Who we are

The University of Minnesota and the Walz-Flanagan Administration 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.

Investment Goals

  • Build strong Minnesota companies
  • Increase diversity in our business community
  • Elevate support for the socially and economically disadvantaged
  • Generate positive impact to society
  • Increase access to seed and early-stage Venture Capital
  • Grow sustainable sources of Venture Capital within Minnesota

Areas of Interest

biotech
Agtech/Foodtech
biotech
Life Sciences
biotech
Climate Tech
biotech
Advanced Manufacturing
biotech
Software
biotech
Technology

The Multi-Fund VC Investment Key Criteria:

  • Quality and Experience of VC Fund Managers and Team

  • Investment Thesis and Alignment with Minnesota

  • Disciplined Investment Process

  • Strong Minnesota Presence

  • Opportunity to Increase Diversity of Business Community

  • Ability to Raise Private Capital

Apply to the Multi-Fund VC Program
Duluth, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Mankato, MN
Red Wing, MN
St. Paul, MN
St. Cloud, MN

The direct VC Investment Key Criteria:

  • 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 Increase Diversity of Business Community

  • Seed/Early Stage Financing

  • Ability to Identify a Lead Investor and Raise Private Capital

Apply to the Direct Investment VC Program

Contact Us

mnssbcivc@umn.edu