Misaligned Founder Archetypes

In this post I propose that the most common Michigan founder "archetype" is different than the commonly understood stereotype in regards to demographics such as age and ambitions like impact creation. I believe our ecosystem is currently designed for an uncommon founder which leads to unproductive and unsatisfied stakeholders.

Enjoy. And as always, please share alternative opinions or anything you think I missed.

The Archetype of a Founder in Michigan is Different from What You See Online

The stereotypical image of a startup founder is often the 20-something-year-old college dropout working on the next big tech unicorn. This archetype has been popularized by media stories from Silicon Valley and shows like “Shark Tank.” However, the reality of entrepreneurship in Michigan is quite different. Here, the founders are more diverse in terms of age, background, and motivation.

As a fun exercise, head to your AI of choice and ask it to create an image of a startup founder. AI generally aims to return results that we will be pleased to see (or expect to see). So it's not surprising that it returns images that match the commonly accepted stereotype of a founder.

Age of the typical founder

Looking at age: the average age of a successful entrepreneur when they start their business is around 35 years old, and some reports even suggest that the average could be even higher. Contributors to the The Harvard Business Review analyzed Census Bureau data to determine the average age of a successful founder when they formed their business (article). They landed on 45 years old.

“Our evidence points to entrepreneurial performance rising sharply with age before cresting in the late fifties. If you were faced with two entrepreneurs and knew nothing about them besides their age, you would do better, on average, betting on the older one.” - HBR

This challenges the notion that entrepreneurship is predominantly a young person’s game.

In Michigan, many founders are second-career individuals—those who have spent years gaining industry experience and are now looking to create something of their own. These individuals often have families, responsibilities such as raising children or caring for aging parents, and a desire for more control over their professional lives. The current ecosystem, however, tends to favor young, unattached founders who can devote all their time to their ventures, leaving these second-career founders underserved.

This demographic reality suggests that there is a need for entrepreneurial programs and resources that are compatible with the life circumstances of second-career individuals. Programs that offer flexibility, cater to part-time founders, and acknowledge the challenges faced by those with significant personal responsibilities are crucial to enabling these entrepreneurs to thrive. The need for work-life balance, financial stability, and support systems are all vital components that are often overlooked in the traditional startup ecosystem, which tends to celebrate hustle culture and endless work hours.

The average age of the founders at company formation of Michigan's 5 tech unicorns is 37.

Industry and impact focus

Another important aspect of the Michigan founder archetype is that many of these entrepreneurs are building businesses that solve practical, community-based problems rather than aiming for global disruption. Unlike the stereotypical Silicon Valley startup that seeks rapid growth and global dominance, Michigan founders are often more focused on building sustainable businesses that serve their local communities. They are creating companies in industries like advanced manufacturing, consumer goods, healthcare, and education—sectors that are foundational to the state's economy but may not attract the same level of attention as tech startups.

These founders often start their businesses not because they want to chase venture capital or become the next billion-dollar unicorn, but because they see a real need in their community or industry. They leverage their years of experience, professional networks, and deep understanding of specific problems to create innovative solutions that address real-world challenges. This type of entrepreneurship may not grab headlines in the same way as tech unicorns, but it is crucial to the resilience and diversity of Michigan's economy.

The increasing diversity in age, gender, and racial backgrounds among Michigan entrepreneurs presents both opportunities and challenges for the ecosystem. On the one hand, this diversity leads to a wider variety of ideas, perspectives, and business models, which enriches the entrepreneurial landscape and makes it more resilient. On the other hand, the current support infrastructure is not always well-suited to meet the needs of these diverse founders.

Programming support

Most startup support programs—such as accelerators, incubators, and funding initiatives—are designed with a narrow view of what a typical founder looks like and what they need. These programs often prioritize high-growth tech startups led by young, unattached founders, which inadvertently excludes or underserves many Michigan entrepreneurs who do not fit that mold. This creates significant barriers for second-career founders, BIPOC founders, and female founders who may need different types of support, whether that is more flexible program structures, culturally competent mentorship, or improved access to capital that doesn’t come with unrealistic growth expectations.

Simply put: a 3 month full-time accelerator offering $25,000 is attractive to a recent college grad, but won't work for a mid-40s parent with a full-time job as a teacher and family responsibilities at home.

The current trends show that Michigan’s entrepreneurial landscape is evolving, with more people from diverse backgrounds stepping into the role of founder. However, there are still systemic challenges that must be addressed to fully unlock the potential of this diversity. Many of these founders face barriers to entry that are not just financial but also cultural and structural. The traditional narrative of entrepreneurship, which celebrates youth, tech-centric innovation, and rapid scaling, does not resonate with or support the realities of many Michigan founders.

Wrapping up

This mismatch between the founder archetype celebrated in popular culture and the actual demographics of Michigan founders can lead to a lack of visibility and support for those who do not fit the traditional mold. When the startup community’s definition of success is narrowly focused on unicorns and rapid exits, it overlooks the value created by entrepreneurs who are building sustainable, community-oriented businesses. This lack of recognition can make it harder for non-traditional founders to access the resources, networks, and validation they need to succeed.

The reality is that Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is built on a foundation of diverse, experienced founders who bring unique perspectives and are motivated by more than just financial gain. They are building businesses that matter—to their families, their communities, and the broader economy. Understanding and acknowledging the true archetype of a Michigan founder is the first step toward creating a more inclusive, supportive environment where all types of entrepreneurs can thrive.

Thanks for reading! And stay tuned for the next trend.

Previous posts:

• Mid-Exit Founders
• Most founders don't know about the ecosystem
• Evaluating Michigan's Startup Ecosystem
• Introduction to this project

About this project: I am on a quest to speak to 500 Michigan Entrepreneurs, Investors, Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs), and Policy Makers. I recently passed the halfway mark—250 conversations—and it feels like the right time to share some of the key trends I've observed so far.

If you're interested in contributing to this ongoing effort, or if you find these trends compelling, please reach out. Michigan's entrepreneurial ecosystem is growing, and your involvement could make a difference.