PrairieGold Venture Partners

PrairieGold Venture Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, registered as a state investment adviser. Partner Mike Jerstad oversees the firm's investment activities, from sourcing and structuring deals to serving as a board member for portfolio companies, including Grand Prairie Foods. PrairieGold also operates PrairieGold Solar, an affiliate that arranges financing for distributed solar projects, and PrairieGold Asset Management, providing active portfolio management focused on risk optimization and long-term value creation. The firm prefers early-stage opportunities in the Midwest, focusing on life sciences and greentech, seeking companies with exceptional management teams, compelling value propositions, proven business models, and large market opportunities. Notable portfolio companies include Virtual Incision, a surgical robotics company, and Agrivida, an agricultural biotechnology firm. PrairieGold's investment approach emphasizes taking meaningful ownership positions with less capital by investing early, then adding value through its network of successful entrepreneur-investors, supporting portfolio companies in strategic direction, management team building, and solving business challenges as an active board member.