Ryan Broshar

Overview

Ryan Broshar is a founder and managing partner at Matchstick Ventures, focusing on early-stage technology investments in underserved startup ecosystems. He has a background as a serial entrepreneur, having founded multiple startups, including University Guide, a university-based publishing business that he sold in 2008. He also co-founded Beta.MN and Twin Cities Startup Week, initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration within the Twin Cities startup community. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Ryan served as the Managing Director for the Techstars Retail Accelerator in partnership with Target, further contributing to the growth of the local startup ecosystem. His investment strategy emphasizes supporting founders from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented regions, aiming to provide resources and guidance to entrepreneurs who may lack access to traditional venture capital. Ryan's approach is characterized by a hands-on, founder-first philosophy, leveraging his own experiences to mentor and invest in startups that demonstrate potential for significant impact and growth. He is particularly interested in sectors such as technology, retail, e-commerce, and various subfields within the tech industry, including artificial intelligence, marketing technology, and financial technology. His investments typically range from $100,000 to $3 million, targeting seed to growth-stage companies across the United States. Ryan holds a BSB in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from the University of Colorado Boulder. He resides in St. Paul, Minnesota, and enjoys outdoor activities like cycling, traveling, and spending time with his family. He maintains a personal blog where he shares insights on Minnesota startups, technology, and venture capital.

Investment Focus

• Innovative ideas
• Diverse backgrounds
• Underserved startup ecosystems
• Potential for significant impact and growth

Portfolio Companies