Detroit Venture Partners
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DVP is basically Dan Gilbert's personal mission to rebuild Detroit through tech, and that comes with both massive upside and some quirks. The Rock Family of Companies connection is real value - you get access to Rocket Mortgage's customer base, Cleveland Cavaliers marketing deals, and Gilbert's real estate empire. But here's the thing: Five years after being founded by Dan Gilbert, Josh Linkner and Brian Hermelin as a way to invest in early-stage technology companies, DVP is yet to have any big wins. Meanwhile leadership has been in flux, there have been layoffs at several portfolio companies, and some founders abandoning Detroit for the fertile grounds of San Francisco. StockX was their home run, but that took years to materialize. The fund went through growing pains in the mid-2010s with founder departures and portfolio struggles. Current leadership under Cohen and Stasik seems more stable, and they've been active with In 2025, it made 3 investments. The Detroit-first mandate can be limiting if you're not local, but if you are building something that fits their ecosystem, the strategic value is legit.
- —Best for: Detroit-based founders who can leverage Rock Family ecosystem synergies
- —Watch out for: Heavy Detroit focus may limit opportunities for non-local startups
- —Known for: StockX success and Dan Gilbert's deep pockets backing Detroit's revival
Since 2010, Detroit Venture Partners has been committed to backing and founding early stage tech companies that we believe move the world forward. To us, it's about backing passionate entrepreneurs that can both dream and execute. Great thinking trumps fancy diplomas. Imagination beats pedigree.
DVP has made 36 investments in Seed stage with an average round size of $2.8M, 17 investments in Series A stage with an average round size of $10.8M and 6 investments in Series B stage with an average round size of $15.9M. The firm seeks to invest in advertisement technology, consumer web technology, internet, mobile software, social media, and e-commerce sectors. Looking for investment opportunities in these sectors: internet, digital media, marketing technology, direct-to-consumer, sports & entertainment, social media, e-commerce, software.
DVP was founded by Dan Gilbert, Rocket Companies Founder and Chairman, with a vision to grow Detroit's entrepreneurial community. Gilbert's deep pockets and commitment to Detroit's revitalization provide the financial backing and strategic leverage through the Rock Family of Companies ecosystem. Known for his aggressive real estate investments in downtown Detroit and ownership of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Dan Gilbert's Detroit Venture Partners, which is overseen by Partners Jared Stasik and Jake Cohen. Jake Cohen is an angel investor who has been funding startups since 2015. The investment range of Jake Cohen falls between $75,000 and $500,000, depending on the startup's idea and overall ROI. One of the current operational leads at DVP with extensive involvement in portfolio company oversight.
Dan Gilbert's Detroit Venture Partners, which is overseen by Partners Jared Stasik and Jake Cohen. Co-leads the fund's day-to-day operations alongside Jake Cohen. It has $300 million in AUM. Manages a portfolio spanning multiple sectors with focus on leveraging Detroit's industrial and tech ecosystem.
Brian Hermelin, who co-founded Detroit Venture Partners with Linkner and Quicken Loans Inc. Chairman Dan Gilbert in 2010, is now its acting CEO and acting managing partner. Hermelin also remains as managing partner of Detroit-based Rockbridge Growth Equity LLC, a private equity firm he co-founded in 2007 with Kevin Prokop and Gilbert. A veteran of Gilbert's ecosystem with experience across venture capital and private equity.
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