What are the responsibilities and job description for the Entrepreneur in Residence (Mobility) position at MSU Research Foundation?
We are seeking to engage an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) to support the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform and investment efforts, attracting new investments to the state of Michigan with a focus on mobility-related initiatives.
The EIR will support Michigan Rise and Red Cedar Ventures, playing a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of mobility startups. The EIR will work closely with the MSU Research Foundation and its wholly owned subsidiaries to:
- Turn Fragmented Resources into a Competitive Advantage: Build a structured founder support system that aligns Michigan’s mobility resources into a high-impact platform for startup success. Expand the presence of Michigan Rise and Red Cedar Ventures as the go-to early-stage mobility investors, driving more top-tier founders into the pipeline.
- Curate & Cultivate High-Conviction Investments: Identify and engage high-potential mobility startups through deep industry networks, emerging trends, and proprietary deal flow strategies. Prioritize category-defining companies solving real problems with scalable, capital-efficient models.
- Run the Playbook for Founder Success: Develop and lead SHIFT (Strategy Hour for Innovation in Future Transportation)—a high-impact framework that helps founders sharpen strategy, execute on commercialization, and secure early wins. Provide direct coaching, tactical support, and game-changing intros to corporate partners, co-investors, and strategic stakeholders.
- Help Founders Get Funded & Connected: Work hands-on with startups to refine their pitch, narrative, and fundraising strategy. Organize a founder-focused event series where early-stage teams engage with venture-scale entrepreneurs, industry operators, and top-tier investors—creating the intersections that drive opportunity.
Why This Role? If you know mobility and want to shape the industry's future—not just watch from the sidelines—this is your opportunity. You’ll operate at the intersection of venture, startups, and deep industry networks, driving impact in one of the decade's most dynamic, high-stakes sectors.
Requirements:
- Based in Michigan, with the ability to engage with local industry networks and stakeholders.
- 5 years in engineering or supply chain experience, with a strong understanding of the automotive industry’s operations and logistics.
- 5 years’ experience in consulting, the automotive sector, or a related field, with a proven track record of success.
- Project management experience is highly preferred, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
- Comprehensive knowledge of automotive manufacturing, including Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers, OEMs, Just-in-Time and Lean Manufacturing practices, and global/regional production systems.
- Expertise in key supply chain risks and constraints, particularly related to batteries, semiconductors, environmental and regulatory compliance, and geopolitical/trade issues.
Key Results:
- Increased and Curated Deal Flow: Successfully expand and curate a pipeline of high-potential investment opportunities, ensuring alignment with fund objectives and strategic priorities.
- Targeted Founder Support: Develop and implement tailored, impactful support strategies for founders in the pipeline, maximizing their growth potential and readiness for investment.
- Cross-Organizational Collaboration: Foster ongoing communication and collaboration between MSU, MSURF, and venture funds, focusing on mobility through corporate venture capital and industry-expert investors, enhancing alignment and opportunities.
- Regular Mobility Programming: Establish a consistent cadence of mobility-focused events and programming, driving engagement and providing valuable resources to early-stage mobility ventures.
- Enhanced Ecosystem Awareness: Increase visibility and satisfaction among mobility entrepreneurs regarding the activities and impact of Michigan Rise and Red Cedar Ventures, strengthening their reputation and presence within the ecosystem.
- Other projects as assigned.
Time Commitment: 10-15 hours per week, hybrid with some time spent in our East Lansing and/or Detroit offices.
