Forge North

Venture capital is the tool that can transform an idea into a startup. Thanks to support from LaunchMN we have an opportunity to sponsor a program that connects founders with venture funding. Check the link below for details about how to apply (deadline December 9) and reach out with any questions. https://hubs.li/Q02Y_6KK0

Forge North's goals prioritize increasing the number of companies raising early-stage capital in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Thanks to funding from LaunchMN, we are seeking to fund one program that connects founders with venture capital. Check the link below for details about how to apply (deadline December 9) and reach out with any questions. https://hubs.li/Q02Y_prv0

Founders with an idea or minimum viable product in the clean energy space, check out this opportunity to learn from experts and bring your idea to reality.

Forge North's goals prioritize increasing the number of companies raising early-stage capital in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Thanks to funding from LaunchMN, we are seeking to fund one program that connects founders with venture capital. Check the link below for details about how to apply (deadline December 9) and reach out with any questions. https://hubs.li/Q02Y_8190

Join us in celebrating innovation! Nominate a #HealthcareStartup in Minnesota for HealthcareMN 's 2024 Startup of the Year Award by November 30th. Let’s recognize and spotlight the changemakers transforming healthcare! The winner will be celebrated during our Holiday Party & Fundraising Event on December 12th. Don’t miss it! Use the scan code below or this link. Community Nomination Link:?https://lnkd.in/ewiU6ukH Duza Baba, Matt Catanzarite, Kathy Zamarripa

?? One more week until Social Enterprise Day! Here are some ways you can join in on the celebration: ?? Use our media toolkit?and stories of why you work for or own a social enterprise. https://lnkd.in/gzP9WUqr ??Use the hashtag #SocialImpactWeekMN and tag Social Enterprise - Minneapolis St Paul and Impact Hub Minneapolis - St. Paul so we can reshare! ??Attend a virtual event?hosted by the SEWF - Social Enterprise World Forum C.I.C.: https://lnkd.in/dYiqkYPT ??Purchase something from a social enterprise and share why you love supporting them with the hashtag! ??Throughout the week, like, comment and share stories we'll feature of social enterprises from: InControlMN Brown Babies Puzzles Galactic Polymath Education Studio BackpackEMR by Binary Bridge Coimatan ExploreWell Repowered - Electronics Recycling and Retail Store Cova And more! #SocialImpactWeekMN #socialenterpriseday #socialenterprise #socialimpact

Alivia Boddie and MEDA - Metropolitan Economic Development Association are helping get the word out about the MSP Startup Guide (https://lnkd.in/gJzrXUsk), and connecting founders with experienced mentors along the way. Come join us next Thursday for the Volunteer Advisor Network!

VC-backed founders: this is normal. As we head towards the end of the year, I'm having a lot of conversations with founders about "when will VC pop back". They want to know when fundraising will get easier, especially outside of AI companies. They want to peer into the future and find that magic date when all of this sluggishness will fade. But it won't - because now is normal. So far in 2024, US companies on Carta have collectively raised about $21 billion per quarter. Last year it was $18B. In 2020 it was $22B. In relation to 2021's $55 billion, sure things seem dire. But that comparison point is screwing with our collective mental models. If we just wave a wand and erase our most recent bubble behavior (6 wild quarters), the mood around venture would change. Yes, we would expect to see some gradual growth over time (as the market expands both on and off Carta). And yes, the gap between the upper range and the median for these companies is as large as ever. This feels hard because it is hard! And because the quality of the founders on either side of you has never been higher. It's like swimming in a pool of Olympic swimmers - even great founders can feel lesser than. Optimistic about 2025, but we are in the new normal now and it's unlikely to shift dramatically. Time to build! #startups #founders #venturecapital #fundraising If you want to dive into more predictions about the state of startups in 2025, join our virtual event on Thursday at 10am PT: https://lnkd.in/gWcaCVVf And for our US audience - go vote! ??

Minnesota innovators - Launch MN Grants are open for application. Maybe the highest return on time invested grants out there. More here:

Walleye Tank is an excellent opportunity for healthcare founders to gain experience pitching and visibility to VCs and industry experts. Applications are open through tomorrow night - don't wait to apply! https://lnkd.in/gzZhdnn9