Grand Angels invests in two more local companies

Two clients of the West Michigan Science & Technology Initiative — Creative Byline and Plumstone — have been awarded second-round and first-round funding, respectively, from the Grand Angels to help cover business development and manufacturing costs. Amounts were not disclosed.

Holland-based Creative Byline is an online service company that connects writers to book publishers seeking content. Brad MacLean, CEO of Creative Byline, said the funding will help him expand the web site, including the addition of a social networking feature dedicated to writers.  WMSTI also helped Creative Byline secure financial support through the Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund, making Creative Byline the only West Michigan-based company to receive an investment through the fund to date.

Plumstone produces garden products that measure the amount of light a given location receives so homeowners can plant in the right place the first time. The company’s patented products are SunStick and SunStick Home. Plumstone founders, Cynthia VanRenterghem and Kerry VerMeulen said the Grand Angel investment will fund a major production run and nationwide marketing efforts.

Grand Angels is a group of private investors and entrepreneurs who invest capital to help create business opportunities and jobs. Grand Angels invest in early-stage companies and growing ventures in West Michigan, particularly in Ottawa, Muskegon and Kent counties.  The funding investments in Creative Byline and Plumstone, bring Grand Angels’ portfolio to 11 active, and 14 total companies.