Invest Nebraska
Venture capitalLincoln · Pre-Seed–Series A · 8 people tracked
Find your way into Invest Nebraska
1,123 people in our graph share verified history with the Invest Nebraska team — schools, employers, funds. One of them is your warm intro.
Investment thesis
Invest Nebraska focuses on early-stage companies located in Nebraska that show early signs of product-market fit. It invests across all industries, writing an average first check of around $250k. Since 2002, the organization has served as a cornerstone of Nebraska's entrepreneurial ecosystem, supporting founders through an experienced staff, dedicated board, and network of partners committed to the state and its residents.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.
Team · 8 people
from the firm's website
What they invest in
from 66 of 87 portfolio companiesSaaS ×26AI & Machine Learning ×20Healthtech ×16AgTech ×11Hardware ×10Enterprise Software ×9Fintech ×8IoT ×8
HQs:United States×46Philippines×1
Who they back
founder profiles across 28 portfolio companiesFounding team size:solo founder×162 founders×12
Where their founders studiedfrom 25 founders with education data
University of Nebraska-Lincoln ×8Stanford University ×2University of Nebraska at Omaha ×2University of Northern Iowa ×2
What their founders studiedfrom 23 founders with field-of-study data
Business & Management ×11Engineering ×6Finance & Accounting ×3Economics ×2Humanities ×2
Where their founders worked beforefrom 26 founders with career history
University of Nebraska-Lincoln ×3Pipeline Entrepreneurial Fellowship ×2
Accelerator rootsportfolio companies that came through a program
4 founders hold a PhD · 5 hold an MBA (of 27 with degree data)
Investments · 87 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathBy year:2025 · 22024 · 22023 · 42022 · 12021 · 22020 · 22019 · 22018 · 42016 · 120 dated
Alpaca provides teacher recognition programs, wellbeing initiatives, and school leadership tools to help make schools better workplaces for educators.
EdTechFuture of WorkHR TechSaaS
Karen Borchert(Founder & CEO)in
American Edge Grain (AEG) operates a data-driven virtual Grain Attribute Exchange that connects farmers producing corn with premium attributes (such as elevated protein, oil, starch, non-GMO, or organic) to end-users like ethanol plants and processors who need them.
AgTechB2B MarketplacesFoodTech
BasicBlock is a freight factoring and payment platform that lets truck carriers scan and submit load documents to get paid the same day at a fixed rate.
FintechLogistics & Supply ChainSaaSLincoln, US
Brett Byman(Executive Officer, Director)inTaylor Monks(Executive Officer, Director)in
BoardAnkur Jain(Director)inBurak Cendek(Director)inCharley Dehoney(Director)
Co-investorsAutotech VenturesClear Haven Capital ManagementEMERGENT VENTURESWakestream VenturesNelnetRise of the Rest Seed+2 more
Benefitbay is an end-to-end ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement) administration platform that lets employers set contribution budgets and employees shop for and enroll in individual health plans while retaining group-plan tax advantages.
HealthtechHR TechInsurTechKansas City, US
Brandy Burch(Executive Officer, Director)Zach Andrew Harris(Executive Officer, Director)
BoardJohn McIlwraith(Director)inScott Shane(Director)inDavid Lambert(Director)
Co-investorsKCRise FundRSCMTen Coves Capital
Birds Eye Robotics develops robotic solutions for commercial poultry farmers to automate labor-intensive tasks and improve operational efficiency.
AgTechHardwareRobotics
Scott NiewohnerLucas Niewohner
Co-investorsInnova Memphis, Inc.
Bluestem Biosciences uses an industrial fermentation process with an engineered yeast strain to convert American corn into 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) and other platform chemicals, offering a domestic alternative to petroleum-based production.
BiotechCleantechNew MaterialsOmaha, US
Cameron RylanceinWilliam Hagstrom(Executive Officer, Director)
Co-investorsZero Infinity Partners
Breeze provides technology-driven cargo insurance for freight forwarders, logistics service providers, and shippers, offering instant quotes, self-service coverage, and fast claims settlement.
FintechInsurTechLogistics & Supply ChainSaaS
Eyal Goldberg(Founder)in
Co-investorsM25NFXSymbolTrousdale VenturesFiat VenturesLink Ventures
Centese develops Thoraguard, a digital surgical drainage system for cardiothoracic surgery that automates chest tube clog clearance and measures air leak rate and drainage volume, alerting care teams to disruptions.
Digital HealthHardwareHealthtechMedical DevicesOmaha, US
Evan Luxon(Executive Officer, Director)inRandy Preston(CEO)inAlan Chesler(Director)
BoardRadu Cautis(Director)Daniel Burnett(Director)Deepak Gangahar(Director)
Co-investorsNew York AngelsScientific Health DevelopmentMedical Technology Venture Partners
CompanyCam is a mobile app for contractors and field service teams to take, organize, and annotate job site photos and videos with AI-powered voice context and unlimited cloud storage.
AI & Machine LearningConstruction TechSaaSLincoln, US
Luke Hansen(CEO)in
Co-investorsB Capital GroupB4 CapitalBlueprint EquityInsight PartnersJMI EquityNelnet+2 more
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DataFeel develops multi-energy haptic technologies that deliver vibration, heat, cold, and light to the skin, synchronized via software for consumer and therapeutic applications.
ConsumerDeep TechHardwareWellness & Fitness
Matthew(Founder/CEO)AnnMarie(Marketing Lead)Tyler(Business Development)
Tiiga produces beverages made from wild-harvested baobab fruit powder, a natural source of fiber for gut health.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTechImpact & Social GoodWellness & Fitness
driverDOC's Pulse is a digital platform for managing bills of lading that enables real-time, paperless shipment tracking and data exchange across supply chains.
Enterprise SoftwareLogistics & Supply ChainSaaS
Josh Kolar(Founder)in
Drone Amplified builds drone-based ignition systems for wildfire ignition, avalanche control mitigation, and UAS integrations in demanding operational environments.
Climate TechHardwareRoboticsLincoln, US
SEBASTIAN ELBAUM(Executive Officer, Director)CARRICK DETWEILER(Executive Officer, Director)in
EverRise is a leadership development platform for K-12 education that assesses relationships between leaders (teachers, coaches, administrators) and students, then delivers dashboards, reports, and personalized development resources.
EdTechSaaSSports Tech
EIO Diagnostics develops a thermal sensor-based mastitis monitoring system for dairy farmers that detects udder health issues to reduce infections.
AgTechAI & Machine LearningCleantechHealthtechIoTAustin, US
Tamara Leigh(CEO)inShannon Mason-Thacker(COO)Pete Zipkin(Director)
BoardShawn Broderick(Director)inBen Williamson(Director)in
Co-investorsBand of AngelsHemisphere Ventures LLCTechstarsCultivation CapitalGaingelsSOSV
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Elevator operates a co-warehousing and coworking community providing flexible office, warehouse, and shared workspace units combined with business amenities and support for small businesses, ecommerce brands, and entrepreneurs.
B2B MarketplacesFuture of WorkLogistics & Supply ChainPropTechOmaha, US
Shannon Lerda(President & Co-Founder)inEmiliano Lerda(CEO & Co-Founder)in
FanWord offers AI-powered software and content services that help athletic communication teams at schools and conferences create storytelling content such as game recaps, player bios, and feature stories.
AI & Machine LearningSaaSSports TechLincoln, US
Christopher Aumueller(Executive Officer, Director)in
A GIS platform purpose-built for electric utilities to serve as a system of record for asset management, inspections, and compliance documentation.
AI & Machine LearningCleantechEnergyEnterprise SoftwareHardwareSaaSKearney, US
Dusty Birge(Founder & CEO)
Co-investorsCORI InnovationIrishAngels
Fleet Defender provides AI-powered cyber defense and asset protection for fleet vehicles, detecting and neutralizing real-time threats including unauthorized connections, malware, and cargo theft across commercial vehicle fleets.
CybersecurityIoTLogistics & Supply ChainOmaha, US
Terry Reinert(Executive Officer, Director)in
Co-investorsAmplify.LAEntrepreneur VenturesRoyal Street Ventures Management Company, Llc
University Medical Devices develops MicroWash, a nasal lavage sample collection device for respiratory disease testing that offers improved sensitivity and patient comfort compared to traditional swab methods.
HardwareHealthtechMedical Devices
Nicholas Lorenzo, MD, MHCM, CPE, FAAPL(Founder, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President)Anne Bueltel(Chief Operating Officer)Michael C Wadman, MD, FACEP(Chief Medical Officer)Thanh Nguyen, PhD, MSN, FNP-C(Chief Technology Officer)Joseph Vandenack, JD(Chief Logistics Officer & General Counsel)Kenneth Kleinhenz, MS, MBA(Chief Regulatory Officer)
Grain Weevil makes a robot that moves and manages grain inside storage bins, letting farmers maintain grain conditions and quality without physically entering the bin.
AgTechHardwareRoboticsAurora, US
Chad Johnson(Co-Founder & CEO)inBen Johnson(Co-Founder / Chief Innovation Officer)in
Co-investorsAg Ventures AllianceHomegrown CapitalInnova Memphis, Inc.
Guardify is a digital evidence management platform used by legal and social service organizations—including prosecution offices, law enforcement, child advocacy centers, and defense offices—to upload, store, share, and archive audio, video, photo, and document evidence.
Cloud ComputingGovTechLegalTechSaaSOmaha, US
Ben Jackson(Executive Officer, Director)inShelly Kurtz(Director)Luis J. Salazar(Executive Officer, Director)in
BoardDusty Davidson(Director)Alexander Gounares(Director)Annette Smith(Director)
Co-investorsFlow Capital
HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN) operates a franchise of non-medical home care providers, offering seniors services such as personal care, medication reminders, companionship, memory/dementia care, and hospice support so they can age in place.
HealthtechWellness & Fitness
HerdDogg makes Bluetooth-enabled smart ear tags and solar-powered transmitters that continuously monitor cattle movement and temperature, using AI to generate real-time health and estrus alerts.
AgTechAI & Machine LearningHardwareIoTSeward, US
MELISSA BRANDAO(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)inAndrew Uden(Executive Officer, Director)inMichael Peck(Executive Chair)inJonathan Moyes(VP of Engineering)inTHOMAS TRONE(Director)
BoardJason Wrone(Director)
Co-investorsInnova Memphis, Inc.iSelect FundLever VCPortland Seed FundSerra Ventures
AgTechGering, US
Richard B. Holliday, Jr(Director)Phillip Holliday(Executive Officer, Director)Justin Reinmuth(Director)Jared Ross(Director)
Invisible Code Buddy provides an AI-assisted software development platform that enables business owners to build custom software applications without requiring traditional coding experience.
AI & Machine LearningDeveloper ToolsSaaS
LeverageRx is an online marketplace that helps medical professionals compare and shop for insurance (such as disability insurance) and loans (such as physician mortgages).
FintechHealthtechInsurTechMarketplacesOmaha, US
COLIN NABITY(Executive Officer, Director)in
Logica is a financial planning and analysis (FP&A) platform designed for mid-market teams to replace spreadsheet-based budgeting and forecasting.
Enterprise SoftwareFintechSaaSOmaha, US
Carissa Castro(Founder)inLeandro Castro(Founder)in
Co-investorsOpen Opportunity FundY Combinator
Maptician is an integrated workplace management platform offering space planning, desk and room booking, occupancy tracking, visitor management, and analytics for hybrid work environments.
Enterprise SoftwareFuture of WorkPropTechSaaSLincoln, US
AshLea Allberry(Chief Operating Officer)inAlaa Pasha(CEO)inNick Eurek(Chief Product Officer)inCraig Williams(Chief Technology Officer)inMegan Bolmer(Finance & Operations Lead)inNic Rapacz(Head of Global Sales)in
Co-investorsNelnet
Marble develops technology for the food supply chain focused on improving worker safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency in food processing.
Advanced ManufacturingAI & Machine LearningFoodTechRobotics
Co-investorsMotley Fool Ventures
Maxwell is an AI-powered employee experience platform that unifies HR systems and total rewards management, allowing companies to launch stipends, rewards programs, and personalized benefits for their workforce.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareFintechHR TechOmaha, US
Co-investorsTechstars
MyVitalz provides remote patient monitoring solutions using connected medical devices that allow patients to measure vital signs at home and securely transmit data to healthcare providers for assessment.
Cloud ComputingDigital HealthHealthtechIoTMedical DevicesOmaha, US
Jeff Banghart(Executive Officer, Director)Justus DecherTammi Banghart(COO)Matt Berens(President)
Nave Analytics provides irrigation analytics and soil moisture monitoring technology for farmers, agronomists, and agricultural service providers.
AgTechAI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureIoTSaaSKearney, US
Bradley Griggs(Chief Operating Officer)Val Kovalsky(Co-founder & Chief Technology Officer)Jessica Korinek(Chief Executive Officer)
Nestimate offers a software analytics platform that helps retirement plan fiduciaries select, implement, and monitor guaranteed lifetime income solutions within 401k and defined contribution plans.
FintechInsurTechSaaS
Co-investorsAltari VenturesPruVen Capital Partners
NeuroTrainer offers a cognitive training system using virtual reality and neuroscience to improve mental performance skills for athletes and students.
AI & Machine LearningEdTechHealthtechSports Tech
Nightfox Audio develops audio production software including synthesizers, effects plugins, and sound design tools sold as bundled collections for musicians, producers, and sound designers.
Creator EconomyMedia & EntertainmentSaaSLincoln, US
Cohagen Wilkinson(Co-founder & COO)Philip Zach(Executive Officer, Director)
NRC Health offers a mobile-first rounding platform that uses AI-powered ambient listening to help healthcare leaders capture patient and employee feedback, generate documentation summaries, and drive service improvements.
AI & Machine LearningDigital HealthHealthtechSaaS
Opendorse operates a platform for athlete influencer marketing, connecting brands with college and student athletes to run full-service endorsement campaigns at scale.
Creator EconomyMarketing TechMarketplacesSports TechLincoln, US
Adi Kunalic(Chief Operating Officer)inBlake Lawrence(President of Collegiate Operations)inSteve Denton(CEO)
BoardRobert Schultz(Director)inJohn Giuliani(Director)inThad Langford(Director)in
Co-investorsFlyover CapitalSerra Ventures
Opscompass is a software asset intelligence platform that provides real-time visibility into cloud, on-prem, and database environments, tracking configuration drift, security and compliance checks, and software licensing costs.
AI & Machine LearningCloud ComputingCybersecurityEnterprise SoftwareSaaSOmaha, US
John Grange(Director)inDavid Kerber(Executive Officer)Lee H. Hamann(Director)Manuel C. Quevedo(Executive Officer, Director)Scott Griffith(Executive Officer)
Co-investorsDundee Venture CapitalElsewhere PartnersM25Nelnet
Pawlytics provides cloud-based management software designed for animal rescue and welfare organizations to centralize pet records, manage adoptions, automate administrative tasks, and generate reporting insights.
AI & Machine LearningHealthtechImpact & Social GoodSaaS
Lizz Whitacre
Pet Friendly Direct offers personalized pet wellness products including flea and tick solutions, treats, supplements, and other pet care items for dog and cat owners.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerHealthtechWellness & FitnessOmaha, US
Bong88 is an online betting platform offering sports betting, live casino, slots, fish shooting games, lottery, and eSports, with betting odds and match predictions.
Gaming
Progressive NEURO, Inc. develops medical devices for the treatment of ischemic stroke, including products that go beyond traditional aspiration and thrombectomy to improve first-pass efficacy and reduce distal emboli and vessel wall trauma.
BiotechHealthtechMedical Devices
ProTransit is developing Pro-MP, a patented sustained-release microparticle drug delivery platform that penetrates skin, scalp, eye, and mucosal tissues (and can be IV-administered) to deliver pharmaceutical active ingredients locally with minimal systemic uptake.
BiotechDeep TechMedical Devices
RetailAware provides sensor-based analytics and sense technology that lets retail brands and their partners measure how shoppers interact with physical in-store product displays, tracking foot traffic, dwell time, and out-of-stock events.
AI & Machine LearningIoTRetail TechOmaha, US
Keith Fix(Executive Officer, Director)in
BoardMICHAEL GILKES(Director)Michael Andrew Dierks(Director)
Co-investorsFirstMile VenturesFlucas VenturesLofty VenturesNew Stack VenturesNetwork Ventures
Leash operates a pet transportation service that provides on-demand rides for pets to veterinary clinics, groomers, daycares, boarding facilities, and other appointments.
B2B MarketplacesConsumerMarketplacesMobility & Transportation
Marty Sampson(Co-founder)inKate Sampson(Co-founder)in
Sentinel offers a platform that uses imagery, crop data, and trial-backed science to guide nitrogen and nutrient management, helping farmers apply the right amount of nutrients at the right time.
AgTechAI & Machine LearningSaaSLincoln, US
Jackson Stansell(Executive Officer, Director)inDan Rykhus(Director)
BoardTim Weelborg(Director)inDan Rykus(Director)Stephan Becerra(Director)
Co-investorsHomegrown Capital
Superb offers an AI-powered platform for onboarding, credentialing, staffing, and scheduling of healthcare workers, with quick-pay options for professionals.
AI & Machine LearningHealthtechHR TechOmaha, US
Anousone Souvannasoth(CSO & Co-Founder)Molly Motsinger-O'Neil(CEO & Co-Founder)Molly O'Neil(Executive Officer, Director)
BoardErica Wassinger(Preferred Director)
Superbrewed Food produces SB1, an FDA-GRAS postbiotic cultured protein ingredient made through anaerobic fermentation of bacteria, offering a non-GMO, high-protein alternative for use in food and beverage products such as cheese and meat alternatives.
BiotechFoodTech
Bryan Tracy(CEO, Co-Founder, Board Member)inTalli Somekh(Director, Co-founder)Steve Shevick(CFO)Ari Eyal(CSO)Julie Post-Smith(Chief of Commercial)
Co-investorsTO VCLockheed Martin Ventures
The Headset App provides a cloud-based audio communication platform for production teams that operates over WiFi or cellular data without requiring specialized hardware.
ConsumerEnterprise SoftwareFuture of WorkSaaSSports TechNebraska, US
Patrick Daberkow(Founder)in
Co-investorsCORI Innovation
Thyreos develops recombinant herpesvirus-based vaccines for both animal and human health applications, designed to generate immune responses without affecting the nervous system.
BiotechHealthtechMedical Devices
Travefy provides a platform for travel advisors and agencies to create branded, customized trip itineraries and client proposals, including a companion mobile app for travelers to access their plans.
Marketing TechSaaSTravel & HospitalityLincoln, US
David D Chait(Executive Officer, Director)inChris Davis(Executive Officer, Director)
BoardSteve Kiene(Director)
Co-investorsNelnet
Upwell builds an AI-powered accounts receivable platform for freight carriers and 3PLs to automate billing, reduce payment delays, and improve cash flow.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareFintechLogistics & Supply ChainSaaSNebraska, US
Charley Dehoney(CEO & Co-Founder)inAaron(CTO & Co-Founder)Kris(VP of Solutions)
Co-investorsAutomotive Ventures MobilityNVP CapitalStage 2 CapitalVertical Venture PartnersAutomotive VenturesCrestview Partners+6 more
V2verify provides passwordless multi-factor authentication technology that verifies user identity in real time over an encrypted channel, eliminating passwords, PINs, and callback codes.
CybersecuritySaaS
Co-investorsDreamit Ventures
Vesta is an AI marketing platform for live events that uses AI agents to research the event and market, design a marketing strategy, and execute campaigns across channels such as Meta Ads, social media, email, and press.
AdTechAI & Machine LearningMarketing TechRalston, US
Co-investorsTechstarsAndreessen HorowitzBain Capital VenturesConversion Capital
Virtual Incision develops a miniaturized robotic-assisted surgery (miniRAS) system called MIRA, designed to fit within hospitals' existing infrastructure.
BiotechHealthtechMedical DevicesRoboticsLincoln, US
Dmitry Oleynikov(Director)Shane Farritor(Executive Officer, Director)John P. Murphy(Executive Officer, Director)inMukund Srinivasan(Executive Officer)in
BoardTom Shehab(Director)Fred Robertson(Director)
Co-investorsArboretum VenturesEndeavour VisionInVivium CapitalBaird CapitalPrairieGold Venture Partners
Other
Tracked investments with no reachable website or further public details — typically companies that wound down, renamed, or were absorbed.
AgCredit ConsultingBlue Prairie BrandsCoreleapCorral TechnologiesCup of CoaEncounterFindyocalHavenathleticHeydwellrJoinbumperProjectferroReflex ArcRushmarketSnappyworkflowTAGG, LLCTogetheragreatergoodWorkshopYocal
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companiesCoreleap · intelligence360.news · Aug 26, 2026
NMotion · siliconprairienews.com · Aug 18, 2026
Sentinel Fertigation · starherald.com · Jul 27, 2026
BasicBlock · basicblock.io · Jul 22, 2026
Layer · businesswire.com · Jul 20, 2026
Maxwell · solidgroundmn.org · Jul 17, 2026
Frequently asked questions
- How many investments has Invest Nebraska made?
- Invest Nebraska has 87 tracked investments, including 2 dated in the last 24 months.
- What stage does Invest Nebraska invest at?
- Invest Nebraska invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A stages.
- What is Invest Nebraska's typical check size?
- Invest Nebraska typically writes checks of $250K.
- What sectors does Invest Nebraska focus on?
- Invest Nebraska focuses on AgTech, Cloud Computing, E-commerce, Fintech, FoodTech, InsurTech, IoT, Medical Devices, Robotics, Sector Agnostic.
- Where is Invest Nebraska located?
- Invest Nebraska is headquartered in Lincoln, US.
- Who does Invest Nebraska co-invest with?
- Invest Nebraska most often shares deals with Innova Memphis, Inc., Techstars, CORI Innovation, among 50 tracked co-investors.
Media · Podcasts & interviews
featuring the teamImages
Co-investors · 3
M25 is an early-stage venture firm based in Chicago that invests exclusively in tech startups headquartered in the U.S. Midwest. Since 2015 it has become the region's most active investor, using an analytical scorecard approach to screening startups.
FirstMile Ventures is a Colorado-based venture capital firm that invests in pre-seed and seed stage technology companies. The firm focuses on early-stage founding teams.
Network Ventures is a Midwest-based seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in a small number of companies each year, focusing on startups building network effects.
Firms observed investing alongside Invest Nebraska, from public investor directories. Shared companies are the overlap with Invest Nebraska's recorded portfolio.
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