AI Governance & Technology Consulting in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor produces more technology startups per capita than almost any city in the Midwest — and most of them hit a compliance wall the moment they try to sell to enterprise buyers.
Ann Arbor has a thriving cybersecurity and deep tech scene, but for AI governance, technology due diligence, and integrated compliance consulting, companies here have historically gone to Detroit or Chicago.
They don't need to. Both licens.io founders are University of Michigan alumni. We know this ecosystem because we came out of it.
How we serve Ann Arbor
University of Michigan Spinoffs
SOC 2 readiness, technology valuation, AI governance frameworks, and IP documentation for U-M's annual crop of startups in biotech, medtech, AI/ML, and clean energy.
Biotech & Life Sciences
FDA software validation, HIPAA compliance, and AI governance for Ann Arbor's biotech ecosystem — companies using AI for drug discovery, clinical trials, and diagnostics.
SaaS Companies
SOC 2 Type II readiness for Ann Arbor's mature B2B SaaS ecosystem. Fixed-fee, defined timeline, including AI system controls.
Deep Tech & AI Companies
AI training data provenance, model governance, EU AI Act classification, and responsible AI practices for Ann Arbor's AI-native companies.
Services
AI & Data
Due Diligence & Valuation
From lab to market
The path from U-M research to commercial product is well-traveled in Ann Arbor. The compliance path is less clear. We help at every stage:
Pre-seed / Seed
IP documentation, dependency analysis, basic security policies. Get your house in order before your first institutional investor asks questions.
Series A / B
SOC 2 readiness, privacy program foundations, 409A valuations. The compliance infrastructure that enterprise buyers and growth investors expect.
Growth / Pre-acquisition
Full technology due diligence preparation, AI governance frameworks, regulatory compliance assessments. Maximize enterprise value by addressing compliance gaps before the buyer's diligence team finds them.
Frequently asked questions
Both founders are U-M alumni?
Yes. Michael holds an M.S.E. in Financial Engineering, an M.A. in Political Science, and a B.S. in Mathematics — all from Michigan. Jillian holds an MAcc from Michigan Ross and a B.A. in Psychology from Michigan. Our connection to the university and Ann Arbor's research ecosystem is personal.
Can you help a U-M spinoff that has no compliance program at all?
Yes. We frequently work with early-stage companies building their first compliance foundations. We'll prioritize what matters at your stage — you don't need a full SOC 2 program at pre-seed, but you do need basic security policies and IP documentation.
Do you understand FDA requirements for AI/ML medical devices?
Yes. We work at the intersection of AI governance, HIPAA compliance, and the evolving FDA guidance on AI/ML-based Software as a Medical Device (SaMD). Our credentials span the financial, privacy, and AI governance dimensions that medical device companies face simultaneously.
Ann Arbor builds the future. We help it ship.
Tell us what you're working on. We'll tell you what compliance looks like at your stage — and handle it at a price that respects startup economics.