Stock trading platform Aries has raised $7 million in seed funding, led by Thomas Peterffy. Kleiner Perkins, Collision, John Paulson, and 638 users also took part in the round. Aries is building a stock trading platform and has launched Aries Infinite. The company describes it as an infinitely scalable trading canvas where users can build components one by one or ask AI to generate trading interfaces.

Gov. Whitmer announces 144 new jobs and $4 million investment in Wayne, Oakland counties. May 18, 2026 Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced on May 18 two business expansion projects in southeast Michigan that will create over $4 million in capital investment and 144 new jobs. The investments are being made by Aries, a financial technology company, and Pratt Miller Engineering & Fabrication, LLC. The announcement is significant for local economic growth as it highlights Michigan's efforts to attract next-generation industries such as financial technology and motorsports. Whitmer said, "Michigan is on the move and open for business, competing for and winning big projects in next-generation industries from financial technology to motor sports and more. Today's announcement will create 144 new good-paying jobs and help cement Michigan as the best place for thinking and building the next big thing." Aries plans to invest at least $1 million by relocating its global headquarters to Detroit, which will serve as both its customer operations center and compliance hub. This project is expected to create at least 94 jobs with starting wages of $33 per hour plus benefits. Reda Falih, CEO of Aries, said, "Aries is incredibly excited to launch this project, and we are deeply grateful to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Team Michigan for this strategic partnership, which is instrumental to our vision of contributing to Detroit's growth as a national and international FinTech hub." The relocation has been supported by a $250,000 performance-based grant from the Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP). Additional workforce support comes from Michigan Works! valued at over $1 million. Pratt Miller Engineering & Fabrication plans nearly $3 million in capital investment through expanding two facilities in New Hudson over three years. This expansion will add about 24,000 square feet of space while creating an additional 50 engineering and skilled manufacturing jobs. Matt Carroll, CEO of Pratt Miller said: "Pratt Miller is proud to partner with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation as we continue investing in the future of our business in New Hudson... We're excited to continue growing in our home state alongside partners who share our commitment to advancing industry." Support includes an MBDP performance-based grant along with retention services from Lyon Township. Matt McCauley of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation said these expansions show how important it is that "the state [has] the ability to work with Michigan companies" so their growth happens locally. Local leaders also welcomed these developments; Kevin Johnson of Detroit Economic Growth Corporation said Aries' decision shows "the rest of the country is taking notice of Detroit's rising profile in tech." Amy Allen from Lyon Township noted that Pratt Miller's continued growth "reflects the strength of our community as a place where innovative businesses can thrive." Whitmer leads the executive branch overseeing state operations based out of Lansing; she has served since January 2019 after helping pass bipartisan budgets focused on infrastructure, education, and health care according to the official website.