Chris Rizik

Chris Rizik is the Chief Executive Officer of the Renaissance Venture Capital Fund, a venture capital fund of funds formed by a consortium of several of Michigan’s largest corporations. Chris previously served as a co-founder, partner, and Board member of nanotechnology holding company Ardesta, LLC, and was a Managing Director of Avalon Technology fund, Michigan’s largest venture capital fund and the recipient of three consecutive “Deal of the Year” awards presented by the Michigan Venture Capital Association.

Prior to joining Avalon, Chris was a senior partner with Dickinson Wright PLLC, one of the Midwest’s oldest law firms. He also passed the Certified Public Accounting examination and worked at PriceWaterhouse Coopers. He is also the founder and publisher of SoulTracks.com, America’s most popular soul music online magazine.

Chris currently serves as Chairman of NextEnergy, the State of Michigan’s advanced energy economic development organization and accelerator. He was also the founding chair of the Michigan Microsystem Alliance (now the Michigan Small Tech Association) and is a board member of the Michigan Venture Capital Association. In January, 2010, Chris was named by Crain's Detroit Business magazine as one of its "Newsmakers of the Year" for his leadership role in the advancement of venture capital and entrepreneurship in Michigan.