DETROIT – For more than two decades, TechTown Detroit, Wayne State University’s innovation and entrepreneurship hub, has been a driving force in Detroit’s small-business ecosystem, creating the necessary conditions for startups to thrive.  
  
As Detroit's first innovation district and coworking space for entrepreneurs, TechTown is strengthening its efforts to support local tech startups by offering more specialized resources to help them grow faster and succeed. 
  
This vision – to ensure startups not only launch but succeed – is reinforced with the recent addition of two key leaders: Niles Heron, senior director of tech programs, and Jacob Evan Smith, director of mobility and health innovation.

The Tech-Based Program Team directs TechTown's engagement in mobility (through the Mobility Accelerator Innovation Network), health (through the MedHealth initiative) and programs like Start Studio and Scale Studio — where proven founders and strategists help local founders build novel and new tech products and better utilize technology to help their existing service and product businesses thrive. 
  
“Niles and Jacob will help us continue to evolve and expand our support for tech founders, ensuring they have the resources, mentorship and opportunities to build successful ventures,” said Ned Staebler, WSU’s vice president of economic development and TechTown CEO. “We are committed to further positioning Detroit as a hub for innovation, and this strengthened leadership team is a key part of that strategy.”   

Bringing a wealth of experience in business strategy, brand consulting and startup mentorship, Heron will oversee TechTown’s tech programs, ensuring founders have access to the tools and expertise needed to navigate the challenges of building successful ventures. A Detroit native, Heron spent the last decade as a tech founder, most recently as a co-founder of one of the leading management and analytics firms in the gaming live-streaming industry, Loaded Holdings. He brings to TechTown a passion for supporting early-stage startup development with his experience growing venture-scale businesses and striking innovative partnerships with high-profile brands such as Adidas, Epic Games, Microsoft, Amazon and Universal Music Group.

“Most tech founders in Detroit have had a touchpoint with TechTown, and I'm no different,” Heron said. “My journey – capital raises, acquisitions, scaling, learning – would not have been possible without TechTown.”

Smith, as director of mobility and health innovation, will spearhead TechTown’s efforts in connecting startups to critical resources in these high-growth sectors and at the intersection between them. With extensive experience growing early-stage startups in Detroit, as well as expertise in strategic partnerships, community building and ecosystem development, Smith will lead initiatives that create equitable opportunities for entrepreneurs across the region, ensuring Detroit remains at the forefront of innovation in the mobility and health sectors. 
  
In addition to welcoming these new members to its leadership team, TechTown is proud to highlight its ongoing impact and commitment to supporting tech startups in Detroit.  
  
Since 2007, TechTown has supported more than 6,000 businesses in Detroit and Wayne County, leading to the creation of more than 2,200 jobs and $408 million raised in startup and growth capital.

With a deep-rooted affiliation with Wayne State, TechTown is uniquely positioned to drive Detroit’s innovation economy. This work aligns with the third pillar of the university’s Prosperity Agenda to Fuel Innovation for Our Competitiveness. This means providing the people and businesses of the city, region and state with the knowledge, resources and partnerships needed to drive economic growth. 

By leveraging its extensive network of investors, corporate partners and industry leaders, TechTown creates pathways for founders to secure funding, scale operations and build sustainable businesses.  
  
“There are plenty of resources to help people become founders,” Staebler said.  "Our mission is to make sure that, once people make the choice to become a founder, there are resources that can truly increase their success as innovators by connecting them with the right education and support to help them build scalable and fundable ventures." 

As the entrepreneurial landscape continues to evolve, TechTown remains steadfast in Wayne State’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and position Detroit as a leader in emerging technology sectors. With a clear vision and a strengthened leadership team, the organization is poised to make an even greater impact on the region’s economic future.

About TechTown Detroit: TechTown Detroit, Wayne State University's entrepreneurship hub, is a nonprofit business service organization that provides programs, education, and resources for early- to growth-stage small businesses and tech entrepreneurs. By building bridges for entrepreneurs to succeed, TechTown is accelerating an inclusive economy for Detroit and Southeast Michigan. Since 2007, TechTown has supported 6,090 businesses, which have created over 2,277 jobs and raised more than $408 million in startup and growth capital. For more information, visit techtowndetroit.org.