BETA

BETA accelerates the success of Minnesota-based startups by putting founders first. Over the last 9 years, the organization has developed a strong community of support to provide founders the resources, capital and relationships required to grow and scale their companies. As a Minneapolis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, BETA operates the BETA Cohort accelerator, Twin Cities Startup Week and tech.mn, BETA's impact is focused on four areas: 

EDUCATION
The twice-annual BETA Cohort is a free, non-dilutive accelerator program for early stage technology startup founders. Over five months of curated events and curriculum, the program provides the training, mentorship, media features and business education to help founders succeed. As of Fall 2022, we have helped 236 startups raise over $634 million and hire more than 2,200 employees.

ACCESS TO CAPITAL
Founders need funding to develop their companies. For pre-seed and seed stage startups, BETA connects founders with funding relationships nationwide. We believe the next impact leaders are building companies in Minnesota. The Backers program has successfully matched over 400 founders with funders and continues to grow. These relationships build momentum, fund innovation and create jobs in tech. 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Twin Cities Startup Week (TCSW) is a weeklong, immersive festival featuring thought leadership from Minnesota's startup ecosystem. Through 200+ events covering all facets of business — from tech to arts and culture — the event connects innovators, developers, corporate leaders, and the startup curious. The second largest startup week in the nation, TCSW is the place to explore Minnesota innovation, celebrate startups in our ecosystem, and be inspired to launch your own endeavor.

NARRATIVE CHANGE
Minnesota's innovation ecosystem is unique - a fact we believe deserves to be shared with the world. Through startup news outlet, tech.mn, we've developed national media partnerships and programs that are changing how our state is perceived as a startup capital in the United States. 

Hear from our community: 

“The lasting impact of BETA is connecting you with people. A lot of the value is the relationships you make with the founders."

"I met other investors from the region. And the rapid-fire intros to the startups gave me exactly what I needed to figure out if I wanted to learn more."

"[TCSW] was authentic, real, action-oriented, made people feel okay with not having it perfect, had the shock and awe with the name, and leveraged storytelling to deliver its points. Absolutely impressed."

Thank you for your support!