Where ideas take root, innovators thrive, and businesses grow.
Our mission is to accelerate the growth of tech startups, entrepreneurs, and scalable businesses in the Grand Traverse Region. We do this by delivering essential startup services, providing a community workspace, and connecting entrepreneurs with crucial resources that facilitate business growth.
20Fathoms is a membership organization for entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, tech professionals, and other innovators who find a home here. Ours is a supportive community with an eye for cultivating innovation and ideas, and fostering business growth.
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.
“Our company wouldn’t be where we are today if it weren’t for 20Fathoms and all of the support and motivation we’ve received. We’re so grateful to be part of the Traverse City startup community!”
“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.”
“As a recent New York City transplant, I’m interested in finding a community in Traverse City. A shared workspace focused on tech and innovation seemed like a logical place to start. I work remotely and I’d like to have a local professional network – I think being part of 20Fathoms can help with that.”
