PrairieGold Venture Partners

PrairieGold Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, that focuses on early-stage investments. The firm concentrates on sectors such as life sciences, green technology, information technology, and alternative energy, primarily targeting opportunities in the Midwest region. PrairieGold typically invests between $0.25 million and $2 million in transactions that range from $0.25 million to $10 million. The firm often seeks a board seat in its portfolio companies to actively support their growth and development.

Paul Batcheller

Partner

Mike Jerstad

Partner

Susan Simko

CFO

19 past transactions

Virtual Incision

Series B in 2020
Virtual Incision is the pioneer of in vivo mini-robot surgery, enabling minimally-invasive colon resection and other abdominal procedures. Colorectal cancer is the second-deadliest form of the disease, and along with conditions like Diverticulitis and Crohn’s, treatment often requires a colectomy, almost 400,000 of which are performed each year in the U.S. alone. Two-thirds of these procedures are still performed open, requiring a long, gruesome incision. VIC’s simpler/easier/cheaper approach is to insert a mini-robot into the insufflated abdomen via a small umbilical incision, after which the highly-dextrous robot arms are freely manipulated at the nearby surgeon console. VIC enables MIS colectomy using well-known laparoscopic tools, onboard vision, and leading multi-quadrant capabilities. After 70+ pig labs and with 60+ patents/applications, VIC is seeking a $15M Series B financing to achieve First-in-Man and prepare for CE Mark and FDA 510(k) submissions.

Virtual Incision

Series B in 2017
Virtual Incision is the pioneer of in vivo mini-robot surgery, enabling minimally-invasive colon resection and other abdominal procedures. Colorectal cancer is the second-deadliest form of the disease, and along with conditions like Diverticulitis and Crohn’s, treatment often requires a colectomy, almost 400,000 of which are performed each year in the U.S. alone. Two-thirds of these procedures are still performed open, requiring a long, gruesome incision. VIC’s simpler/easier/cheaper approach is to insert a mini-robot into the insufflated abdomen via a small umbilical incision, after which the highly-dextrous robot arms are freely manipulated at the nearby surgeon console. VIC enables MIS colectomy using well-known laparoscopic tools, onboard vision, and leading multi-quadrant capabilities. After 70+ pig labs and with 60+ patents/applications, VIC is seeking a $15M Series B financing to achieve First-in-Man and prepare for CE Mark and FDA 510(k) submissions.

Virtual Incision

Venture Round in 2015
Virtual Incision is the pioneer of in vivo mini-robot surgery, enabling minimally-invasive colon resection and other abdominal procedures. Colorectal cancer is the second-deadliest form of the disease, and along with conditions like Diverticulitis and Crohn’s, treatment often requires a colectomy, almost 400,000 of which are performed each year in the U.S. alone. Two-thirds of these procedures are still performed open, requiring a long, gruesome incision. VIC’s simpler/easier/cheaper approach is to insert a mini-robot into the insufflated abdomen via a small umbilical incision, after which the highly-dextrous robot arms are freely manipulated at the nearby surgeon console. VIC enables MIS colectomy using well-known laparoscopic tools, onboard vision, and leading multi-quadrant capabilities. After 70+ pig labs and with 60+ patents/applications, VIC is seeking a $15M Series B financing to achieve First-in-Man and prepare for CE Mark and FDA 510(k) submissions.

Lineagen

Series C in 2015
Lineagen, Inc. is a genetics diagnostic company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, specializing in genetic testing and clinical information services for neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism. Founded in 2002, the company offers a range of diagnostic tools, including FirstStepDx PLUS, a chromosomal microarray platform designed to identify genomic changes related to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and NextStepDx PLUS, a genetic sequencing test for detecting small genomic alterations. Additionally, Lineagen provides M-CHAT.org, an online screening resource for developmental evaluation. The company focuses on improving outcomes for individuals with autism and other complex diseases by enabling early diagnosis and intervention. Lineagen's research capabilities are enhanced by its access to the Utah Population Database through the University of Utah, which supports significant discoveries in disease-related genetics. As of August 2020, Lineagen operates as a subsidiary of Bionano Genomics, Inc.

Agrivida

Series D in 2015
Agrivida, Inc. is an agricultural biotechnology company that specializes in developing feed additives and renewable biomass-based alternative fuels. Founded in 2002 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Agrivida focuses on nutritional solutions for a variety of livestock, including poultry, swine, dairy and beef cattle, and aquaculture. The company offers products such as GRAINZYME, a phytase feed additive for poultry, and INzyme Enzymes, which provide regulated enzymes for various applications including detergents and food production. In addition, Agrivida develops corn varieties optimized for producing ethanol from corn stover, contributing to the production of clean-burning, renewable fuels.

Lineagen

Series C in 2013
Lineagen, Inc. is a genetics diagnostic company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, specializing in genetic testing and clinical information services for neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism. Founded in 2002, the company offers a range of diagnostic tools, including FirstStepDx PLUS, a chromosomal microarray platform designed to identify genomic changes related to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and NextStepDx PLUS, a genetic sequencing test for detecting small genomic alterations. Additionally, Lineagen provides M-CHAT.org, an online screening resource for developmental evaluation. The company focuses on improving outcomes for individuals with autism and other complex diseases by enabling early diagnosis and intervention. Lineagen's research capabilities are enhanced by its access to the Utah Population Database through the University of Utah, which supports significant discoveries in disease-related genetics. As of August 2020, Lineagen operates as a subsidiary of Bionano Genomics, Inc.

Chronix Biomedical

Venture Round in 2012
Chronix Biomedical is pioneering a breakthrough approach to the diagnosis and management of chronic diseases and cancer. It has developed proprietary technology that measures and categorizes circulating nucleic acids, DNA sequences circulating in the blood that are associated with specific changes in disease and health status. Chronix plans to collaborate with a variety of partners to develop and market its DNA-based assays that have the potential to transform the management of a broad range of cancers and other conditions. Chronix is headquartered in San Jose, California and has research facilities in Germany.

Agrivida

Series C in 2012
Agrivida, Inc. is an agricultural biotechnology company that specializes in developing feed additives and renewable biomass-based alternative fuels. Founded in 2002 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Agrivida focuses on nutritional solutions for a variety of livestock, including poultry, swine, dairy and beef cattle, and aquaculture. The company offers products such as GRAINZYME, a phytase feed additive for poultry, and INzyme Enzymes, which provide regulated enzymes for various applications including detergents and food production. In addition, Agrivida develops corn varieties optimized for producing ethanol from corn stover, contributing to the production of clean-burning, renewable fuels.

ZeaChem

Series C in 2012
ZeaChem is focused on developing sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based fuels and chemicals, utilizing renewable biomass sources such as wood chips, wheat straw, corn stover, and grasses. The company employs a proprietary fermentation process that converts all carbon in the sugars into end products, resulting in high yields and making its products competitive with traditional fossil fuels, even without subsidies. By targeting the $1 trillion chemicals and fuels markets, ZeaChem aims to provide high-margin solutions that address environmental concerns while maintaining economic viability.

Lineagen

Series B in 2011
Lineagen, Inc. is a genetics diagnostic company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, specializing in genetic testing and clinical information services for neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism. Founded in 2002, the company offers a range of diagnostic tools, including FirstStepDx PLUS, a chromosomal microarray platform designed to identify genomic changes related to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and NextStepDx PLUS, a genetic sequencing test for detecting small genomic alterations. Additionally, Lineagen provides M-CHAT.org, an online screening resource for developmental evaluation. The company focuses on improving outcomes for individuals with autism and other complex diseases by enabling early diagnosis and intervention. Lineagen's research capabilities are enhanced by its access to the Utah Population Database through the University of Utah, which supports significant discoveries in disease-related genetics. As of August 2020, Lineagen operates as a subsidiary of Bionano Genomics, Inc.

Virtual Incision

Series A in 2010
Virtual Incision is the pioneer of in vivo mini-robot surgery, enabling minimally-invasive colon resection and other abdominal procedures. Colorectal cancer is the second-deadliest form of the disease, and along with conditions like Diverticulitis and Crohn’s, treatment often requires a colectomy, almost 400,000 of which are performed each year in the U.S. alone. Two-thirds of these procedures are still performed open, requiring a long, gruesome incision. VIC’s simpler/easier/cheaper approach is to insert a mini-robot into the insufflated abdomen via a small umbilical incision, after which the highly-dextrous robot arms are freely manipulated at the nearby surgeon console. VIC enables MIS colectomy using well-known laparoscopic tools, onboard vision, and leading multi-quadrant capabilities. After 70+ pig labs and with 60+ patents/applications, VIC is seeking a $15M Series B financing to achieve First-in-Man and prepare for CE Mark and FDA 510(k) submissions.

Lineagen

Series A in 2010
Lineagen, Inc. is a genetics diagnostic company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, specializing in genetic testing and clinical information services for neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism. Founded in 2002, the company offers a range of diagnostic tools, including FirstStepDx PLUS, a chromosomal microarray platform designed to identify genomic changes related to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and NextStepDx PLUS, a genetic sequencing test for detecting small genomic alterations. Additionally, Lineagen provides M-CHAT.org, an online screening resource for developmental evaluation. The company focuses on improving outcomes for individuals with autism and other complex diseases by enabling early diagnosis and intervention. Lineagen's research capabilities are enhanced by its access to the Utah Population Database through the University of Utah, which supports significant discoveries in disease-related genetics. As of August 2020, Lineagen operates as a subsidiary of Bionano Genomics, Inc.

Orasi Medical, Inc.

Series B in 2009
Orasi Medical is a privately held, early stage medical device company engaged in the development and commercialization of technology to diagnose and monitor neurological diseases. Initially, the company's aim was to develop the first FDA cleared test for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. They have since expanded their efforts towards developing products for pharmaceutical companies to measure treatment effect and reduce the cost of clinical drug trials for neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, autism, depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Agrivida

Series B in 2009
Agrivida, Inc. is an agricultural biotechnology company that specializes in developing feed additives and renewable biomass-based alternative fuels. Founded in 2002 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Agrivida focuses on nutritional solutions for a variety of livestock, including poultry, swine, dairy and beef cattle, and aquaculture. The company offers products such as GRAINZYME, a phytase feed additive for poultry, and INzyme Enzymes, which provide regulated enzymes for various applications including detergents and food production. In addition, Agrivida develops corn varieties optimized for producing ethanol from corn stover, contributing to the production of clean-burning, renewable fuels.

ZeaChem

Series B in 2009
ZeaChem is focused on developing sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based fuels and chemicals, utilizing renewable biomass sources such as wood chips, wheat straw, corn stover, and grasses. The company employs a proprietary fermentation process that converts all carbon in the sugars into end products, resulting in high yields and making its products competitive with traditional fossil fuels, even without subsidies. By targeting the $1 trillion chemicals and fuels markets, ZeaChem aims to provide high-margin solutions that address environmental concerns while maintaining economic viability.

Chronix Biomedical

Series B in 2008
Chronix Biomedical is pioneering a breakthrough approach to the diagnosis and management of chronic diseases and cancer. It has developed proprietary technology that measures and categorizes circulating nucleic acids, DNA sequences circulating in the blood that are associated with specific changes in disease and health status. Chronix plans to collaborate with a variety of partners to develop and market its DNA-based assays that have the potential to transform the management of a broad range of cancers and other conditions. Chronix is headquartered in San Jose, California and has research facilities in Germany.

Orasi Medical, Inc.

Series A in 2007
Orasi Medical is a privately held, early stage medical device company engaged in the development and commercialization of technology to diagnose and monitor neurological diseases. Initially, the company's aim was to develop the first FDA cleared test for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. They have since expanded their efforts towards developing products for pharmaceutical companies to measure treatment effect and reduce the cost of clinical drug trials for neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, autism, depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Augusta Systems

Series B in 2007
Augusta Systems, Inc. powers the intelligent convergence of devices, systems and networks. The award-winning Augusta Systems® EdgeFrontier® products provide configurable technology platforms for building and managing complex monitoring, control and automation solutions, including applications for safety and security, energy and utility management, asset tracking, building management and other business functions.

iCentera

Series A in 2005
iCentera is the leading provider of on-demand portal software for sales enablement. Our web-based software as a service (SaaS) increases sales revenue through a marketing, sales and customer messaging vehicle. Our hosted solutions quickly enable business users to create intranet sales portals, extranet channel partner portals and customer portals that deliver a consistent marketing voice across the entire enterprise and beyond. iCentera provides easy to use solutions for "mortals" that incorporate automated content management, portal creation and built-in trend and behavior analytics through a cost-effective implementation that is running and available within days. With over 10,000 portals enabling sales and partners to sell more, iCentera was purchased by CallidusCloud in June of 2011.