10 Notable Embedded Fintech Fundraises From August
August’s funding rounds show us how embedded finance is advancing on two fronts: AI-native systems are taking on more financial work inside accounting and industry-specific software, while payments, credit and insurance infrastructure is giving those platforms more ways to move money and manage risk. Those themes were also central to Great North Ventures’ September 2 […]
How Operating Discipline Fueled Field Nation’s Rise
Why clarity on the customer, the market, and the product drove the company forward. Field Nation achieved remarkable scale before on-demand work went mainstream, a trajectory built on quiet execution and an early decision to bring in seasoned operators. What began as a small, scrappy team focused on solving real technician-sourcing problems has evolved into […]
Looking Back at 2025
We spent 2025 focused on what we know best: backing early-stage companies, helping teams embed financial infrastructure and AI into operations, and writing about the execution decisions that move companies forward. Some of that work came from companies we’ve backed directly. Some came from platforms we’ve supported for years. All of it reflects our belief […]
Deal Flow Is the Lifeblood of Any VC Firm – Here’s How It Happens
by Graeme Thickins Not surprisingly, the more established a VC firm, the more startup pitches it gets. Well-known VC partners get hundreds and hundreds of unsolicited pitches every week. But the real essence of deal flow for a VC is getting to see only the best of the best startups. Of course, that’s easier said […]
Inside Field Nation, The Platform Powering America’s On-demand IT Workforce
During the height of the pandemic, national IT deployment firm Worldlink saw demand for retail tech upgrades spike while it worked through labor shortages and supply-chain challenges. Like many service providers facing similar pressures, the company turned to outside support to close the gaps. One key partner was Field Nation, a software platform that connects […]
Minnesota's Resilient Startups
There is a history of successful tech companies in Minnesota founded during recessions. These resilient startups didn’t just survive- they proliferated under pressure. Jamf, which recently raised $468M in an IPO, is the largest, latest, and highest-profile example. Jamf was founded in 2002 out of UW-Eau Claire, and is headquartered in Minneapolis. Jamf is now […]