Investment Strategy
Our strategy helps founders navigate the Catch-22 of early-stage growth: you need traction to secure investment, but you need investment to generate traction.
The Idea Fund partners with startups at their earliest stages. We will invest in companies before a first sale, or even before a first product. We help entrepreneurs develop their plan to create value, and we work every day to help them get there.
Our core investments are made into companies where a founding team is in place and product development is underway. Perhaps you have achieved early initial sales, or you’ve secured beta users who are giving you feedback on your product.
We also have the flexibility to be involved earlier in your journey. Whether you’re an inventor who wants to see your product commercialized, or you’re an experienced operator looking for your next opportunity, we’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can partner.
Our strategy promotes new company formation by spreading venture capital across diverse technologies, industries and locations throughout the Upper Midwest. We stand behind our companies during the inevitable ups and downs of early-stage growth, and we reserve significant capital for follow-on funding.
Sector focus
We believe great businesses can be founded to solve problems in any industry. We seek to partner with founders who have a unique and valuable insight into a business problem and are passionate about their solution. We have invested in a broad range of sectors, including information technology, health IT, data analytics, supply chain, agriculture, manufacturing and financial services.
Why we invest in in the Upper Midwest
We are deeply passionate about supporting entrepreneurs in the Upper Midwest. People here are hard-working, innovative and have a strong sense of humility. We also benefit from outstanding institutions of higher education, sophisticated anchor employers and a wonderful quality of life. Together, these resources provide the environment for a successful startup ecosystem. When brought together, the result is strong businesses, good jobs and more vibrant communities.
