PrairieGold Venture Partners

PrairieGold Venture Partners is a venture capital firm located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, that focuses on early-stage investments. The firm specializes in sectors such as life sciences, green technology, information technology, and alternative energy. PrairieGold typically invests between $0.25 million and $2 million in companies, with transaction sizes ranging from $0.25 million to $10 million. The firm aims to support companies in the Midwest region and often seeks a board seat in its portfolio companies to provide guidance and oversight.

Mike Jerstad

Partner

21 past transactions

Virtual Incision

Series C in 2023
Virtual Incision is focused on developing innovative surgical solutions, specifically through its miniaturized robotic support device designed for colon resection. The company's flagship product, the MIRA (Miniaturized In vivo Robotic Assistant) Platform, is a pioneering device that aims to streamline surgical procedures by allowing for quick setup in the operating room without the need for heavy equipment. This technology is intended to assist surgeons in improving clinical outcomes while also addressing healthcare costs. Virtual Incision's approach represents a significant advancement in robotic-assisted surgery, with plans for future applications beyond colon resection.

Virtual Incision

Series B in 2020
Virtual Incision is focused on developing innovative surgical solutions, specifically through its miniaturized robotic support device designed for colon resection. The company's flagship product, the MIRA (Miniaturized In vivo Robotic Assistant) Platform, is a pioneering device that aims to streamline surgical procedures by allowing for quick setup in the operating room without the need for heavy equipment. This technology is intended to assist surgeons in improving clinical outcomes while also addressing healthcare costs. Virtual Incision's approach represents a significant advancement in robotic-assisted surgery, with plans for future applications beyond colon resection.

Virtual Incision

Debt Financing in 2019
Virtual Incision is focused on developing innovative surgical solutions, specifically through its miniaturized robotic support device designed for colon resection. The company's flagship product, the MIRA (Miniaturized In vivo Robotic Assistant) Platform, is a pioneering device that aims to streamline surgical procedures by allowing for quick setup in the operating room without the need for heavy equipment. This technology is intended to assist surgeons in improving clinical outcomes while also addressing healthcare costs. Virtual Incision's approach represents a significant advancement in robotic-assisted surgery, with plans for future applications beyond colon resection.

Virtual Incision

Series B in 2017
Virtual Incision is focused on developing innovative surgical solutions, specifically through its miniaturized robotic support device designed for colon resection. The company's flagship product, the MIRA (Miniaturized In vivo Robotic Assistant) Platform, is a pioneering device that aims to streamline surgical procedures by allowing for quick setup in the operating room without the need for heavy equipment. This technology is intended to assist surgeons in improving clinical outcomes while also addressing healthcare costs. Virtual Incision's approach represents a significant advancement in robotic-assisted surgery, with plans for future applications beyond colon resection.

Virtual Incision

Venture Round in 2015
Virtual Incision is focused on developing innovative surgical solutions, specifically through its miniaturized robotic support device designed for colon resection. The company's flagship product, the MIRA (Miniaturized In vivo Robotic Assistant) Platform, is a pioneering device that aims to streamline surgical procedures by allowing for quick setup in the operating room without the need for heavy equipment. This technology is intended to assist surgeons in improving clinical outcomes while also addressing healthcare costs. Virtual Incision's approach represents a significant advancement in robotic-assisted surgery, with plans for future applications beyond colon resection.

Lineagen

Series C in 2015
Lineagen, Inc. is a genetics diagnostic company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, that specializes in genetic testing and clinical information services for neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Founded in 2002, Lineagen offers several key products, including FirstStepDx PLUS, a chromosomal microarray platform designed to identify genomic changes associated with autism, and NextStepDx PLUS, a genetic sequencing test that detects small genomic alterations. Additionally, the company provides M-CHAT.org, an online tool for developmental screening. Lineagen aims to improve outcomes for individuals affected by complex diseases through early diagnosis and intervention, leveraging extensive proprietary research and access to the Utah Population Database to enhance its understanding of genetic contributions to these conditions. As of August 2020, Lineagen operates as a subsidiary of Bionano Genomics, Inc.

Agrivida

Series D in 2015
Agrivida, Inc. is an animal health and nutrition company that specializes in developing feed additives for various livestock, including poultry, swine, dairy, beef cattle, and aquaculture. Founded in 2003 and based in Four Seasons, Missouri, Agrivida focuses on innovative enzyme solutions to enhance animal nutrition. Its flagship product, GRAINZYME, utilizes advanced technology to produce beneficial enzymes such as phytase and glucanase within corn kernels. This approach allows for a natural and efficient means of integrating these enzymes into animal diets, promoting healthier livestock while also reducing environmental impact. Agrivida's mission is to provide effective nutrition solutions that support sustainable food production across the agriculture sector.

Lineagen

Series C in 2013
Lineagen, Inc. is a genetics diagnostic company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, that specializes in genetic testing and clinical information services for neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Founded in 2002, Lineagen offers several key products, including FirstStepDx PLUS, a chromosomal microarray platform designed to identify genomic changes associated with autism, and NextStepDx PLUS, a genetic sequencing test that detects small genomic alterations. Additionally, the company provides M-CHAT.org, an online tool for developmental screening. Lineagen aims to improve outcomes for individuals affected by complex diseases through early diagnosis and intervention, leveraging extensive proprietary research and access to the Utah Population Database to enhance its understanding of genetic contributions to these conditions. As of August 2020, Lineagen operates as a subsidiary of Bionano Genomics, Inc.

Chronix Biomedical

Venture Round in 2012
Chronix Biomedical, Inc. is a molecular diagnostics company that specializes in developing laboratory-developed tests, specifically blood tests known as liquid biopsies for cancer and organ transplants. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in San Jose, California, Chronix focuses on therapy monitoring for patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy, as well as relapse monitoring post-tumor resection. Among its notable products are the CNI Monitor, which assesses the effectiveness of cancer therapies, and the Transplant Monitor, which quantifies transplant-specific DNA in plasma to detect organ rejection early. The company employs proprietary technology to analyze circulating nucleic acids in the blood, enabling healthcare professionals to monitor various chronic diseases and conditions effectively. Chronix also operates research facilities in Brookings, South Dakota, and Göttingen, Germany, and aims to collaborate with partners to further develop its innovative DNA-based assays.

Agrivida

Series C in 2012
Agrivida, Inc. is an animal health and nutrition company that specializes in developing feed additives for various livestock, including poultry, swine, dairy, beef cattle, and aquaculture. Founded in 2003 and based in Four Seasons, Missouri, Agrivida focuses on innovative enzyme solutions to enhance animal nutrition. Its flagship product, GRAINZYME, utilizes advanced technology to produce beneficial enzymes such as phytase and glucanase within corn kernels. This approach allows for a natural and efficient means of integrating these enzymes into animal diets, promoting healthier livestock while also reducing environmental impact. Agrivida's mission is to provide effective nutrition solutions that support sustainable food production across the agriculture sector.

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, that specializes in genetic testing and clinical information services for neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Founded in 2002, Lineagen offers several key products, including FirstStepDx PLUS, a chromosomal microarray platform designed to identify genomic changes associated with autism, and NextStepDx PLUS, a genetic sequencing test that detects small genomic alterations. Additionally, the company provides M-CHAT.org, an online tool for developmental screening. Lineagen aims to improve outcomes for individuals affected by complex diseases through early diagnosis and intervention, leveraging extensive proprietary research and access to the Utah Population Database to enhance its understanding of genetic contributions to these conditions. As of August 2020, Lineagen operates as a subsidiary of Bionano Genomics, Inc.

Virtual Incision

Series A in 2010
Virtual Incision is focused on developing innovative surgical solutions, specifically through its miniaturized robotic support device designed for colon resection. The company's flagship product, the MIRA (Miniaturized In vivo Robotic Assistant) Platform, is a pioneering device that aims to streamline surgical procedures by allowing for quick setup in the operating room without the need for heavy equipment. This technology is intended to assist surgeons in improving clinical outcomes while also addressing healthcare costs. Virtual Incision's approach represents a significant advancement in robotic-assisted surgery, with plans for future applications beyond colon resection.

Lineagen

Series A in 2010
Lineagen, Inc. is a genetics diagnostic company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, that specializes in genetic testing and clinical information services for neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Founded in 2002, Lineagen offers several key products, including FirstStepDx PLUS, a chromosomal microarray platform designed to identify genomic changes associated with autism, and NextStepDx PLUS, a genetic sequencing test that detects small genomic alterations. Additionally, the company provides M-CHAT.org, an online tool for developmental screening. Lineagen aims to improve outcomes for individuals affected by complex diseases through early diagnosis and intervention, leveraging extensive proprietary research and access to the Utah Population Database to enhance its understanding of genetic contributions to these conditions. As of August 2020, Lineagen operates as a subsidiary of Bionano Genomics, Inc.

Orasi Medical

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 animal health and nutrition company that specializes in developing feed additives for various livestock, including poultry, swine, dairy, beef cattle, and aquaculture. Founded in 2003 and based in Four Seasons, Missouri, Agrivida focuses on innovative enzyme solutions to enhance animal nutrition. Its flagship product, GRAINZYME, utilizes advanced technology to produce beneficial enzymes such as phytase and glucanase within corn kernels. This approach allows for a natural and efficient means of integrating these enzymes into animal diets, promoting healthier livestock while also reducing environmental impact. Agrivida's mission is to provide effective nutrition solutions that support sustainable food production across the agriculture sector.

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, Inc. is a molecular diagnostics company that specializes in developing laboratory-developed tests, specifically blood tests known as liquid biopsies for cancer and organ transplants. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in San Jose, California, Chronix focuses on therapy monitoring for patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy, as well as relapse monitoring post-tumor resection. Among its notable products are the CNI Monitor, which assesses the effectiveness of cancer therapies, and the Transplant Monitor, which quantifies transplant-specific DNA in plasma to detect organ rejection early. The company employs proprietary technology to analyze circulating nucleic acids in the blood, enabling healthcare professionals to monitor various chronic diseases and conditions effectively. Chronix also operates research facilities in Brookings, South Dakota, and Göttingen, Germany, and aims to collaborate with partners to further develop its innovative DNA-based assays.

Orasi Medical

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. specializes in providing configurable technology platforms that facilitate the integration of devices, systems, and networks. Their flagship products, EdgeFrontier®, enable the development and management of complex solutions for monitoring, control, and automation across various sectors. These applications encompass safety and security, energy and utility management, asset tracking, and building management, among other business functions. By enhancing collaboration and communication between enterprise networks and edge assets, such as sensors, actuators, and RFID systems, Augusta Systems helps organizations improve the protection and management of their operational applications.

iCentera

Series A in 2005
iCentera is a leading provider of on-demand portal software focused on sales enablement. The company offers web-based software solutions that help increase sales revenue by facilitating a consistent marketing message across various platforms. Its hosted services enable business users to quickly create intranet sales portals, extranet channel partner portals, and customer portals. These solutions are designed for ease of use and include features such as automated content management and built-in analytics for tracking trends and behaviors. With over 10,000 portals deployed, iCentera supports sales teams and partner networks effectively. The company was acquired by CallidusCloud in June 2011.
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