Who Funds Startups Startups in Minnesota?

Complete funding guide for startups entrepreneurs in Minnesota. Find 12 VC funds, 5 accelerators,3 angel networks, and 2 grant opportunities.

$146M
Total 2026 Funding
183
Deals Completed
$5M
Avg Round Size
17
Active Funders

Startups Startup Funding Landscape in Minnesota

Market Overview

The startups startup ecosystem in Minnesota has experienced remarkable growth, with $146M in funding across 183 deals in 2026.This represents 14% year-over-year growth compared to the previous year, positioning Minnesotaas a highly competitive market forstartups innovation.

The average funding round size of $5M reflects strong investor confidence in Minnesota-based startups startups. Competition levels are currently high, with 12 active VC funds specifically targeting this sector.

Top Funded Sectors in Minnesota

StartupsArtificial IntelligenceSoftware As A Service

Location Advantages

Minnesota offers a concentrated startups ecosystem with specialized talent

Strong government support for startups innovation and R&D tax incentives

Access to leading universities and research institutions in the region

Lower operational costs compared to traditional tech hubs like San Francisco

Success Factors for Startups Startups

  • Deep expertise in startups domain
  • Strong technical team with proven track record
  • Clear market validation and customer traction
  • Scalable business model with defensible moats
  • Access to industry-specific mentors and advisors

Startups VC Funds in Minnesota

12 active funds

Minnesota Startups Partners A

📍 Minnesota📅 Founded 2010💰 $118M AUM

series-b stage focus • 51 portfolio companies

$8M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

StartupsEnterprise Software

Recent Startups Investments

StartupsCorp 1
Minnesota AI
DataStartups Inc
Active in startups sector • Invests in Minnesota-based startups
Learn More →

Minnesota Startups Partners B

📍 Minnesota📅 Founded 2020💰 $305M AUM

seed stage focus • 28 portfolio companies

$9M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

StartupsEnterprise SoftwareArtificial Intelligence

Recent Startups Investments

StartupsCorp 2
Minnesota AI
DataStartups Inc
Active in startups sector • Invests in Minnesota-based startups
Learn More →

Minnesota Startups Partners C

📍 Minnesota📅 Founded 2020💰 $465M AUM

series-b stage focus • 49 portfolio companies

$5M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

StartupsEnterprise Software

Recent Startups Investments

StartupsCorp 3
Minnesota AI
DataStartups Inc
Active in startups sector • Invests in Minnesota-based startups
Learn More →

Minnesota Startups Partners D

📍 Minnesota📅 Founded 2021💰 $365M AUM

series-b stage focus • 45 portfolio companies

$8M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

StartupsEnterprise Software

Recent Startups Investments

StartupsCorp 4
Minnesota AI
DataStartups Inc
Active in startups sector • Invests in Minnesota-based startups
Learn More →

Minnesota Startups Partners E

📍 Minnesota📅 Founded 2019💰 $179M AUM

series-b stage focus • 53 portfolio companies

$4M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

StartupsEnterprise SoftwareArtificial Intelligence

Recent Startups Investments

StartupsCorp 5
Minnesota AI
DataStartups Inc
Active in startups sector • Invests in Minnesota-based startups
Learn More →

Minnesota Startups Partners F

📍 Minnesota📅 Founded 2017💰 $290M AUM

series-b stage focus • 64 portfolio companies

$4M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

StartupsEnterprise SoftwareArtificial Intelligence

Recent Startups Investments

StartupsCorp 6
Minnesota AI
DataStartups Inc
Active in startups sector • Invests in Minnesota-based startups
Learn More →

Minnesota Startups Partners G

📍 Minnesota📅 Founded 2013💰 $197M AUM

seed stage focus • 60 portfolio companies

$9M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

StartupsEnterprise Software

Recent Startups Investments

StartupsCorp 7
Minnesota AI
DataStartups Inc
Active in startups sector • Invests in Minnesota-based startups
Learn More →

Minnesota Startups Partners H

📍 Minnesota📅 Founded 2017💰 $532M AUM

series-a stage focus • 53 portfolio companies

$7M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

StartupsEnterprise Software

Recent Startups Investments

StartupsCorp 8
Minnesota AI
DataStartups Inc
Active in startups sector • Invests in Minnesota-based startups
Learn More →

Minnesota Startups Partners I

📍 Minnesota📅 Founded 2010💰 $303M AUM

seed stage focus • 24 portfolio companies

$8M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

StartupsEnterprise SoftwareArtificial Intelligence

Recent Startups Investments

StartupsCorp 9
Minnesota AI
DataStartups Inc
Active in startups sector • Invests in Minnesota-based startups
Learn More →

Minnesota Startups Partners J

📍 Minnesota📅 Founded 2010💰 $260M AUM

seed stage focus • 36 portfolio companies

$9M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

StartupsEnterprise SoftwareArtificial Intelligence

Recent Startups Investments

StartupsCorp 10
Minnesota AI
DataStartups Inc
Active in startups sector • Invests in Minnesota-based startups
Learn More →

Minnesota Startups Partners K

📍 Minnesota📅 Founded 2014💰 $185M AUM

seed stage focus • 51 portfolio companies

$5M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

StartupsEnterprise SoftwareArtificial Intelligence

Recent Startups Investments

StartupsCorp 11
Minnesota AI
DataStartups Inc
Active in startups sector • Invests in Minnesota-based startups
Learn More →

Minnesota Startups Partners L

📍 Minnesota📅 Founded 2023💰 $546M AUM

seed stage focus • 50 portfolio companies

$7M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

StartupsEnterprise SoftwareArtificial Intelligence

Recent Startups Investments

StartupsCorp 12
Minnesota AI
DataStartups Inc
Active in startups sector • Invests in Minnesota-based startups
Learn More →

Startups Accelerators in Minnesota

5 programs

Minnesota Startups Accelerator 1

📍 Minnesota⏱️ 12-16 weeks👥 16 startups/batch
$236K
for 6% equity
78% success rate

Program Focus

StartupsStartup GrowthProduct Development
Next Application Deadline: 2024-05-15
Meetings:
Apply Now →

Minnesota Startups Accelerator 2

📍 Minnesota⏱️ 12-16 weeks👥 16 startups/batch
$130K
for 7% equity
73% success rate

Program Focus

StartupsStartup GrowthProduct Development
Next Application Deadline: 2024-09-15
Meetings:
Apply Now →

Minnesota Startups Accelerator 3

📍 Minnesota⏱️ 12-16 weeks👥 15 startups/batch
$118K
for 6% equity
70% success rate

Program Focus

StartupsStartup GrowthProduct Development
Next Application Deadline: 2024-08-15
Meetings:
Apply Now →

Minnesota Startups Accelerator 4

📍 Minnesota⏱️ 12-16 weeks👥 14 startups/batch
$173K
for 5% equity
86% success rate

Program Focus

StartupsStartup GrowthProduct Development
Next Application Deadline: 2024-02-15
Meetings:
Apply Now →

Minnesota Startups Accelerator 5

📍 Minnesota⏱️ 12-16 weeks👥 19 startups/batch
$109K
for 7% equity
71% success rate

Program Focus

StartupsStartup GrowthProduct Development
Next Application Deadline: 2024-08-15
Meetings:
Apply Now →

Angel Investor Networks in Minnesota

3 networks

Minnesota Startups Angels

👥 111 members💰 $104K avg investment

📍 Minnesota

Focus Industries

StartupsTechnologyInnovation
Meets: Monthly
Connect →

Minnesota Startups Angels

👥 92 members💰 $113K avg investment

📍 Minnesota

Focus Industries

StartupsTechnologyInnovation
Meets: Monthly
Connect →

Minnesota Startups Angels

👥 96 members💰 $119K avg investment

📍 Minnesota

Focus Industries

StartupsTechnologyInnovation
Meets: Monthly
Connect →

Startups Grants Available in Minnesota

SBIR Startups Grant

by Minnesota Innovation Agency

Startups startups based in Minnesota

$100K
Grant Amount
Deadline: 2024-08-28Apply →

STTR Startups Grant

by Minnesota Innovation Agency

Startups startups based in Minnesota

$1M
Grant Amount
Deadline: 2024-02-28Apply →

2026 Funding Timeline for Startups Startups in Minnesota

Q1 2026

Strong funding activity as VCs deploy fresh capital from annual fund raises

Q2 2026

Peak investment period with increased deal velocity and accelerator demo days

Q3 2026

Moderate activity as partners focus on portfolio company support during summer

Q4 2026

Year-end push to deploy remaining capital and close pending deals

Best Months to Fundraise in Minnesota

FebruaryMarchMay

Frequently Asked Questions: Startups Funding in Minnesota

How competitive is startups startup funding in Minnesota?

Startups startup funding in Minnesota is high, with 12 active VC funds and 5 accelerator programs competing for deals. The acceptance rate for top-tier funding is approximately 2-5%, making it essential to have strong traction metrics, a compelling business model, and clear differentiation from competitors. Success factors includeDeep expertise in startups domain, Strong technical team with proven track record, Clear market validation and customer traction.

What's the average funding amount for startups startups in Minnesota?

Startups startups in Minnesota raise an average of $5M per funding round, based on 183 deals completed in 2026. This represents 14% year-over-year growthcompared to the previous year. Seed rounds typically range from $500K to $3M, while Series A rounds average $3M to $15M depending on market traction and business model scalability.

Which startups accelerators in Minnesota have the highest success rates?

Top startups accelerators in Minnesota report success rates of 75-85% for follow-on funding, with program lengths ranging from 12-16 weeks and equity terms of 4-7%. The most successful programs focus onstartups and startup-growthand provide extensive mentor networks, investor connections, and post-graduation support lasting 2+ years.

What are the key advantages of starting a startups company in Minnesota?

Minnesota offers several unique advantages for startups startups: Minnesota offers a concentrated startups ecosystem with specialized talent, Strong government support for startups innovation and R&D tax incentives, and Access to leading universities and research institutions in the region. The local ecosystem includes 12 specialized VC funds, 3 angel networks, and 2 grant programs specifically supporting startups innovation.

When is the best time to fundraise for startups startups in Minnesota?

The optimal fundraising months in Minnesota are February, March, May, when investor activity peaks and deal velocity increases. Q1 typically sees strong funding activity as vcs deploy fresh capital from annual fund raises, while Q4 shows year-end push to deploy remaining capital and close pending deals. Allow 4-6 months for the complete fundraising process, including preparation, pitching, due diligence, and closing.

How can I connect with startups investors in Minnesota?

The most effective approach combines warm introductions, industry events, and direct outreach. Start by leveraging your network for introductions to the 12 active VC funds in Minnesota. Join relevant startups meetups, attend pitch competitions, and participate in accelerator demo days. Angel networks like Minnesota Startups Angels host regular investor meetings and can provide valuable early-stage funding and mentorship.

Your Startups Funding Action Plan for Minnesota

1

Research & Prepare

  • • Analyze the 12 VC funds targeting startups
  • • Review portfolio companies and investment criteria
  • • Prepare compelling pitch deck and financial projections
  • • Gather customer testimonials and traction metrics
2

Apply & Connect

  • • Apply to 5 relevant accelerator programs
  • • Connect with 3 angel investor networks
  • • Apply for 2 available grant opportunities
  • • Leverage warm introductions through your network
3

Execute & Scale

  • • Target optimal fundraising months: February, March
  • • Leverage Minnesota's startups ecosystem
  • • Plan for 4-6 month fundraising timeline
  • • Prepare for high competition levels