Hi, I’m Dr. Marlo Rencher

I am an entrepreneur, anthropologist and educator with over two decades of experience in startup and small business development. Currently, I am TechTown Detroit’s director of technology-based programs. I am a cofounder at Commune Angels, an inclusive network of angel investors. I am also the founder of Tech Founder Academy, which helps Black and Brown women reinvent themselves as tech founders. I have also founded or co-founded three other tech startups. 

I was the co-author of digitalundivided’s 2016 #ProjectDiane report, which provided groundbreaking insight into the funding gap for Black women tech founders. I am currently engaged in deeper research on Black women tech founders.

I previously served as vice president of innovation, entrepreneurship and diversity at Cleary University. I also served as the faculty chair of the entrepreneurship department at the business-focused university.

I earned an undergraduate degree in marketing from Michigan State University, an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, and a PhD in business and organizational anthropology from Wayne State University. I frequently speak on technology entrepreneurship and inclusion and have been a presenter at TedxDetroit, Princeton University, and SXSW. I was named one of Michigan’s 100 Most Influential Women by Crain’s Detroit Business in 2021.