Augment Ventures December 2023

Introducing Terese Hunwick!

Terese joined us in November as Head of Investor Relations and Compliance. She brings a strong background with 25+ years in public accounting, consulting, finance, strategy, and operations.

Terese started her career in public accounting with Arthur Andersen in Detroit and is a registered CPA in Michigan. Since then, she has held many executive roles in public, private, and private equity-backed businesses in finance and operations. In 2013, she became a General and Limited Partner at Belle Michigan, an early-stage Michigan-based venture fund investing in women-led start-ups. Through the fund, and her consulting business, Thayer-Carver, Terese has advised numerous businesses in a diverse range of capacities.

To get to know her better, here’s a Q&A:

What drew you to early-stage venture? When I started my consulting business, Thayer-Carver, my first client was Manoj Bhargava’s family office, ETC Capital. Their approach to investing in opportunities without much red tape was exciting after a long career in pubic accounting and working for a huge public company. From the beginning, most of my consulting clients were early-stage businesses or businesses in transition; I loved being close to the action. When the opportunity to become a General Partner at Belle Michigan came along, I took it. At Belle with the other General Partners, Carolyn Cassin and Nancy Philippart, I became hooked on startups and have been part of the ecosystem ever since.

What skill would you most like to learn? I like learning new languages. My family enjoys international travel and I try learning some of the country’s language before the trip to get a deeper appreciation of their culture. Over the years, I have gained minor proficiency in French, Finnish, Czech, and Turkish to add to my “formal” Spanish and German.

What are you most looking forward to about moving back to Michigan? I am looking forward to experiencing all four seasons (even snow!), spending more time with family, long-time friends and colleagues, and enjoying our beautiful Great Lakes and national forests.

Favorite hobbies? I love the performing arts, especially film, theater, music, and comedy. This year, I made time to see several Broadway and off-Broadway shows, live comedy shows, and concerts. I especially like to include attending performances when I travel.

Wishing you and your families a healthy and happy holiday and a prosperous new year! We look forward to an exciting 2024!

Augment Ventures proudly supports Ann Arbor-based Food Gatherers and its efforts to fight hunger and food insecurity in our community.

Please join us in supporting Food Gatherers or your local food bank to help those families in need this holiday season.

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