Montana has one of the highest rates of new business formation in the country, with over 400 startups per 100,000 residents each year. Students across our universities are building innovative companies, experienced founders are relocating from major startup hubs, and long-time residents are increasingly choosing entrepreneurship.
Access to smart, early stage capital remains limited putting Montana at risk of falling behind economically and developmentally in established and emerging industries. State sovereign funds that have invested in early stage innovation, particularly in rural regions, have seen strong returns in job creation, wages, and strategic economic growth. Montana has no comparable statewide program.
States are supporting their innovation
States across the country have identified the need to support early stage innovation and entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic growth. Over 80% have established sovereign venture programs to support early stage innovation and entrepreneurship.
Explore the ecosystem3.95x
Employment multiplier reported by Connecticut Innovations
12x
Return on investment reported by MassVentures
3.09x
Return on investment reported by North Dakota Development Fund
Mountain West
Utah Nucleus Fund
Kickstart Wyoming Venture Program
Colorado Venture Capital Authority
Nevada Battle Born Ventures
Arizona Venture Capital Inc
New Mexico Catalyst Fund
Supporting startups and lowering barrier for investment
The fund will invest in Montana startups from pre-seed through Series A, using a long-term investment approach inspired by evergreen sovereign fund models.
Syndicated special purpose vehicles (SPVs) will be used to amplify state capital and increase accredited investor participation in Montana startups.
Startups
- Early stage capital from Pre-seed to Series A
- Gap financing to bridge funding rounds
- Diverse investor participation
- Long-term partnership and support
- Support for non VC fundable deals through flexible investment strategies and business resources
Investors
- Access to vetted Montana startups
- Diversified investment opportunities
- Reduced risk through syndication
- Support Montana's economic growth
- Engage with Montana's innovation ecosystem
Fund status
We are in the process of refining the Montana Growth Fund structure and investment strategy.
If you work in the ecosystem, have thoughts, or want to get involved, please reach out to discuss how to best support the Montana ecosystem and economic development.