Building a durable national security company requires more than capital, founders and investors say, and intentionality is key.

Josh Bartels has recently announced the launch of his tech startup, Gather. Working for Nebraska Angels, a Lincoln-based network of angel investors in the state, he decided to develop a software solution to make compiling data from portfolio investments easier to manage. Gather has already garnered the interest of startup ecosystem stakeholders.

The agtech-focused venture capital firm in Nebraska has announced its partnership with DIAL Ventures, the agrifood venture studio affiliated with the Purdue Applied Research Institute. Grit Road will act as general partner and managing entity of DIAL Ventures Fund II. The goal is to unite networks and launch startups from DIAL Ventures’ fellowship program.

Silicon Prairie News worked with nonprofit venture development organization Invest Nebraska to compile a list of venture capital investments in Nebraska startups January-March 2026. The list is based on information from Invest Nebraska investments and private capital market database PitchBook.

Regional venture capital funds, local investors and startup founders gathered May 1 at the Catalyst building in Omaha. The goal was to encourage more investment participation from stakeholders in the Midwest ecosystem while providing experienced investor perspectives to local entrepreneurs interested in raising capital. Read on for key takeaways.

NMotion powered by gener8tor is a Nebraska-based accelerator offering $100,000 investments and 12 weeks of mentoring and programming to six startups. Leadership encouraged early-stage founders to apply for both the chance to join but also for the feedback the application process can provide.

Nelnet is unique among the state’s corporate players in the way it supports early-stage startups. Since 2006, it has invested roughly $171 million into companies like Hudl and CompanyCam, boosting Nebraska’s innovation and helping the next generation of talent grow locally.

The upcoming Gr8er Plains Summit is focused on educating qualified investors on the ins and outs of investing in venture capital-backed startups in the Midwest. The event coincides with the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting and aims to convene active startup investors with interested investors and a curated group of startups from the region.

The OIPA Impact Fund seeks to support businesses within or interested in moving to the area overseen by the OIPA. The agency is also looking for proposals and partners to execute goals with housing, job creation and community feedback. Deadlines begin April 16.