The project, supported by $90 million in state funds through the Omaha Inland Port Authority, had a rocky start. But a recent community meeting showcasing plans for three sites was met with a positive response as developers hope to get moving on their work in 2026.

The Nebraska-based venture capital firm invested in 23 companies with its first fund totalling $11.25 million. Eight of these startups are currently headquartered in Nebraska. Grit Road completed its initial close of Fund II — with the goal of raising $35 million — and has begun to deploy capital.

In a victory for startup ecosystem advocates, Gov. Jim Pillen announced on Dec. 22 that the Business Innovation Act will resume operating. The program was paused for over two months in a move seen as damaging to business and innovation in Nebraska.

The acquisition marks another milestone for Omaha 100 as it continues expanding efforts to support North Omaha. The “innovation hub,” a state designation, will help the organization unlock funding and support for entrepreneurship and workforce development.

Nebraska minted its first startup unicorn earlier this year. Lincoln-based CompanyCam was officially valued at $2 billion as of its latest funding round in August 2025. This marks an exciting milestone for the state’s startup ecosystem, and is a first for any company that started and scaled in Nebraska.

Two well-known investment firms in the Nebraska startup ecosystem have launched new brands, complete with name changes. Black Dog Ventures is now PGSA Venture Capital, and McCarthy Capital is now M-One Capital.

NMotion powered by gener8tor is a Nebraska-based accelerator program targeting early-stage, high-growth companies in the Great Plains region. Participants receive an investment, coaching and additional resources. Four of the six new portfolio companies operate out of Nebraska.

The Lincoln-based startup offers a software analytics platform designed for financial advisers, asset managers and insurers navigating complex retirement income solutions. Investors shared what sparked their interest in the company and what attracting capital from out of state represents for a growing startup.

Nebraska’s startup community has worried for months about the future of the Business Innovation Act after it was targeted for funding cuts this past legislative session. Ecosystem leaders warn that if DED’s awards stop isn’t reversed, Nebraska innovation will suffer.