Over the past several years, 20Fathoms in Traverse City has grown from a small startup incubator and coworking space to become the regional hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in Northwest Michigan. At the helm as Executive Director during this growth phase was Eric Roberts, who has recently announced that he will be retiring in September.
“I came to 20Fathoms after spending most of my career in Chicago and Silicon Valley and continue to be blown away by the talent, innovation, and individuals I’ve met through this role,” said Eric. “We’ve worked hard over the past several years to build a strong foundation to deploy startup services throughout all of Northwest Michigan. I’m grateful to my outstanding team, board, and partners throughout the state who have made my time at 20Fathoms so rewarding.”
During his time at 20Fathoms, Eric led a team that transformed opportunities for entrepreneurs in the region. Some of the highlights are:
- Significantly expanding the number of entrepreneurs supported. This includes expanding from serving the immediate Traverse City region to all of Northwest Michigan, as well as providing resources for entrepreneurs in all stages and industries.
- Building a collaborative network of startup support providers throughout the region and state, allowing for entrepreneurs to access more services from one central hub.
- Introducing all new startup education programming and resources aimed at providing entrepreneurs with the tools and connections to succeed.
- Launching programming specifically designed to support individuals traditionally underrepresented in entrepreneurship including Native Americans and women.
- Taking on ownership and management of TCNewTech pitch competitions, creating important funding and connection opportunities for startup founders.
- Growing the 20Fathoms coworking space to record membership and creating a vibrant community of innovators.
- Collaborating with community partners to develop the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center which will establish the Grand Traverse Region as a global hub for applied freshwater innovation and commercialization programs.
- Developing partnerships with university leaders around the state to increase innovation-driving research in Traverse City, a critical component for regional startup success.
- Co-founding Northern Michigan Startup Week, an annual celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the growing startup community in Northern Michigan.
“The 20Fathoms’ Board is grateful for Eric’s outstanding leadership over the past few years and are excited for him in this next phase of life,” said Ashley Sloat, 20Fathoms board member. “Eric brought a daily infusion of zeal into our ecosystem through his role as Executive Director. Together with the growing 20Fathoms team, Eric helped to build an incredibly strong foundation that will equip us now to accelerate new business growth in our region and position the organization and next Executive Director well to continue the amazing trajectory we are on.”
While Eric will be retiring from his role as Executive Director, he will continue to serve on the 20Fathoms Board of Directors.
“The work and mission of 20Fathoms remain very important to me personally and I’m looking forward to supporting the next Executive Director as a member of the Board of Directors,” said Eric. “This is an outstanding organization and now is the right time for the next leader to write the next chapter.”
The 20Fathoms Board of Directors is leading a search for the organization’s next Executive Director. View the job description.