The North Dakota Development Fund (NDDF) has finalized three new investments through its Angel Match Program (AMP).
- Medobby Corporation, dba Learnery, is a Bismarck-based digital software company offering effective training and education programs for organizations seeking to improve employee performance and engagement.
- Preferred Partner Community LLC is a West Fargo-based technology company. Its online digital platform Homekeepr, aims to simplify the process of moving into a new space.
- WalkWise, Inc. is a Fargo-based technology company whose goal is to transform the lives of mobility-aid device users by utilizing real-time data and an easy-to-use analytics system.
“We are happy to announce the funding of these investments through our Angel Match Program (AMP),” Commerce Head of Investments and Innovation Shayden Akason said. “It’s great to see the program stimulate funding from the investment community and catalyze industry growth. Each business received funding to assist with working capital expenses to support their development at the early stages of their businesses. "
The NDDF launched the AMP to support early-stage primary sector North Dakota businesses by matching investor commitments up to $250,000 per business. Businesses may apply for funds if the total financing round is $2 million or less. Investors may be individuals, LLCs, businesses, trusts, or an investment fund. Investors must be in, and remain in, compliance with state and federal securities laws, and invest only in qualified businesses that are issuing securities in compliance with state and federal securities laws. To be eligible, a business must:
- Be registered with the North Dakota Secretary of State.
- Be certified as a primary sector business through the North Dakota Department of Commerce.
- Be headquartered in North Dakota and remain headquartered in North Dakota for as long as the State Small Business Credit Initiative capital is at risk.
- Have fewer than 250 employees at the time of investment.
- Not have a principal of the business that has been convicted of a sex offense against a minor (as such terms are defined in section 111 of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (42 U.S.C. § 16911).
Funds for the AMP were provided through the U.S. Department of Treasury State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). An approximate total of $58.6 million of SSBCI funds were allocated to the State of North Dakota for two equity and venture programs, the AMP and the Direct Investment Program. Both programs are direct investment programs that provide equity support directly to small businesses and startups by co-investing alongside private investors.
The North Dakota Development Fund was created in 1991 as an economic development tool. It provides flexible funding through debt and equity investments for new or expanding North Dakota primary sector businesses. The fund also manages the Child Care Loan Program created by the North Dakota Legislature in 2009.
More information about the NDDF and the AMP can be found at belegendary.link/North-Dakota-Development-Fund.