Dakota Venture Group

The Dakota Venture Group (DVG) is a University of North Dakota student run venture capital investment fund. DVG is one of only a few student managed venture capital funds in the United States. It is unique because DVG is currently the only fund where students complete all due diligence, make the final investment decision, and negotiate the deal's term structure. By participating in Dakota Venture Group UND students receive an unheard of opportunity for experiential learning in the field of venture capital and angel investing.

The investment strategy of DVG includes making investments in high-growth ventures started by entrepreneurs in Minnesota and North Dakota. DVG also has a priority to invest in companies started by UND students and alumni. All investments are made with the goal of fostering statewide economic growth.

DVG currently has a non-profit “evergreen fund” fueled by benefactors and is currently in the process of starting a for-profit fund which will produce returns for DVG investors. This summer DVG will also begin offering internships for UND College of Business and Public Administration students.

The Dakota Venture Group was established in September 2006 through a donation from the Dakota Foundation and is an entity of the Center for Innovation Foundation. The Center for Innovation Foundation is the catalyst for entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. For more information about Dakota Venture Group, please contact us.  

Dakota Venture Group, October 2007
Front row: Matt Maurer, Shannon Pearson, Dan Waind
Middle Row: Grant Marquardt, Amy Indridason, Sterling Wiggins, Chris Virta,
Mark Giese, Jordan Schutzle
Back Row: Lee Groeschl