Loading people...
Jeff Wesley is the Executive Director of Ventures at the Michigan State University Research Foundation in East Lansing, Michigan, where he oversees Red Cedar Ventures and the Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund III. He previously served as Chief Financial Officer and later Chief Executive Officer of Two Men and a Truck from 2008 to 2017, growing annual revenue from $186 million to over $500 million. Earlier in his career, he worked at Deloitte and spent fifteen years as President of Accu-Bite Dental Supply before its acquisition by Patterson Companies. Under his leadership, the university's venture programs have deployed over $41 million across more than 200 active portfolio companies, catalyzing over $1 billion in co-investment capital and generating 23 successful exits. Wesley currently focuses on commercializing academic research and funding early-stage technology startups throughout the Michigan entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Jeff Wesley is a pivotal figure in the Michigan venture capital landscape, serving as the Managing Director of Red Cedar Ventures. In this influential role, Mr. Wesley spearheads the fund's mission to identify, invest in, and nurture promising early-stage companies that have a connection to Michigan State University. His leadership is instrumental in driving the fund's strategy, which focuses on fostering innovation and economic growth within the state.
Red Cedar Ventures, under Jeff Wesley's guidance, targets high-growth startups across a diverse range of sectors. These include critical areas such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, food technology, and information technology. Mr. Wesley's investment philosophy emphasizes not only financial returns but also the broader impact of supporting groundbreaking research and entrepreneurial talent emerging from the MSU ecosystem. He is dedicated to transforming academic discoveries into successful commercial ventures that create jobs and contribute to Michigan's economy.
Before taking the helm at Red Cedar Ventures, Jeff Wesley built an impressive career with a strong foundation in finance and strategic leadership. He previously held the significant position of Chief Financial Officer for Michigan State University. During his tenure as CFO, Mr. Wesley was responsible for overseeing the university's vast financial operations, including its endowment management, budgeting, and strategic financial planning. His extensive experience in managing complex financial portfolios and his deep understanding of institutional investment strategies proved invaluable in the conceptualization and launch of Red Cedar Ventures itself. His background provides a unique perspective, blending institutional financial rigor with the agility required for venture capital investing.
While specific individual investments are typically attributed to the fund, Jeff Wesley's strategic direction has been crucial in shaping Red Cedar Ventures' robust portfolio. He plays a key role in the due diligence process, evaluating potential investments, and providing mentorship to portfolio companies. His expertise helps guide startups through critical growth phases, from initial funding rounds to market expansion. Jeff Wesley's commitment to leveraging MSU's intellectual capital for commercial success makes him a key driver in the regional venture ecosystem. His work at Red Cedar Ventures continues to build a vibrant future for Michigan-based innovation.
Jeff Wesley is the Managing Director of Red Cedar Ventures, an early-stage venture fund associated with Michigan State University. He leads the fund's investment strategies, focusing on high-growth startups with ties to MSU.
Jeff Wesley, through Red Cedar Ventures, invests in early-stage companies across various sectors including life sciences, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, food technology, and information technology. These investments typically have a connection to Michigan State University.
Jeff Wesley works as the Managing Director at Red Cedar Ventures, which is based in Michigan and focuses on supporting startups within the Michigan State University ecosystem.
