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United States of America
Become a Startup Scout
in
at
Minneapolis

Discover the dynamic world of venture capitalism in Minneapolis! By becoming a VC startup scout, you can unlock networking opportunities and honing your business evaluation skills. Indulge your curiosity, grow professionally, and support local startups.

About

The startup and VC ecosystem in Minneapolis, Minnesota is flourishing with a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, investors, and support organizations. One of the major contributors to the ecosystem is the University of Minnesota, which provides research resources and often serves as a launchpad for high-tech startups.

Minneapolis has a plethora of successful startups. Code42, a data security firm, is one of the most successful examples. Founded in Minneapolis in 2001, the company raised over $120 million in venture capital and now employs more than 400 people. Another example is Bright Health, a health insurance startup that raised $200 million in Series C funding in 2018. Similarly, tech firm Sentera, raised $14 million in funding and continues to grow in the ag-tech sector.

The city also has a strong venture capital presence. Rally Ventures, a major tech-focused VC firm, is based in Minneapolis and has over $300 million in assets. Similarly, Great North Labs is an early-stage venture fund supporting startups in the Upper Midwest.

Minneapolis is not without its many startup-related initiatives. The Minnesota Cup, the largest statewide startup competition in the country, is based in Minneapolis and rewards local entrepreneurs with cash prizes each year. The CoCo coworking space, now known as Fueled Collective, provides community and resources for startups and entrepreneurs.

One particular special aspect about the Minneapolis startup and VC ecosystem is its emphasis on agriculture and food technology, represented by companies such as Conservis and Calyxt. The region's agricultural roots and expertise play a key role in the development of these companies.

Overall, the Minneapolis startup and VC ecosystem is diverse, supportive, and innovative. The city continues to attract and cultivate successful startups and investors, making it a dynamic environment for entrepreneurship.

As a Scout, You Can...

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Kickstart Your Venture Capital Career

Showing your skills in picking successful startups and advising founders is the surest way to build your reputation and secure a venture capital role.

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Help Your Ecosystem Thrive

Your community, region, or group thrives when its founders are given the chance to succeed before going back and reinvesting in their comunities.

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Earn a Share in Startups Without Investing in Them

Earn a share in startups you scout without the funds to invest directly just like a VC partner.

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Monetise Your Content & Community

As a podcaster, community manager, or event organiser you have a front-row seat to interesting startups which you can monetise by helping them fundraise.

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Create a Fairer Society

By identifying under-represented founders you're level the playing field for anyone to success based on merit independent from their social or ethnic background.

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Help Friends Get Funded

Help your friends who are neck-deep in their startups get the funding they need to succeed.

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Grow Your Personal Brand

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Join as a Scout at Your University

Available Programs

Startup Investor?

Are you an investor looking for dealflow opportunities originating in Minneapolis? Submit your information to get connected with individuals, startups, and innovations in the area.

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Scout Programs in Other Global Startup Hubs

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Podcaster

Do you interview founders &ย startups? Take your conversation insights to the next level by scouting your favourite podcast guests.

Scout founders you interview โ†’

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Co-Working Space Organiser

Do you help run a co-working space as an organiser or a greeter? Do you come across interesting entrepreneurs and startups?

Scout startups you sit next toโ†’

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Event Organiser

Do you organise an event, conference, or trade show? Help your founder attendees get discovered.

Scout startups at your event โ†’

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Student

Are you active in the entrepreneurship club at your college? Doing an MBA? Or are you a PHDย student at a technical university? Help your fellow students get funded.

Scout startups at your university โ†’

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