Automation Alley Invests Another $75k In Madison Heights Web Developer
TROY (WWJ) -- Automation Alley, Michigan's largest technology business association, has made an additional investment of $75,000 in Madison Heights-based TerraYebo Inc. to support the socially conscious Web developer's involvement in the Game On Cancer campaign in collaboration with Henry Ford Health System's Josephine Ford Cancer Institute and the Detroit Lions.
Through TerraYebo's My Inch of the Earth Web portal, the company has created a platform at www.myinchoftheearth.com/gameoncancer-jfci, where Lions fans can purchase virtual sections of Ford Field for $12 and share their memories and passion as fans all while donating to cancer research. Game On Cancer plans to raise $15 million for cancer research over the next three years.
Automation Alley has invested $325,000 in TerraYebo to date and $8.34 million in 37 technology-driven companies across Southeast Michigan.
"Automation Alley supports local innovation, and we are proud to see one of our portfolio companies, TerraYebo, take off and achieve success," said Automation Alley executive director Ken Rogers. "Our latest investment in TerraYebo is a testament to our confidence in this new platform, which is bringing people together for a very worthy cause."
TerraYebo founder and CEO Michele Favoretto says the investment from Automation Alley is allowing the company to grow and accelerate its business model.
"We've been involved with Automation Alley for about three years. They are a key investor, and they've been incredibly supportive, not just through funding, but also through guidance, counseling and resources," Favoretto said. "Through their support, we are able to continue to extend this product to further support our mission to connect people, places and purpose for global good and preservation."
Favoretto says the My Inch of the Earth portal is quickly becoming a social media community where individuals come to connect over places they love and causes they support. TerraYebo also sees My Inch of the Earth as a game changer for crowdsourcing, revolutionizing the way nonprofits and worthy causes get funded.
"We are extending social media and drawing communities together in a different way. We help people see how little actions can make a big difference," Favoretto said. "It's becoming very clear that people and their emotions compel them to share. Often times, that's the part that's missed. The focus is placed on receiving a donation, but the reason that donation was given is often lost. What we do is capture all of those stories, all those emotions and the meaning behind the gift, and give people a collective place to share. It provides great value to the nonprofit to now understand how they can actually improve their mission and better serve their own donors and their needs."
For more information, visit www.myinchoftheearth.com. To donate to Game on Cancer, visit www.myinchoftheearth.com/gameoncancer-jfci.
More at www.automationalley.com.
