Scale-Up! Sessions

A monthly series for startups and growth companies, hosted by the MSU Research Foundation in East Lansing.

February 24, 2026

BUILDING YOUR FOUNDER BRAND: WHY IT MATTERS EARLY

Your startup’s reputation starts with you. In today’s innovation ecosystem, investors and partners invest not just in ideas, but in founders. This session explores how to intentionally craft your personal brand as a founder or researcher, strengthen your digital presence, and establish yourself as a thought leader in your field. Learn strategies to stand out, attract opportunities, and build trust with your audience early.

Key Takeaways:

• Creating a founder brand that complements your startup vision
• Building a strong online presence and leveraging social media
• Establishing thought leadership and cultivating a professional network

PRESENTER: Pete Martin, Director, Portfolio Management (MSU Research Foundation & Michigan Rise)

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March 24, 2026

STARTUP LAW 101: THE LEGAL FOUNDATIONS YOU NEED

Legal decisions made in the early stages of your startup can have long-term consequences. This session, led by startup-focused attorneys from Foster Swift, will cover the critical legal basics every entrepreneur needs to know. Learn how to structure your company, protect your intellectual property, and set clear agreements with co-founders and stakeholders to avoid common pitfalls.

Key Takeaways:

• Choosing the right legal entity for your business
• Crafting solid founder agreements and avoiding disputes
• Protecting your intellectual property from the start

PRESENTERS: Foster Swift Startup Law Team

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April 28, 2026

MSU FACULTY FOUNDERS PANEL: LESSONS FROM THE TRENCHES

Learn directly from MSU faculty innovators who have successfully transformed their research into thriving startups. This interactive panel will share personal stories, challenges, and lessons learned from the commercialization journey. Moderated by MSU Technologies, the discussion will also provide guidance on navigating the MSU tech transfer process, with insights from Brad Fingland on the MSU Startup Guide. Get practical resources and actionable advice to accelerate your path from lab to market.

Key Takeaways:

• Real-world experiences and lessons from MSU faculty founders
• Overcoming barriers to commercialization and funding
• Practical tools and university resources to accelerate innovation

PRESENTERS: Selected MSU Faculty Founders & MSU Technologies Moderator

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Scale-Up! Sessions is a monthly series for startup and growth companies covering key topics like branding, customer discovery, fundraising, marketing, and more, hosted by the MSU Research Foundation. Sessions are a mix of formats, from hands-on workshops and presentations to casual networking events. Whether you're refining your pitch deck, learning about SBIR/STTR grants, or exploring sales strategies, these sessions offer practical tools and insights to help your business scale.

Mark your calendar and join us in the 300 Room at our City Center headquarters in East Lansing!

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ORGANIZER:

The MSU Research Foundation supports the Michigan State University ecosystem with resources that increase the impact of research and innovation. The Foundation achieves its mission through grant programs that contribute over $15 million annually to the University, entrepreneurial programming and early-stage investments that accelerate technology transfer and startup growth throughout Michigan, and environments where startup businesses and collaborators can thrive. The Foundation's work is made possible through its stewardship of a flexible and sustainable endowment, nourished by over 50 years of licensing revenues and investment returns. Learn more about the MSU Research Foundation and its impact at msufoundation.org