2021 Year-End Recap
Launch Minnesota thanks entrepreneurs for their grit and passion, the state legislature for their continued commitment, and the network of entrepreneurial support organizations, investors, partners and our advisory board for their dedication and leadership.
We recently released a recap outlining the program’s successes over the last year. The data shows both a strong return on investment and promising trajectories for the startups who received grants and other resources through Launch Minnesota and our partners.
Here are a few highlights:
- In 2021, Launch MN distributed $1.5M to 54 startups.
- 67% of our grants went to women, veterans, BIPOC founders or those living in Greater Minnesota.
- 100% of recipients said the grant helped move their business forward.
- Grantees collectively raised $35M, representing a $9 return for every Launch MN dollar invested.
Working together, we will continue to make Minnesota the best place to start and scale new ventures!
Read the full recap.
|
Who Helped You Start Up?
The success of one startup cannot be attributed to a single organization or institution. Throughout a company’s life, its founders receive assistance from numerous accelerators, investors, mentors and more.
To better understand the collective community effort required for one startup’s success, Launch Minnesota is asking our grantees: “Who helped you start up?”
We hope that the answers to this question will highlight efforts already underway in our ecosystem to improve outcomes for entrepreneurs across the state and underscore the importance of working together in the future to help more innovators start up.
 Rochester-based InControl Health is creating a medical device that prevents hair loss from chemotherapy. Founder Laura Zumbrunnen received on of Launch Minnesota’s Innovation Grants in 2021 and says that the experience changed her company’s trajectory.
“Doors have opened once InControl Health connected with Launch Minnesota," she said.
In addition to Launch Minnesota, InControl Health has received assistance through many other Minnesota entrepreneurship program:
- Learned about MN SBIR/STTR Accelerator and submitted an SBIR grant
- Introduced to and pitched Groove Capital
- Accepted to the Discovery Launchpad MN program
- Introduced to Medical Alley Starts through the MN Exchange
- Sponsored to be in the Capita3 program
- Certified for the Angel Tax Credit
- Received lean startup education through Coursera
- Learned from peers and experts with Launch Minnesota’s Grantee Gatherings and Friday Forum.
- Accepted to Mili Valuation Lab at UMN Carlson School
Statewide Calendar for YOU
Launch Minnesota now has an event calendar! Our Startup and Small Business Calendar contains events from organizations throughout the state. Utilize this new resource to find networking groups, pitch competitions, coffee clubs, learning opportunities and more – both in your region and throughout Minnesota. Explore the calendar. We welcome you to add event or link your calendar.
Friday Forum - Free Resources for Entrepreneurs
Launch Minnesota’s Friday Forums are an opportunity to discuss the topics facing Minnesota’s startup community.
The topic on January 28th is “Free Resources for Entrepreneurs.” We will discuss multiple programs and tools available for Minnesota founders. Kris Eul, CEO and co-founder of Kinetic, a local startup and recipient of one of Launch Minnesota's Innovation Grants, will also share some triumphs and challenges from his entrepreneurship journey.
He will also provide a demonstration of the Minnesota Exchange, the best way for members of our state's innovation economy to connect. Learn more.
Network News
If your resolution is to grow your startup or small business in 2022, then consider applying to one of these programs!
Lunar Startups: is a startup platform designed to include more people and more ideas. This accelerator provides resources, coaching and a dedicated network. Applications for Lunar’s fifth cohort are open until Mon., Jan. 24 at 12pm CST.
BETA: The BETA Cohort is a free, five-month program designed to give founders the best tools to make their business more successful. Applications are due Thurs., Feb 3 at 11:59pm CST.
Outstate MN: Innovation in Southern Minnesota
Rochester’s Collider Shares Ecosystem Learning Report
Despite pandemic, investments in Minnesota Startups Top $1B again in 2021
Resources for Entrepreneurs:
|
