Where ideas take root, innovators thrive, and businesses grow.
20Fathoms is a membership organization for the region’s entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, tech professionals, creatives, and other innovators. Led by a team of experts who have walked-the-walk, we provide services, resources, support, and a robust network to help our members accelerate both their careers and businesses. Most importantly, ours is a supportive community with an eye for cultivating innovation and ideas, and fostering business growth.
At 20Fathoms and throughout the Grand Traverse Region, founders and entrepreneurs find a supportive startup ecosystem that includes business incubation services, pitch competitions, access to capital, tech talent, a network of accomplished business leaders, and other business resources. The result is a community that offers both a picturesque small-town lifestyle and a robust environment for growing businesses.
Learn more in this video from the Center on Rural Innovation.
We provide services that remove barriers for our members and position them to thrive and their businesses to grow.
In 2018, 20Fathoms was founded on two interlocking goals: to provide a home for the region’s entrepreneur and tech professionals and to help strengthen Traverse City’s economy and quality of life.
Traverse City is a picturesque and growing Great Lakes beach town, but the local economy was becoming increasingly reliant on seasonal tourism and the service sector. By nurturing and elevating Traverse City’s tech and startup community, 20Fathoms is enhancing a sector of the economy that creates high-paying, family-sustaining jobs for professionals looking to enjoy a small-town, nature-focused lifestyle while still growing in their career and business.
We love where we live and our name is inspired by the natural resources that surround us in Northern Michigan. The 20Fathoms office overlooks beautiful Grand Traverse Bay which is clear to a depth of… you guessed it… 20 fathoms (or 120 feet).
“Fathom” can also mean gaining an understanding of a difficult problem on the path to solving it. And in Old English, “fathom” meant “outstretched arms” which is how it became a unit of measurement.
Our name is a nod to our location on Grand Traverse Bay, our membership of problem-solving innovators, and our welcoming community of entrepreneurs and tech professionals.
“20Fathoms is a great resource for those who are starting a business. The pooled resources and knowledge available here lets you fill in the gaps in order to help get going with your business.”
“20Fathoms is a beautiful space to work in and they provide sophisticated technology that makes my job easier. And beyond that, you can find community, inspiration, and friendships.”
“These are jaw-on-the-floor events. I’ve been really impressed by the quality of the advanced professional series. Every event I’ve attended has been valuable.”
