The Economic Innovation Group (EIG) — dedicated to advancing solutions that empower entrepreneurs and investors to forge a more dynamic and entrepreneurial economy throughout America — is proud to announce Dan Gilbert, Founder and Chairman of Quicken Loans, is joining the organization as a member of its Founders Circle. In addition to his role with Quicken Loans, Gilbert is a Founder and Principal of Detroit Venture Partners, a venture capital firm that funds early-stage startups and technology companies based in Detroit. He is also the Founder and Chairman of Rock Ventures and the majority owner of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers.
“I am excited to join a team of influential thought leaders dedicated to developing creative solutions related to economic growth and entrepreneurial wealth creation through innovative public policy,” said Dan Gilbert, Founder and Chairman of Rock Ventures and Quicken Loans. “EIG’s goal — to leverage the power of private investment in communities that have experienced historic challenges — is one that is closely aligned with our business philosophy. The best way to create significant economic growth is to unleash human ingenuity and capital into areas of our nation that are just beginning the transition into the new entrepreneurial and technology-driven economy. We have experienced success using this formula in Detroit and we are confident that the same strategy will be successful wherever it is deployed.”
“EIG’s ethos is that America must mobilize its entrepreneurs and investors to address America’s economic challenges,” said EIG’s co-founder and Executive Director Steve Glickman. “Dan is one of our country’s most important investors, who is not afraid to make big bets to drive the kind of economic revitalization this country needs most. We’re thrilled to have him join our Founders Circle.”
“Dan is living proof that investors and entrepreneurs are vital to bringing economic revival to distressed communities,” said John Lettieri, EIG’s co-founder and Policy Director. “We couldn’t be more proud to have his support as the organization grows and expands its effort to bring new focus to the economic challenges facing our country.”
Since moving Quicken Loans’ headquarters to downtown Detroit in 2010, Gilbert, a native of Detroit, has invested nearly $2 billion to reinvigorate the central business district. In addition, he and his Family of Companies have attracted more than 130 new businesses and created thousands of new jobs in the city. Gilbert has also partnered with civic and business leaders in the area to champion public transportation, public parks and street activation, and blight removal solutions for the city, including serving as co-chair of the Detroit Blight Removal Task Force, a group convened by the Obama Administration in 2013. A complete timeline of Rock Ventures engagement in Detroit can be found here.
