LEAP Brings on Consulting Firm for Tech Business Acceleration

LANSING, MI – As part of LEAP’s New Economy Division reorganization, it was announced today that LEAP has contracted with GAIA out of Grand Ledge to provide business acceleration services to Lansing’s startup ecosystem. GAIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Jerry Norris brings 22 years of business experience in addition to operating and selling high tech companies throughout his career.

LEAP thanks the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for fully funding this two year, contractual position.

The primary role of this new relationship is to focus on the creation and expansion of tech based companies in the Lansing Regional SmartZone as well as act as a gatekeeper and conduit to assist tech company startups meet business development milestones, achieving formation status, market penetration with products or services, and employment and investment goals. GAIA will be tasked with creating 28 new tech companies, 49 new jobs, as well as supporting the companies in securing $500,000 in follow-on funding investment.

“This is a great opportunity for my company and myself to share our business success and help build up other high-tech companies through this business acceleration contract with LEAP,” said Jerry Norris, CEO of GAIA. “I am excited to bring my knowledge and expertise to these companies and help them succeed.”

“Jerry’s deep experience with the intricacies of tech startup companies, connecting with his organizational knowledge and to his global capital funding network make Jerry an unbelievable asset for LEAP and the startup community,” said Bob Trezise, President and CEO of LEAP.

Norris received his bachelors of science in mathematics and statistics from the University of Michigan and is a graduate of Lansing Eastern High School.

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Category: Press Releases, LEAP Announcements, Entrepreneurship