Twin Cities Startup Week 2021
Investing
Friday, September 17, 2021
TCSW 2021 Opening Party - VIP
The TCSW team invites you to meet and mingle with distinguished guests, community ambassadors, thought leaders, executives and others from the Twin Cities community prior to the TCSW 2021 Opening Party!
We'll have food and drink, live entertainment, and you might even get to go on an exclusive tour of the Twins Stadium! Plus, you can pick up your TCSW VIP hoodie.
This event will lead right into the Opening Party at 7pm — stick around and kick off the week with founders, corporate leaders, and members of the community.
PARKING / ENTRANCE INSTRUCTIONS
The entry point for the event is the Minnesota Twins Executive Offices Entrance, located at 353 5th Street North, Minneapolis, MN 55403.
Parking is available on the street and in the ramps surrounding the ballpark. Recommended parking:
- Target Field Station Parking Ramp at 335 5th Street North, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Ramp B at 516 N 2nd Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Monday, September 20, 2021
Future of Our Cities Track
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
The Future of Our Cities Track of Twin Cities Startup Week is being hosted by Smart North and sponsored by MnDOT. Prepare to be inspired as we discuss the future of Livability, Mobility, Sustainability, and Workability and all the opportunities that exist for disruptors in the space. Food and beverage will be provided during the event.
Attend this track in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin. IN-PERSON CAPACITY: 35 people.
SCHEDULE
7:50 am - Opening Remarks
8 AM - Reimagining Our Cities in the Post-Pandemic World (Hybrid)
9 AM - Transforming Livability and Equity Through Technology (Hybrid)
9 AM - Reimagining Partnerships in Placemaking and Urban Planning (In-person)
10 AM - Digital Equity - The Next Great Equalizer (Hybrid)
11 AM - Tackling the Affordable Housing Crisis Through a New Investment Strategy (Hybrid)
11 AM - Future of Mobility Tech & Research Showcase (In-person)
12:30 PM - Shark Tank Reverse Pitch Competition (Hybrid)
2 PM - The Re-emergence of Place-based Entrepreneurship (Hybrid)
2 PM - Entrepreneurial Roundtable (In-person)
3 PM - Investing in Our Collective Futures! (Hybrid)
4 PM - Bringing the Future Forward, Fast! (Hybrid)
4:45 PM - What's your Blueprint for becoming Future Ready? (Hybrid)
MENTOR MORNING by Minnesota Innovates
Minnesota Innovates invites Founders, whose problem solution has a technology component, to participate in a special offering of its signature Mentor Mornings. At TCSW, Founders will meet in small groups to share their concerns with mentors who have experience in various fields of technology, as well as, legal, financing, starting and scaling, marketing, sales, data analysis, customer validation and strategic development experience. The casual and welcoming setting provides opportunities to glean helpful insight and fosters enhanced access to people and resources that can support a Founder’s startup journey.
Winthrop Accelerator - Office Hours
REGISTER HERE TO RESERVE AN APPOINTMENT
We will provide Startup Week participants with an opportunity to meet with attorneys from the firm’s “Winthrop Accelerate” program, which is specifically designed to counsel Founders on issues commonly encountered by growth-stage companies. Each meeting will be 30 minutes and will take the format best suited to the needs of the particular participant (e.g., discussion of questions or issues facing a particular company, initial review company organizational documents, address options for capital and governance structures and/or other topics necessary to provide a solid foundation to successfully operate and raise capital). After the meeting, Founders will also have access to our suite of complimentary agreements specifically tailored for Founders and their growth-stage ventures, including non-disclosure agreements; sample employment, independent contractor and advisor agreements; and/or confidential information and inventions assignment agreements.
Preparing For a Capital Event
Whether you are seeking to raise debt, secure equity financing, sell your business or partner with a strategic investor, you will need to be prepared. Hear from four successful entrepreneurs on their experiences raising capital and the keys to being adequately prepared.
Emergent Africa Forum (EAF)
The EMERGENT AFRICA FORUM (EAF) is the signature event of the Africa Chamber of Digital Commerce (ACOFDC Inc.), a non-profit organization headquartered in Minnesota; a gateway to the community (Diaspora) and the continent (Africa).The EAF is a Digital confluence of elevated ideas and mindset; a solution focused event that seeks to accelerate tech Investments in Africa and Diaspora community in strategic and impactful ways. The EAF seeks to bring together professionals, founders, investors and the public sector from Africa and the diaspora nations to showcase innovations, celebrate accomplishments, seal deals and foster a private-public partnership ecosystem.
Shark Tank Reverse Pitch
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
The Future Cities Shark Tank Pitch is a catalyst that connects government, start-up funders, talent and others in the innovation and technology markets to find ways to use automation, connectivity and other tech solutions to advance livability, safety, mobility, access, equity and sustainability.
Discussion on the Future of Work in a Hybrid Model
Join us for a panel discussion and networking event with Venture Capitalists, Business Leaders, and Startup Founders around how the Future of work will look including how benefits and incentives are provided to employees in companies. This will be an opportunity to see what other companies are looking at for strategies around work to attract and retain talent in their organizations. Food and beverages will be provided at the event that will take place in the West End at the TeaWomen/Twin Cities Film Fest new offices. Free parking is available in the West End. Please join us for this event on Monday of Startup Week!
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Winthrop Accelerator - Office Hours
REGISTER HERE TO RESERVE AN APPOINTMENT
We will provide Startup Week participants with an opportunity to meet with attorneys from the firm’s “Winthrop Accelerate” program, which is specifically designed to counsel Founders on issues commonly encountered by growth-stage companies. Each meeting will be 30 minutes and will take the format best suited to the needs of the particular participant (e.g., discussion of questions or issues facing a particular company, initial review company organizational documents, address options for capital and governance structures and/or other topics necessary to provide a solid foundation to successfully operate and raise capital). After the meeting, Founders will also have access to our suite of complimentary agreements specifically tailored for Founders and their growth-stage ventures, including non-disclosure agreements; sample employment, independent contractor and advisor agreements; and/or confidential information and inventions assignment agreements.
VC 101: A Roundtable Discussion
Interested in learning more about venture capital? Or maybe you just want to brush up on the topic. Either way, this event is for you. Join us for a panel discussion where we'll discuss FAQs surrounding venture capital with experts on all sides of the table, including representatives from venture capital firms, startups, and a business law firm. Did we mention there's going to be free breakfast?
Creative Video to Tell and Sell Your Story
We will share some tools and tips on how to easily create video that stands out. These will include lighting, audio, 360 video, live video and drones. This is an active sessions and questions are a big part.
Fundraising AMA w/ VC
Ryan Broshar & Natty Zola - Partners at Matchstick Ventures - will open the mic and answer any and all questions founders have about pre-seed and seed stage fundraising for startups in this "ask me anything" format. Come with questions and look forward to a lively dialogue amongst the partners and participants.
Pitching Yourself and Your Company For Success
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
From pitching your business, raising money, recruiting talent and leading your teams, effectively channeling your own personal brand and networks can have a tremendous impact on your success.
Learn tips and tricks behind successful PR strategies and fundraising campaigns.
Alexis Walsko brings 22 years of experience as founder, marketer and leader to a conversation about how best to present yourself and your company to support your growing business.
Meda Million Dollar Challenge – After Party
Meda and its partners are hosting the fourth Meda Million Dollar Challenge – an exciting business-plan competition modeled on the television show Shark Tank. During Twin Cities Startup Week, BIPOC-owned businesses will make their best case to a panel of judges regarding why their companies are poised for growth. Finalists from around the country will travel to Minnesota for the final pitching event, which will award at least $1 million in financing. Be our guest at this party as we celebrate the finalists and announce the winners at 6:15 PM.
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Founder Track presented by Samsung Next
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
Samsung Next is proud to present the Twin Cities Startup Week Founder Track. Please join us as we explore the entrepreneurial journey from how to start your own startup to funding options to how to grow and scale. We’ll hear from seasoned entrepreneurs, local investors, and other community leaders that want to ensure the next Fortune 500s are started in our own backyard. If you’re a founder or interested in starting a company - this track is for you! Breakfast and lunch provided.
Attend this track in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
SCHEDULE
9:00 AM - Opening Remarks
9:15 AM - Lessons from Black Tech Leaders
10:30 AM - If You Build It Will They Come? How To Hire and Retain Your First Employees
11:25 AM - How is the MN Startup Market Perceived by Out of State VCs?
1:15 PM - Come Meditate! A Mindfulness Break.
1:45 PM - Understanding your startup funding options
2:55 PM - Your Strategic Playbook for Growth & Execution
4:00 PM - Rethinking Best Practices
PARKING / ENTRANCE INSTRUCTIONS
- Parking options: Gopher or Maroon Lots.
- The entry point for the event is the Premium Entrance which is located under the Benton County sign.
Emergent Africa Forum (EAF)
Theme: Illuminating Africa And The Diaspora.
The EMERGENT AFRICA FORUM is the signature event of the Africa Chamber of Digital Commerce (ACOFDC Inc.). A non-profit organization headquartered in Minnesota and serves as a gateway to the Africans in diaspora community and the continent of Africa. The EAF is a Digital confluence of elevated ideas and mindset. A solution focused event that seeks to illuminate and accelerate tech Investments in Africa and Diaspora community in strategic and impactful ways. The EAF seeks to bring together professionals, founders, investors and the public sector from Africa and the diaspora nations to showcase innovations, celebrate accomplishments, seal deals and foster a private-public partnership ecosystem.
Building an Advisory Business to Grow Your Network
Building a network is a shortcut for growth. Whether you are creating a board of advisors or looking for funding or employees you want to have a strategy for who to reach and how to build relationships. Start identifying who you want to meet and where you would find them. As well you can learn specific tips and blueprints for how to grow your network with confidence.
Lessons from Black Tech Leaders
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
Join us for a powerful and insightful session as Black leaders in the Minnesota tech community share their journey to success. Our panel of technologists, entrepreneurs, and investors will share their experiences in tech and insights on how to break into and thrive in the space. We'll also hear thoughts directly from leading venture capitalists on how the increase of BIPOC VCs can impact the growth and successes of diverse-led startups.
This session is for all aspiring BIPOC professionals that want to learn lessons, resources, and insights to making an impact in tech.
Attend this event in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
PARKING / ENTRANCE INSTRUCTIONS
- Parking options: Gopher or Maroon Lots.
- The entry point for the event is the Premium Entrance which is located under the Benton County sign.
Lessons from a Failed Pitch: A Public Post-Mortem
It's late March 2021 and Kinetic Co-Founder Kris Eul is preparing to pitch to Groove Capital's Founder and Partner, Reed Robinson. Faulty internet and a dropped call would be the least of his concerns once the pitch was over.
Join them for a candid (and entertaining) conversation as they provide a rare perspective from both sides of the fundraising table. They'll also share key lessons learned that would guide Kinetic to successfully closing their first round and Groove evolving into a preferred early-stage fund within Minnesota.
How is the MN Startup Market Perceived by Out of State VCs?
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
Ever wonder how out-of-market investors perceive the Twin Cities startup community? How do we stack up to other markets they regularly spend time in? What makes us unique? We'll have a panel of out-of-market VCs and take questions from the audience.
Crowdfunding: What You Should Know Before You Start
In-person Location: FINNOVATION Lab: 817 Fifth Ave S UNIT 400, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Crowdfunding may seem simple, but a successful campaign requires building a crowd, and a smart funding strategy: which platform is right for you, what you’re giving in exchange for money, and how these choices can help you identify your strongest target audiences. Whether you are a social impact company looking to mobilize your community, or an innovative start-up willing to experiment with equity crowdfunding, we've got you covered. We will share the legal basics and business best practices for improving your chances to successfully crowdfund your company.
A collaborative project from FINNOVATION Lab, Avisen Legal and the University of Minnesota Law School.
Negotiating Collaboration Agreements with Large Companies: What to Expect
This presentation will discuss five different types of collaborative arrangements commonly used by large strategic life sciences companies to collaborate with start-up companies, either as part of strategic transactions, venture capital investments or joint ventures. The discussion will address issues and strategies for product development, patent and technology licenses, data sharing arrangements, distribution agreements and joint steering committee agreements.
Growing Your Business: Do I Raise Money to Fund my Startup? - A Lunch Discussion Presented by Traction Capital
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
Are you considering whether or not to raise funding to grow your business? If so, you won’t want to miss this lunch discussion featuring four accomplished Minnesota investors and entrepreneurs: Andrew Duneman, Barb Stinnett, Matt Meents, and Shane Erickson. This panel of Traction Capital investors possess the knowledge and experience needed to navigate the often-tricky process of raising capital to grow your business (and whether you should). Mark your calendars for this insightful lunchtime conversation!
Attend this event in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
PARKING / ENTRANCE INSTRUCTIONS
- Parking options: Gopher or Maroon Lots.
- The entry point for the event is the Premium Entrance which is located under the Benton County sign.
You’re Necessary and Next: How a Brief History of Everything Will Inspire You to Think Big and Take Action
One of the most exciting discoveries of the last 100 years is the emerging, data-driven research on how people grow and adapt to changing conditions. We are in the midst of massive, economic and cultural changes unlike anything we've seen before. This session is for Founders - and their advisors, teams, consultants, and investors. From marketing and innovation to strategic leadership and decision-making, without these paradigms and frameworks, we are at risk of creating things built for yesterday, not tomorrow. Join us to learn why all of this is good news for your startup, career, community, family, and life. We'll build and “unfold” the model in the room, discuss it, and then integrate everything with what we already know, exploring the multitude of ways that we can apply it to our contexts. Along the way, expect to contribute and discover new ideas, as well as meet the kind of people who come to workshops like this. Tim Schuster is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is Co-Founder of LegalQ and Founder of Popup Think Tank.
Understanding Your Startup Non-dilutive Funding Options
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
Early Stage Founders must be diligent about financing growth and need to be aware of all funding options. Founders are looking for ways to finance their growth with non-dilutive capital options and extend runway for equity raise. This helps founders retain control, align their business growth to their core values, preserve equity and raise future equity at higher valuations.
PARKING / ENTRANCE INSTRUCTIONS
- Parking options: Gopher or Maroon Lots.
- The entry point for the event is the Premium Entrance which is located under the Benton County sign.
Health Law 101: Key Legal Issues for Health Care Startups and Investors
This presentation will discuss the key legal issues for health care startup companies and investors, including IP and data rights, privacy and security, reimbursement, FDA, fraud and abuse, corporate practice of medicine, and other corporate law matters. Attendees will learn how to protect their assets, design a legal/compliance strategy, and avoid making costly legal/regulatory mistakes.
Demystifying Market Research
Everybody knows you have to do market research, but has anyone ever shared the secrets on how to effectively learn the nuances of your market? Join La Juana Whitmore, business strategist and small business consultant (not to mention curriculum lead at FINNOVATION Lab), to learn more about tips on finding publicly available information, techniques for digging deeper to understand more about your customers, and strategies for sizing your market.
Pivot or Perish
The session explores the power of the pivot, in business and in life. Panelists will tell their stories of successful pivots and failures where pivots were required. Moderated by Club Entrepreneur chief Rick Brimacomb, this session features three business leaders who have been involved in numerous pivots. They will teach how early to look, when to keep going on the existing road and when to jump off it. The art and science of maneuvering with limited resources. Being disciplined about “failing fast” but not throwing out the baby in the bathwater.
LinkedIN Event Page https://www.linkedin.com/events/6842559799880663040/
Facebook Event Page https://www.facebook.com/events/371593624429690
Challenges of Building a Developer Tools Startup
Join us for an interactive panel discussion with experienced founders and founding engineers of successful Developer Tools startups like TrackJS, Frontend Masters, Akita Software, and Touca. We will speak about common challenges of building products for software developers, ranging from marketing and sales to product development. We will share our experiences and offer our vision for the future of software development.
Program-Related Investments in Healthcare
Chris Ghere
University of Minnesota, Senior Technology Portfolio Manager, Technology CommercializationExplore how a powerful philanthropic tool called "Program-Related Investments" (PRIs) is helping more promising, early-stage healthcare technologies get to market. In this session, attendees will (1) get an introduction to PRIs and PRI syndication; (2) learn how the University of Minnesota is using PRIs in technology commercialization, especially in healthcare; (3) dive more deeply into one PRI anchored by Children's Cancer Research Fund to advance a University Osteosarcoma Prognostic Test; and (4) explore the broader potential for PRIs to revolutionize commercialization of rare disease therapies.
Rethinking “Best Practices”
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
The short phrase “best practices” has become a defining factor within the private equity industry, from due diligence processes for potential investments to vetting fund managers. In this session, Dr. Chris Brooks will explore how this single phrase has led to billions of dollars of missed opportunity, and he will propose steps to think differently moving forward.
PARKING / ENTRANCE INSTRUCTIONS
- Parking options: Gopher or Maroon Lots.
- The entry point for the event is the Premium Entrance which is located under the Benton County sign.
Groove Capital's Angel Investor Rally
REGISTRATION REQUIRED, click the following link to RSVP
The purpose of this gathering is two-fold:
#1 - By this time Groove Capital will have made 16+ local investments, since launching in February. A lot is going to plan, some things have surprised us. Bottom line, we're successfully connecting early stage investors with Pre-Seed Minnesota-based startups, and we want to show you how.
#2 - The BETA Showcase is immediately following this event. Let's get excited about venture and angel investing, talk shop, and head over to that event to practice our craft. Register for the BETA Showcase here.
Who should consider attending - LPs & Angel investors (Groove or otherwise) and anyone who has ever wanted to learn more about angel investing.
Thursday, September 23, 2021
OnRamp Education & Workforce Innovation Accelerator Premiere
This Premiere Event is a celebration of the latest OnRamp Education & Workforce Innovation Accelerator class of innovative startups and entrepreneurship.
Join us and meet this amazing cohort!
Watch this virtual event in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
Growing your startup with Open Scout and AWS University Scout Program
The OpenScout and AWS University Scout Program is a university program that helps student entrepreneurs scale their ideas with resources from AWS and other providers. The program recently added University of Minnesota to their network and are excited to help student entrepreneurs in the Twin Cities. Come tune in as we have student scouts from the University of Minnesota, Drexel University, and Yale University talk about student entrepreneurship and the AWS Scout Program on their respective campuses.
How To Ask People For Money
Everyone has done it, and very few people are comfortable with it. Asking people for money is a skill that can be developed. It's also a skill that is relevant to just about everyone—founders, non-profit leaders, employees, and more.
In this conversation we'll talk openly about our experiences with "the ask," and leave you all with some tips for building confidence ahead of your next money-seeking conversation.
Future of Venture with Atland Ventures
Atland Ventures is a student run Venture Capital firm based at the University of Minnesota that focuses on investing in early stage startups innovating within the Gen Z space. Come hear from a panel of current Atland Ventures partners, recent alum, and portfolio company CEO on emerging trends in the Gen Z space.
Preparing Your Startup For Fundraising
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
What should a startup do to prepare for raising capital?
What does the fund-raising process look like?
What is “due diligence” and how should a startup prepare for it?
What do angel investors typically look for in a seed or early round financing?
Attend this event in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
There is a large paid parking lot right next to the T3 building (323 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401).
Launch Minnesota: "Ask the Board Anything"
Lindsey Hillesheim
ATP - Bio I Skylark Science, Director of Strategic Partners & Innovation at ATP-Bio | Principal at Skylark Science
Christine Beech
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, Executive Director of the Kabara Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies
Launch Minnesota is proud to present "Ask the Board Anything" with the Launch Minnesota Advisory Board members.
Launch Minnesota empowers and elevates Minnesota’s innovation ecosystem. We connect, convene, and catalyze efforts to support entrepreneurs statewide by bringing together public and private organizations from diverse sectors and industries. Join this session to learn the insight and perspective from our board members who represent founders, investors, higher education, corporate and entrepreneurial support organizations.
Investor Cocktail Network Event
An opportunity to network with investors over cocktails and hors d'oeuvers. All accredited investors are invited to attend. There will be an open bar from 4:30 to 6:30.
Founders Live Minneapolis - Pitch event
REGISTER HERE FOR THE EVENT.
The Ultimate Entrepreneurial Experience and Pitch Competition Show.
Showcasing Founders of: Cherry Hoggs, Company of Women Travel, ZeSa Fitness, CoyaBlu, InControl Health
Friday, September 24, 2021
9 Ways to Fail as an Entrepreneur: How to Avoid Going to Court (Private Session)
Few startups budget for attorneys. Most entrepreneurs prefer to rely on their own common sense, research, and creativity to avoid legal problems. Small business owners tend to wait for problems to escalate before getting legal help.
We get it. A combination of limited budget and ignorance-is-bliss leads most of us to want to stay away from those pesky lawyers. Until we have to. Self-help will take you so far and that's OK.
We find that many businesses shutdown unnecessarily in large part because entrepreneurs underestimate the intricacies of the law. After all, it only takes one slip to get into hot water.
We are here to help you! We want you to thrive.
Come learn 9 common mistakes entrepreneurs make when starting and running their business!
How the State Supports Startups
Attendees can learn about the many resources DEED offers startups and entrepreneurs.
Food Upcycling: Eating Our Way Out of Climate Change
Come hear, see and taste how food that would otherwise be wasted can be upcycled in to new food ingredients that can feed more people better and eliminate food waste. Learn about the innovative ag & food technologies that are behind this new industry of food upcycling.
The Real Pitch MN
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
What are investors really thinking when they hear a startup pitch? See 5 MN-based startups pitch experienced investors Brett Brohl and Mary Grove from Bread and Butter Ventures. Brett and Mary will give live feedback and provide insight into the investor thought process, giving you an inside peek at what investors think about pitch decks, round sizes, competition slides and more!
Startups can apply to pitch here.