 Startup and Small Business Summit at the Capitol
Join Governor Tim Walz and the Launch Minnesota Network at the State Capitol on April 27 for an event celebrating Minnesota’s small businesses!
DEED’s newly-formed Office of Small Business Development will showcase several startup founders and leaders of entrepreneurial support organizations.
This event is free to attend. No registration is required. Join us as we celebrate the big impact of our state’s small businesses!
MN Ventures Applications Open
The next virtual MN Venture pitch event is scheduled for May 19. Additional details are available on this page.
Launch MN is collaborating with the University of Minnesota, the Medical Alley Association and MNSBIR Inc. to organize another event facilitating connections between investors and Minnesota innovators. In 2022, 32 pitches were given to 275 registered attendees across three MN Venture events.
Walleye Tank Winners
Launch Minnesota teamed up with Mayo Clinic’s Office of Entrepreneurship and other partners last month to host Walleye Tank, a life science pitch competition for emerging and established MedTech companies.
Congratulations to the three winners! (*denotes Launch MN Innovation Grant awardees)
Learn more and access the event recording here
 Friday Forum: Artificial Intelligence -- April 28
Launch Minnesota’s Friday Forums are an opportunity to discuss new technologies in Minnesota’s startup community. This month’s topic is artificial intelligence and will feature Mayo Clinic Platform and others! Join us to learn how startups and large companies alike are utilizing artificial intelligence to innovate and grow.
Learn more
Ignite Cup Winners
Red Wing Ignite recently awarded almost $15,000 to entrepreneurs in Southeast Minnesota through its annual Ignite Cup startup competition. Now in its eighth year, Ignite Cup encourages innovation in Red Wing, Rochester and beyond.
Congratulations to this year’s winners!
- First Place: QoL Devices -- $7,500 prize and automatic entry to MN Cup
- Second Place: SAB Co. Software -- $5,000 prize
- Third Place: StableFeed -- $2,000 prize
- People’s Choice: Recover Me – entry to MN Cup’s student division
Launch Minnesota is proud to support the Ignite Cup and other regional pitch competitions!
Learn more
Article: Free Resources for Finding Investors
A new tech.mn article written by Stephanie Rich of Minneapolis-based Bread and Butter Ventures outlines five suggestions for founders raising funds for their startups. Services like CrunchbasePro and PitchBook can be pricey for early-stage companies, but luckily there are several free tools founders can utilize to connect with potential investors.
Learn more
Angel Fest -- May 4
Join Groove Capital on May 4 in Minneapolis for Angel Fest, a one-day event bringing together current and curious angel investors for education, connection and inspiration.
Angel Fest is for you if you are a:
- Seasoned angel investor
- Interested in learning more about angel investing
- Founder looking to invest in other people’s startups
- Ecosystem builder who works with angel investors
Tickets available here
Happy Hour with Global Entrepreneurship Week
Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is an annual celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity. It brings together millions of people from around the world to share ideas and start new ventures.
Global Entrepreneurship Week Minnesota is hosting an open-house style happy hour at Urban League of Minneapolis on April 19. Stop by to learn about local GEW efforts and see how you can get involved in this year's celebration.
Learn more
Vanguard Accelerator Seeks Startups
Upcoming Events
April 14-15: ConnectUP! Summit
April 17: ILT Academy Virtual Founder Showcase
April 20: SADBOC Government Procurement Fair
April 22: Minnebar17
Resources for Entrepreneurs:
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