ECMC Foundation is a Los Angeles-based organization established in 2000, dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes, particularly for underserved populations, through evidence-based innovation. As part of the ECMC Group enterprise, it focuses on two primary areas: College Success and Career Readiness. The foundation provides grants and engages in program-related investments in both nonprofit and for-profit ventures, aimed at fostering improvements in post-secondary education and initiatives. Its overarching vision is to empower all learners to realize their full potential and attain family-sustaining wages.

Founded in 2012, Rally Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California. It invests exclusively in early-stage business technology companies, focusing on entrepreneurs creating new markets or transformative approaches to existing ones. Areas of investment include cloud infrastructure, fintech, SaaS+, and security.

The Otto Bremer Trust is a private charitable foundation based in St. Paul, Minnesota, established in 1944. Its primary mission is to assist individuals in achieving full economic, civic, and social participation, thereby enhancing the overall well-being of communities. The foundation focuses on creating measurable and meaningful impacts through its philanthropic efforts across Minnesota, North Dakota, and western Wisconsin. The trust's assets are overseen by an executive management team dedicated to fostering positive change and strengthening community engagement.

Founded in 1933, this company offers health insurance plans, including medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage, for individuals and families.

Split Rock Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 2004. It specializes in investing in early-stage companies within the emerging healthcare, software, and internet services sectors across the Upper Midwest and West Coast regions of the United States.

Bread and Butter Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Founded in 2017, it invests at the seed stage in sectors such as foodtech, digital health and enterprise software as a service, with a global investment remit and strong access to regional and corporate networks. The firm is led by Brett Brohl and Mary Grove.

Great North Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Maple Grove, Minnesota, founded in 2017. The firm focuses on investing in entrepreneurs who leverage breakthrough technologies to transform industries that remain reliant on analog processes. Great North Ventures primarily targets disruptive technology companies across the United States, providing essential guidance, capital, and connections from seed stage to Series B. The firm is committed to identifying promising startups regardless of their geographic location, recognizing that innovative companies are emerging beyond traditional hubs like Silicon Valley. With a foundation built by successful founders, Great North Ventures emphasizes the importance of execution and the capability of their portfolio companies.

Founded in 2000, Norwest Mezzanine Partners is a Minnesota-based investment firm that provides junior capital solutions to middle market companies across various industries. It partners with private equity firms to drive value for portfolio companies and create successful outcomes for stakeholders.

Founded in 2013, Matchstick Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It supports the creation and growth of early-stage technology companies, primarily focusing on seed-stage investments across various sectors such as business products, services, information technology, and TMT.

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

New Enterprise Associates is a venture capital firm founded in 1977 and based in Menlo Park, California, with offices in the United States, India and China. It makes investments across technology and healthcare startups at multiple stages, from seed to growth, including software, cloud, data, internet services, fintech, AI, e-commerce, and enterprise technology, as well as healthcare information technology, life sciences, medical devices, and biopharma. It also considers energy technology and infrastructure opportunities, such as solar, batteries and smart grids. The firm pursues a global approach, with activity in the United States, Asia and other regions, and supports companies through rounds of financing ranging from small to sizable investments as they scale. NEA focuses on building portfolios in software, IT services, consumer technology, and healthcare technology, backing ambitious entrepreneurs across sectors and geographies.

Founded in 1863, Mayo Clinic is a non-profit organization based in Minnesota, United States. It provides comprehensive medical care services across various specialties, conducts extensive research, and offers education in clinical medicine.

Founded in 2012, Gopher Angels is an angel network based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It comprises accredited investors passionate about fostering businesses in the region. The group supports outstanding entrepreneurs by providing financial backing alongside strategic guidance, valuable connections, and business support to help companies grow.

M25 is a Chicago-based venture capital firm established in 2015 by Victor Gutwein and Mike Asem, focused on funding pre-seed and seed-stage technology startups in the Midwest. The firm supports portfolio companies across multiple industries, with a regional footprint spanning 24 Midwest cities in 11 states. Since its inception, M25 has backed more than 90 early-stage tech startups, aiming to accelerate growth and strengthen the Midwest startup ecosystem.

Brightstone Venture Capital is a Minneapolis-based venture capital firm that concentrates on early-stage technology and life sciences companies in the United States. With a multi-decade track record of partnering with entrepreneurs to solve meaningful problems in large and growing markets, Brightstone has supported a range of technology and health-focused ventures, including BiteSquad, HomeSpotter, Definity Health, Verata AI, GRAVIE, Codestream, FlipGrid, AppTec Labs, HealthFitness, SpineTech and XioTech. The firm backs opportunities across B2B and B2C models in sectors such as software, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, healthcare, information technology, artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, cloud, cybersecurity, nanotechnology, and related tech-enabled industries, aiming to invest in early-stage opportunities within the United States.

Founded in 2020, Groove Capital is an investment firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It focuses on investing in early-stage companies led by strong teams with unique insights into large market opportunities.

Dundee Venture Capital, established in 2010, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, with additional offices in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Saint Louis. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, focusing on B2B SaaS, e-commerce, fintech, and supply chain technology sectors. Dundee typically invests between $0.25 million to $1 million in initial rounds, with a potential follow-on investment, and seeks board positions or observer roles. The firm's investment focus is on underserved capital markets across the United States, with a typical exit timeline of six to eight years. Dundee Venture Capital does not invest in companies requiring government approval for operation, such as those in bio, pharma, or life sciences sectors.

Vensana Capital is a Minneapolis based venture capital and growth equity firm focused on healthcare technology. It backs medical devices, diagnostics, life science tools, and data science oriented solutions, as well as tech enabled services that improve patient care and research outcomes. Founded in the late 2010s, the firm operates from Minnesota and pursues opportunities across stages in the healthcare sector, partnering with companies developing breakthrough medical technologies.

TT Capital Partners is the private equity arm of TripleTree and an independent investment firm based in Minnesota, with offices in Minneapolis and New York. It concentrates on growth equity investments in healthcare and technology companies, including healthcare services, clinical services and healthcare technology, aiming at innovative, high-growth firms expanding their customer base or entering new markets. The firm typically seeks majority stakes and combines principal investing with advisory capabilities rooted in its merchant banking heritage. TT Capital Partners focuses on opportunities within the healthcare and technology sectors and supports portfolio companies through strategic growth initiatives.

Arthur Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on early-stage technology companies, with an emphasis on B2B software and other information technology-enabled sectors. It backs startups across North America, including the United States and Canada, with a regional strength in the Great Plains and Upper Midwest and offices in Fargo and Minneapolis. The firm targets post-angel and pre-institutional rounds, participating in seed and early-stage financings and, in later stages, prefers syndication with other investors. Its investment scope covers information technology, life sciences, healthcare, and clean technologies, including software, hardware, web-based services, biotech, medical devices, biofuels, energy efficiency, and related enabling technologies. Arthur Ventures was founded in 2008.

McGowan Capital Group is a private equity firm based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, established in 2004. The firm specializes in growth capital investments, focusing primarily on early to mid-stage companies. By providing financial resources and strategic support, McGowan Capital Group aims to foster the development and expansion of its portfolio companies.

Sofia Fund is an angel group and venture capital firm based in Minnesota that backs women-led, technology-based startups at the early stage. It focuses on information technology and managed services, business products and services, health and wellness, and clean technology, investing in areas such as software, data management, e-commerce, materials and energy efficiency. The firm typically provides small initial investments in one or two rounds and supports portfolio companies toward profitable exits within a few years. Its main office is in Minneapolis, reflecting a regional focus on founder-led ventures with diverse leadership.

Founded in 1999, Versant Ventures is a global healthcare investment firm dedicated to supporting exceptional entrepreneurs building innovative companies. With over $2 billion under management and offices across North America and Europe, the firm invests across all stages of healthcare company development, with a focus on novel therapeutics. Versant's team, with deep investment, operating, and scientific expertise, takes a hands-on approach to company building.

Founded in 2010, Omphalos Venture is a venture capital firm headquartered in Shakopee, Minnesota. It invests in early-stage companies across various sectors including healthcare services, SAAS, manufacturing, robotics, AI, and sensor technology.

The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency in the United States that funds and supports research and education in science and engineering. It funds fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering and administers non-dilutive funding programs to aid early‑stage technology development, helping translate discoveries into commercially viable products and services. Through grants and fellowships, the NSF supports researchers, educators, and startups, contributing to innovation and U.S. competitiveness. The agency operates with a substantial budget to advance science, engineering, and STEM education nationwide.

Affinity Capital Management, founded in 1993 by Edson Spencer, is a Minnesota-based firm that provides investment services specifically for the healthcare technology sector. The company focuses on identifying and supporting innovative companies within this industry, aiming to drive growth and enhance value for its clients. With a commitment to the healthcare technology landscape, Affinity Capital Management leverages its expertise to assist firms in navigating the complexities of investment and development in this rapidly evolving field.

Capita3 is a venture capital firm founded in 2018, specializing in investments in women-led startups. It focuses on early-stage companies operating in digital health, genomics, and food-as-medicine sectors across the United States.

Northstar Capital, established in 1993, is a Minneapolis-based investment firm that specializes in providing junior capital, primarily mezzanine debt, to middle market companies in the United States and Canada. The firm focuses on sectors such as value-added distribution, light manufacturing, business services, financial services, education, and specialty healthcare. Northstar partners with proven sponsor groups and experienced management teams, offering commitment and clear direction throughout the investment process.

SightLine Partners is an investment firm based in Bloomington, Minnesota, with an additional office in Palo Alto, California. Founded in 2004, it concentrates on healthcare investments across the United States, including medical technology, medical devices, diagnostics, biotechnology, and healthcare services. The firm targets later-stage and growth opportunities, investing in private companies through preferred stock typically between $2 million and $8 million, with an expected exit within about five years. Its focus includes therapeutic areas such as vascular diseases, diabetes, neurology, cardiovascular and orthopedic care, oncology, and infectious disease, as well as senior care, home healthcare, specialty facilities, ancillary and alternate-site services, and healthcare outsourcing. The firm seeks US-based opportunities in late-stage and expansion ventures within healthcare, life sciences, and related sectors.

St. Paul Venture Capital, Inc. was a prominent venture capital and private equity firm founded in 1988 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with additional offices in Boston and Silicon Valley. The firm primarily focused on investing in early-stage companies, while also considering later-stage businesses and middle-market management buyouts. Its investment strategy concentrated on sectors such as communications technology, software and services, and healthcare. St. Paul Venture Capital aimed to lead or co-lead initial investment rounds, with typical investments ranging from $2 million to $40 million. The firm was known for its substantial commitment of $3.0 billion in capital and had established several satellite funds to diversify its investment portfolio. However, it ceased operations on July 1, 2004, and subsequently split into two separate entities, Split Rock Partners and Vesbridge.

Founded in 1961, Six Flags Entertainment owns and operates regional theme and water parks worldwide. With approximately 27 amusement parks and 15 separately gated water parks across North America, it offers thrilling rides, water attractions, themed areas, shows, restaurants, and retail outlets.

Ulu Ventures is a Palo Alto, California-based seed and early-stage venture capital firm that backs technology-driven startups across the United States. Founded in 2008, it focuses on internet-enabled consumer and business services and a broad range of sectors including EdTech, FinTech, healthcare, sustainability, enterprise IT, SaaS, IoT, digital media, mobile, agtech, and marketplaces. The firm emphasizes backing diverse entrepreneurial teams and typically engages in co-investments with other investors to pursue meaningful exits. It is described as the first Latina-led venture fund in Silicon Valley and is among the larger seed-focused vehicles in the region.

Service Provider Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2014 and based in Colorado. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, notably seed-stage opportunities, and participates as a co-investor in Series A rounds led by institutional venture funds. Its portfolio interests span a broad range of technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, cybersecurity, e-commerce, education technology, fintech, hardware, information technology, robotics, health, and cannabis.

Norwest Equity Partners (NEP) is a prominent middle market investment firm established in 1961, known for its commitment to partnering with business owners to transform companies into industry leaders. The firm has successfully raised over $7 billion through various equity and mezzanine funds, emphasizing quality investments and strong financial returns. NEP provides flexible transaction solutions, including management buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth financings, and prioritizes long-term relationships to assist stakeholders in achieving liquidity at optimal times. The firm seeks equity investment opportunities ranging from $30 million to over $250 million in profitable, growing companies across sectors such as agriculture, business services, consumer products, distribution, diversified industrials, energy, and healthcare. NEP is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Piper Sandler is a Minneapolis-based investment banking and asset management firm providing advisory and financing for mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, public offerings, public finance, and capital markets, serving corporations, institutional investors, and public entities worldwide. The company operates private equity and merchant banking units that invest in growth-oriented private companies, leveraging the firm’s research, capital markets, and advisory capabilities. Its sectors include healthcare devices and supplies, technology, consumer and business services, with a global footprint that includes offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Founded in 1895, Piper Sandler maintains a long history in financial services and serves clients across multiple industries.

UnitedHealth Group Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of UnitedHealth Group, focusing on investments in healthcare startups. The firm invests in businesses that enhance accessibility and affordability of healthcare services, with a particular interest in technology applications, new market entrants, and cost transparency initiatives.

Lemhi Ventures is a Minnesota-based venture capital firm that backs early-stage healthcare services companies in the United States. The firm invests across incubation, seed and growth rounds with a focus on disruptive healthcare service models, aiming to be a lead investor and frequently pursuing board seats or active partnerships in portfolio companies. It targets privately held U.S. businesses and does not invest in medical devices or the development of specific therapies.

Meridian Behavioral Health operates a network of recovery and addiction treatment centers in Minnesota, based in New Brighton, offering residential and outpatient care, medication-assisted treatment, and methadone maintenance. It provides therapeutic, psychotherapeutic, and cognitive behavioral treatments for adults, including programs for men, women, and LGBT individuals, as well as jail-based programs. The organization conducts confidential chemical health assessments and supports a continuum of care across assessment, treatment, and recovery.

LHB Inc. is an engineering, architecture, and planning firm based in Duluth, Minnesota, with additional offices in Minneapolis, Cambridge, and Superior, Wisconsin. Founded in 1966, the company provides a comprehensive range of services, including architecture, interior design, civil, electrical, mechanical, and structural engineering, as well as land surveying. LHB also specializes in planning, site design, transportation, urban design, and historic preservation. The firm emphasizes sustainable practices, offering research and development, policy development, and consultancy on sustainable guidelines. It also provides energy modeling, building analysis, and commissioning services, including Performance Metrics to ensure buildings operate efficiently and B3 Benchmarking for managing energy consumption. LHB serves a diverse clientele across commercial, education, government, healthcare, housing, industrial, pipeline, and public works sectors, focusing on creating vibrant and functional spaces.

Founded in 2008, Yukon Partners is a Minneapolis-based mezzanine firm specializing in investments ranging from $10 million to $50 million. It focuses on middle market companies with EBITDA between $5 million and $50 million and revenues up to $500 million, typically controlled by private equity sponsors. The firm invests through secured-debt, subordinated debt, minority common equity, and preferred stock, targeting sectors such as healthcare, automotive, consumer products, industrial manufacturing, and business services.

Established in 1953, the Bush Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It supports community development and innovation across the region by providing grants to both individuals and organizations.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) leads initiatives in food, agriculture, natural resources, and rural development. It aims to expand markets for agricultural products globally, foster alternative markets domestically, improve rural infrastructure, enhance food safety, promote nutrition education, and manage public lands collaboratively.

Founded in 2009, Tamiami Angel Fund is a Florida-based investment firm specializing in seed and early-stage investments. It focuses on companies based in the United States, with a preference for those located in Florida and Southwest Florida.

Doran Companies, LLC is a Minnesota-based firm that specializes in the commercial development, general contracting, and management of multi-family residential and commercial properties. Incorporated in 2007 and headquartered in Bloomington, the company focuses on the development of mixed-use commercial properties, retail shopping centers, student housing, and luxury apartments. Its general contracting services encompass a range of projects, including post-tension concrete high-rise buildings, five-story wood construction apartment buildings, and various tenant improvements for retail, hospitality, medical, and dental offices. Additionally, Doran Companies provides comprehensive property management solutions to ensure the effective operation of its developments.

Founded in 2012, Northern Pacific Group is a Minneapolis-based investment firm focusing on private equity investments. The company primarily targets upper Midwest businesses operating within the technology and business services sectors.

Perforce Software is a developer of software configuration management systems headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, with additional offices in California, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The company specializes in source code management and collaboration software through its platform, Perforce Helix, which allows global teams to efficiently collaborate on various file types, including code, CAD designs, and environment configurations. Helix supports both centralized and distributed workflows while providing advanced behavioral analytics to protect intellectual property. Perforce's tools facilitate faster and higher-quality delivery of digital products and offer features for agile project management, enabling users to manage requirements, issues, and test processes effectively. With over 15,000 customers, including notable brands like adidas, Samsung, and Pixar, Perforce is recognized for its contributions to enhancing developer collaboration and accelerating product delivery cycles.

Paragon Development Systems, headquartered in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, operates multiple offices across the Midwest and provides information technology services to a diverse clientele nationwide. The company focuses on four primary markets: healthcare, government and higher education, corporate, and professional services. PDS offers a range of services including digital workspace solutions, security, digital infrastructure, staffing, and enterprise technology services. By delivering these services, PDS aims to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve both customer and employee satisfaction, while ensuring greater compliance for its clients. As a leading technology services provider in the region, PDS continues to adapt and innovate in response to the evolving needs of its customers.

Clearwater Equity Group is a private equity firm established in 1997 and located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with an additional office in Saint Louis Park. The firm specializes in acquiring profitable lower middle market and middle market companies, focusing on partnerships with management teams. Clearwater Equity Group typically invests between $2 million and $5 million in its portfolio companies, targeting those with EBITDA of up to $5 million. The firm structures its investments through a combination of equity and subordinated debt, seeking ownership stakes ranging from 10 percent to 100 percent, which allows for both majority and minority interests in the businesses it acquires. Notably, Clearwater Equity Group invests its own capital and does not manage external funds.

Brown Venture Group is a venture capital firm and accelerator based in Minnesota that focuses on incubation, seed and early-stage investments in technology startups. It specializes in supporting Black, Latino and Indigenous founders and aims to build and promote minority owned tech ventures through its venture studio activities, which develop and launch startups in addition to funding them. Founded in 2018, it operates in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area.

Nortech Systems is a contract electronic manufacturing services provider that serves original equipment manufacturers in medical, aerospace and defense, industrial, and related industries. It offers value-added engineering, design, testing, prototyping, manufacturing, supply chain management, and post-market services, along with project management and repair services. The company manufactures wire harness and cable assemblies, electronic sub-assemblies, printed circuit board assemblies, higher-level electro-mechanical assemblies, and box builds for medical devices and other industrial equipment. It operates across the United States, Mexico, and China, supporting customers with design, prototyping, testing, and turnkey manufacturing, including sourcing and logistics. Nortech Systems markets its services through an internal sales force and independent representatives. The business focuses on medical-related markets as a key revenue driver, while also serving aerospace, defense, and other industrial sectors.