2012 is going to be an amazing year for Minnesota startups, both in idea generation and funding. Lots of industries are in disruption mode, and you can be part of the story.
Here are a few entrepreneurial items to consider/ponder as the temperature outside drops to absolute zero:
MN Angel Tax Credit – Time to Renew: Another funding essential. If you're a Minnesota startup looking to raise angel money, get certified so your investors can get their credit. If you were approved in 2011, you need to re-up. Here's the link(now go fill out!). Don't forget – you need approval, your investor needs approval and your deal needs approval.
SOPA/PIPA - Bad; not good. While I strongly support IP rights, these proposed laws go too far and would interfere with basic operation of websites and the internet. Over-correction to the max. And this will impact negatively on MN's high tech economy. So, contact your federal representative/senators and let them know what you think.
U of M's Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) – Rocking into 2012 – Great stuff happening at the OTC's Venture Center. Jay Schrankler and his team have dramatically increased the velocity of on-campus startup development. Read up here about some of the new technologies rolling into commercialization (from today's Tech Showcase at UEL).
It's Business Plan Competition Season: With spring coming (yes...), the B-plan competitions are on the way. Here are two to check out: MN Cup; Clean Tech Open.
A few events of note:
