NEF MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: SEAN LI, TUSSTAR

In 2013, when Sean Li left his home in Beijing to go abroad for the first time, he chose to enroll in the University of Michigan to study Statistics and Business, recognizing the world class educational resources here. In 2017, when TusStar, one of the largest providers of incubation services in China, wanted to establish a U.S. presence, it chose Ann Arbor as its first location because it recognized the “vast potential of the startup ecosystem here.” Today, Sean Li is Manager of TusStar’s Ann Arbor office, working under Frank Ni, President, at their Green Road location.

TusStar Ann Arbor is a startup incubator and early stage venture firm with a focus on mobility solutions. TusStar also focuses on making connections between U.S. innovators and resources in China. To that end, Sean, Frank and their colleagues are organizing a trip this spring that will take Michigan entrepreneurs on a tour of four cities in China where they will do product demos and meet potential investors.

Since TusStar is new to the area, Sean joined New Enterprise Forum to raise awareness and “get connected to startups and to potential partners.” As he has participated in NEF meetings and Forums, Sean has recognized that NEF not only helps entrepreneurs with their “pitching skills”, but also provides value by creating connections to other members who have deep experience in finance, management, marketing and other business disciplines.

After hours, Sean works out lifting weights and has recently taken up playing poker with a group of friends. He also takes advantage of the opportunities for skiing during the Michigan winter. Sean had to leave his family behind in China but enjoys the companionship of his pet cat in his Ann Arbor home.