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Union Heritage is an investment advisory firm founded in 1991 and headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with an additional office in Atlanta, Georgia. The firm operates three distinct lines of business: Public Equity, Venture Capital, and Philanthropic Investment. With over 35 years of experience in the capital markets, Union Heritage emphasizes generating returns while supporting underrepresented firms and communities. Notably, the firm is 80% African American and 51% women-owned and led, reflecting its commitment to diversity and inclusion in investment strategies.
Union Heritage Ventures, the venture capital arm, focuses on early-stage investments, specifically targeting Pre-Seed to Series A rounds. The firm has made over 35 investments across various sectors, including Advanced Manufacturing, Climate Tech, Future of Transportation, and Healthcare. Union Heritage operates multiple funds, including the Michigan Ignite Fund and Michigan Momentum Fund, which target investments in Michigan. The firm’s mission is to create opportunities for underrepresented communities while achieving financial returns.
Union Heritage Ventures invests in high-tech companies within the Advanced Manufacturing, Climate Tech, Future of Transportation, and Healthcare sectors. The firm specifically targets early-stage investments, focusing on Pre-Seed to Series A rounds, with check sizes ranging from $100,000 to $1 million. All companies must be incorporated in the United States. Union Heritage employs a disciplined approach to support portfolio companies, providing fundraising assistance, sales support, marketing services, and legal services.
The firm seeks to back companies and founders who leverage cultural competency to address challenges faced by underrepresented communities. This investment thesis emphasizes the importance of social impact alongside financial returns, aligning with Union Heritage's mission to empower diverse entrepreneurs. The firm’s geographic focus is primarily on North America, particularly Michigan and the Southeast region, where it aims to foster growth in local economies.
Union Heritage has made over 35 investments in various companies, showcasing its commitment to supporting diverse sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
These investments reflect Union Heritage's focus on sectors that have a significant impact on underrepresented communities, aligning with its mission to generate positive social outcomes.
Derek T. Batts: Managing Partner & CIO. Derek has extensive experience in investment management and has led numerous successful investment initiatives.
Nia Batts: Managing Director & COO. Nia has a background in both finance and community engagement, focusing on supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Dawn Batts: Head of Private Market Investments. Dawn specializes in private equity and venture capital, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the firm.
Louis Carr: General Partner. Louis has a strong track record in venture capital and has been instrumental in several successful investments.
Sophia Bush: General Partner. Sophia focuses on strategic investments that align with the firm’s mission of supporting diverse founders.
Ashley Reid: Principal & Director Of Platform. Ashley oversees the firm’s platform initiatives, providing resources and support to portfolio companies.
Drew Mcusic: Venture Associate. Drew assists in sourcing and evaluating potential investments.
Jessica Gingell: Executive Assistant and Project Coordinator. Jessica supports the team in various operational capacities.
To pitch Union Heritage, founders should send an email to inquiries@unionheritage.com. It is important to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup addresses challenges faced by underrepresented communities. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
In recent months, Union Heritage has been active in promoting its investment initiatives and community engagement. Notable publications include an article titled "Investing In Innovation" on Waymaker Journal, which highlights the firm’s commitment to social impact through investment.
Additionally, Nia Batts was featured in Teen Vogue discussing period poverty and the importance of addressing this issue through innovative solutions. These articles reflect Union Heritage's ongoing efforts to raise awareness about its investments and the impact of its work in supporting underrepresented communities.
What are Union Heritage's investment criteria?
Union Heritage Ventures invests in early-stage companies, specifically in the Pre-Seed to Series A stages. They focus on sectors such as Advanced Manufacturing, Climate Tech, Future of Transportation, and Healthcare. All companies must be incorporated in the U.S., and check sizes range from $100,000 to $1 million.
How can I pitch to Union Heritage?
Founders can pitch Union Heritage by sending an email to inquiries@unionheritage.com. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and how the company addresses challenges faced by underrepresented communities.
What makes Union Heritage different from other VC firms?
Union Heritage is distinct in its commitment to diversity and inclusion, being 80% African American and 51% women-owned and led. The firm emphasizes cultural competency in its investment thesis, focusing on companies that create positive impacts in underrepresented communities.
What type of support does Union Heritage provide to portfolio companies?
Union Heritage offers extensive support to its portfolio companies, including fundraising assistance, sales support, marketing and branding services, and legal services. This comprehensive approach ensures that founders have the necessary resources to succeed.
What is the geographic focus of Union Heritage?
The firm primarily focuses on investments in North America, particularly in Michigan and the Southeast region of the United States. This geographic focus allows Union Heritage to foster growth in local economies and support community development.
What is the size of Union Heritage's funds?
Union Heritage operates multiple funds, including the Michigan Ignite Fund and Michigan Momentum Fund, targeting various stages of investment. Check sizes for these funds range from $50,000 to $1 million, depending on the specific fund and stage of investment.
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