That’s the motto of Startup TNT. An organization that fosters community, connection, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the tech ecosystem while raising millions of dollars for local startups from local investors. Through a range of engaging events and programs, Startup TNT aims to empower entrepreneurs, connect new and seasoned investors with exciting opportunities, and drive the growth of resilient, innovation driven economies.
“Startup communities should look to the talents, resources, and capital that exist within their own borders first,” says Zack Storms, Co-Founder of Startup TNT. “We all need to work together to build the startup community we seek. And it starts with the relationships.” At the heart of Startup TNT’s philosophy is the belief that having fun is the catalyst for building successful businesses. Every week, the organization brings together like-minded individuals at happy hour events (TNT = Thursday Night Tradition), providing a platform for forging new connections, sharing laughter, and breaking down barriers. These gatherings create a sense of camaraderie and serve as a catalyst for new ideas and collaborations.
A flagship initiative of Startup TNT is the TNT Investment Summit, a unique and accessible platform for aspiring and seasoned investors to engage with, and invest in, early-stage tech companies. These 8-weeklong Summits see Startup TNT pooling pre-committed capital from a large group of both new and experienced angel investors. Local pre-seed and seed-stage startups are invited to apply, and then the investor group conducts team-based due diligence on the applicants, selecting at least one investment live at a public finale. Over 300 investors have participated, investing over $10 million into more than 70 startups through the Investment Summit programs.
“By bringing together dozens of community members to vet local deals, we are able to leverage our collective knowledge in a way that is simply not possible when investing on your own,” notes Co-Founder Tim Lynn. “And we make it approachable for founders. Many of them end up raising on their second or third try with the investors.”
Startup TNT simplifies startup fundraising by facilitating collaboration among local angel groups, seed funds, and early-stage venture capital funds while opening up new avenues for investors to discover promising ventures. The Summits also act as a catalyst, enabling early-stage startups to raise capital from local investors, all while building lasting relationships between both groups. Startup TNT’s investment thesis is simple: Focus on community first.
Startup TNT goes beyond just organizing events; they provide various value-added services to entrepreneurs. For example, the Investment Summits have evolved into a raise accelerator program, offering founders a unique opportunity to refine their fundraising strategies and gain experiential learning. This hands on approach equips founders with the tools to make their businesses attractive to investors. The organization also offers educational sessions for both founders and investors, empowering them with knowledge and insights to navigate the complex startup landscape.
A unique aspect of Startup TNT is the TNT Angels that help facilitate due diligence and investing and provide founders with valuable experiential learning opportunities. To become a TNT Angel, individuals must be accredited investors passionate about supporting startups. In addition, TNT Angels participate in the Summits, gaining firsthand experience in the investment process and contributing to the growth of promising companies.
Startup TNT is revolutionizing the startup landscape by building diverse and vibrant communities in underserved markets. Their commitment to having fun, making friends, and building great companies empowers entrepreneurs, connects investors, and drives innovation led economic growth. Through their innovative programs, educational sessions, and collaborative efforts, Startup TNT transforms individual entrepreneurs’ lives and creates resilient and thriving innovation ecosystems across the Prairies.
