging industries and technologies, such as applied artificial intelligence, industrial automation, healthcare and energy while continuing to lean into strategically-aligned sectors like fintech, real estate, and sports/entertainment.
Why Entrepreneurs Should Partner with DVP
Entrepreneurs looking to build transformative companies will find more than just funding at Detroit Venture Partners. With a powerful connection to the Rock Family of Companies, a proven track record of success, and an unwavering commitment to helping startups scale, DVP is an ideal partner for founders ready to make their mark on the world.
