centered

We’re the team behind the next great startup in your town. We are the institutional co-founder building companies designed to thrive for decades.

We work alongside founders to design, launch, and grow durable businesses. From the first paying customer to a clear growth path, we bring the focus and follow‑through that early‑stage companies need most.

For updates or to contact us, find us on LinkedIn.


Based in Michigan, USA

Our approach

Zebras and Camels, not Unicorns - Building enduring companies that make an impact.
Refounding - Some startups deserve a second chance.
Founder Development Deals - A better way to support high potential founders.

Programs

Customer Funded Startup Accelerator — An 8‑week, equity‑free hybrid program for West Michigan founders to validate ideas, presell offers, and build early traction through high‑velocity sales sprints. Sell First, Build Later™

Founder-in-Residence (FIR) — A 6‑month equity‑free residency for social enterprise founders building innovative technology solutions. From ideation to MVP, with mentorship, resources, and community support.

Startup Dinners — Curated, small events designed to radically support founders. We bring founders together with service providers and investors to force collisions, spark meaningful connections, and enjoy a great meal.

Centered Sessions — Practical community events for founders and operators covering topics from customer discovery to pricing in an open, collaborative format.

Cofounding with Centered

Path 1: Operator Support
You own the company. We run the playbooks. Hire Centered to execute proven playbooks for validating, building, and launching products or services. No equity. Clear scope. Fast execution.
Learn more.

Path 2: Operating Partner
We take a minority equity stake. Active partnership. One year of incubation. We invest and work alongside you to build traction, refine the business, and establish a sustainable foundation.

Path 3: Sell to Us (Refounding)
We acquire and relaunch stalled companies. If your company has potential but is structurally stuck, we acquire it, reset the foundation, and relaunch with an operating team and proven playbooks. Learn more.

Open positions

View all open positions — Studio-level and portfolio company opportunities available.


Notes

We’re creating 15 Centered companies by 2030 with our core studio and parterning with other organizations to create even more. Portfolio details available on request.