Areas of Interest
The University of Minnesota and the State of Minnesota are partnering to implement Venture Capital (VC) programs through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). Through two VC programs, the University’s Office of Investments & Banking (OIB) and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) are working to invest in seed and early stage Minnesota startups. The VC programs include a Multi-Fund VC program to invest in Minnesota based VC Funds and a Direct VC Investment program for direct investments in Minnesota startups. The SSBCI VC programs have the potential to be transformative in supporting our Minnesota VC and entrepreneurial community.
Quality and Experience of VC Fund Managers and Team
Investment Thesis and Alignment with Minnesota
Disciplined Investment Process
Strong Minnesota Presence
Opportunity to Support Underserved Communities
Ability to Raise Private Capital
Ability to Maintain SSBCI Compliance
Quality and Experience of Management Team
Novel Solution Generating Positive Impact to Society
Quality of Business Fundamentals and Economic Sustainability
Opportunity to Harness Strengths and Resources within Minnesota
Opportunity to Support Underserved Communities
Seed/Early Stage Financing
Ability to Identify a Lead Investor and Raise Private Capital
Ability to Maintain SSBCI Compliance