If you’re building a startup in Nevada, the hardest part is not finding a resource, it’s knowing which resource to use at which moment. I have had the opportunity to facilitate mentorship between fifteen Nevada startups and seasoned mentors at StartUp NV’s SeedVegas program. The ecosystems can feel like a room full of doors with no labels. Everyone says apply, network, pitch, but I found myself stuck with the question “Where do I go first, and why? This is my map of how I see the ecosystem in Nevada.
StartUp NV is one of the most practical on-ramps because it’s built around execution and founder progress. They offer everything a new startup needs in Nevada and they are the only statewide accelerator and incubator. You can start early here with free programs designed for very early stage founders to validate their idea and market. Get support through their Innovate NV program to apply for Federally funded Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards.
In addition StartUp NV offers free one on one mentorship to member companies, and many free community and education events. They also have specific education and programs for rural Nevada and Nevada tribes as well. StartUp NV also operates a number of funds, some exclusively dedicated to investing in Nevada companies with a massive investor network. If you like to learn how to invest in startup companies, StartUp NV teaches angel investing to Nevadans through the Angel NV conference. The Nevada Certified Investor law passed in 2023 made more Nevadans than previously possible eligible to invest in Nevada startups, so the capital is growing.
If you are looking for capital here are some other funds. Desert Forge Ventures is a new venture capital fund based in Las Vegas looking to invest in Nevada startups. Reno Seed Fund invests in northern Nevada startups. Sierra Angels is one of the oldest angel investment groups in the United States and they are located in Nevada, always looking for new companies to invest in. (Put my name as your referral when you apply.)
Visionaries NV is expanding Nevada companies abroad and bringing international businesses to Nevada. Startup Vegas is a community engine. They create the rooms where founders meet founders, where ideas become clearer through conversation, and where you get repeated reps explaining what you are building.
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) and Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) are the engines that power the economy and startup ecosystem. Many of the efforts of the organizations in Nevada’s startup ecosystem are from grants and work that has been done by GOED and EDAWN in the past. I recommend going through their website as they link all the programs they support across the state. They provide incentives and regional strategy, recruit businesses, and build the conditions for companies to grow here.
Founders don’t always think about these groups early, but they become more relevant when you’re hiring, expanding, relocating, or trying to understand what Nevada is actively investing in. GOED matches the investment to Nevada companies that StartUp NV’s funds invest in, reducing the search for more investors for the founders. They also connect business to government customers through the Apex Accelerator.
As you can see some organizations help you learn and validate. Some help you meet people and build credibility. Some help you raise capital. Some help you see the market and build strategy. Understanding what each group is designed to do will help us take the first step.
If you’re building in Nevada, pick one of these resources you haven’t engaged with yet and take the smallest action this week.
