Groove Capital

Groove Capital, founded in 2020 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments, particularly at the pre-seed stage. Groove Capital stands out for its dual approach, combining the diligence and structure of a traditional venture fund with the speed and accessibility of an angel network. Their mission is to accelerate early-stage startups by providing "first check" funding, typically focusing on high-growth companies that positively impact their local communities. Groove Capital's investment focus includes a wide range of industries, from fintech and SaaS to digital health and agtech. The firm has a robust portfolio with over 80 investments, including companies like EmpowerU and Itiliti Health, reflecting their commitment to fostering innovation across diverse sectors. Fund II, their most recent fund, continues to target Minnesota-based startups, ensuring that around 90% of their capital stays within the state. This local focus helps nurture the area's entrepreneurial ecosystem while also providing new angels and investors with education and resources to engage in the venture capital space.