Mahendra Ramsinghani is the Managing Director, First Step Fund, based in Detroit, Michigan. He has been instrumental in growing the venture capital industry in Michigan.

Formerly, as the Director of Venture Capital Initiatives for the MEDC, Mahendra helped design two fund-of-funds programs, Venture Michigan Fund and 21st Century Investment Fund; managed four limited partnership investments and supported the development of the various angel groups in Michigan including Grand Angels. His efforts increased the capital available to the venture community, resulting in more investment in small and start-up businesses in Michigan. In 2008, the New Enterprise Forum recognized his "outstanding contribution to Michigan's entrepreneurial community" at its 21st annual event.

Mahendra previously served as a Mentor-In-Residence with the University of Michigan Office of Technology Transfer where he led the formation and funding of a start-up. And prior to that he was a VP with Plymouth Venture Partners, a $20m technology and life science fund.

Mahendra serves as an Advisor to Chrysalis Ventures, a $175m venture fund based in KY. Mahendra also serves on the Capital Formation Committee of the Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA) and served on the MVCA board for 2 years.

Mahendra has an MBA and Bachelor’s in Electronics Engineering from Pune University, India

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