Brett deMarrais

Brett deMarrais is a prominent venture capitalist and partner at Ludlow Ventures, a Detroit-based venture capital firm he co-founded in 2009. He has played a significant role in the firm's growth, which now manages approximately $250 million in assets. Under his leadership, Ludlow Ventures has established a reputation for being "founder-friendly," emphasizing the importance of building genuine relationships with entrepreneurs rather than merely transactional interactions.35

Education and Early Career

DeMarrais graduated from the University of Michigan in 2009 with a Bachelor of General Studies, focusing on Economics and Sociology. His career began with a summer internship at Out of the Blue Entertainment, followed by founding Wedit, a crowd-sourced wedding video platform, which gained recognition for its innovative approach to wedding videography, winning awards for customer satisfaction in 2012.14

Role at Ludlow Ventures

Since joining Ludlow Ventures, Brett has been instrumental in its investment strategy, focusing on early-stage companies across various sectors, including e-commerce and consumer internet. His investment range typically falls between $150,000 and $750,000, with a sweet spot around $250,000. Notable investments include companies like ZeroMark and Umba, showcasing his commitment to supporting emerging businesses.23

Personal Philosophy

DeMarrais is known for his belief in investing in people and fostering authentic connections. His approach prioritizes understanding the founders and their visions, which he believes is crucial for long-term success. This philosophy is reflected in Ludlow's diverse portfolio, which includes successful ventures like Honey, acquired by PayPal for $4 billion in 2020.35

In summary, Brett deMarrais is a key figure in the venture capital landscape, known for his founder-centric approach and significant contributions to the growth of Ludlow Ventures.