South Dakota First Capital
Overview
South Dakota First Capital is a venture capital firm established in October 2024, dedicated to fostering economic growth in South Dakota and the broader Upper Midwest. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage companies across a diverse range of industries, including B2B and B2C software, medical devices, food tech, ag tech, animal tech, energy, mining tech, manufacturing tech, government tech, supply chain and logistics, and cybersecurity. Notably, the firm does not invest in consumer-packaged goods or therapeutics. The firm's investment strategy targets companies at the pre-seed to Series A stages, with check sizes ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000. South Dakota First Capital aims to actively support its portfolio companies by providing more than just capital. This includes acquiring board member or board observer roles, offering strategic connections to academic, corporate, and venture partners, and providing coaching and active management where needed. The firm seeks to build a portfolio of approximately 20 companies. Led by founding partners David Bockorny and Mark Stowers, along with Principal Lucas Haskins, South Dakota First Capital is committed to the belief that "where you are from is not just a spot on the map... It's who you are." This philosophy underscores their dedication to supporting entrepreneurs from South Dakota and the Upper Midwest, recognizing the unique qualities and resilience that define the region's innovators.
Investment Focus
- Companies based in South Dakota and surrounding states
- Early-stage companies (Pre-Seed to Series A)
- Broad range of industries excluding Consumer-Packaged Goods and Therapeutics
Reach South Dakota First Capital directly
Verified work email, phone and LinkedIn for the full team — one spreadsheet, one payment, yours to keep.
Unlock full contacts →Frequently asked questions about South Dakota First Capital
What sectors does South Dakota First Capital invest in?
South Dakota First Capital invests in Energy, Medical Devices, Cybersecurity, B2B Software, Food Tech and Ag Tech, and is based in South Dakota, United States. South Dakota First Capital is listed as a venture capital in the ConnectSafely investor database.
What stage does South Dakota First Capital invest at?
South Dakota First Capital backs companies at Pre-Seed, Seed, Early Stage and Series A, writing cheques of 250K - 1M.
Which regions does South Dakota First Capital invest in?
South Dakota First Capital invests across United States.
Who are the partners at South Dakota First Capital?
Team members listed for South Dakota First Capital include Mark Stowers (Co-Founder & Managing Partner) and Leigh Utterback (Operating Partner).
How do I contact South Dakota First Capital?
South Dakota First Capital's contact details — including LinkedIn — are listed in the ConnectSafely investor database, along with its website and the LinkedIn profiles of its partners.
Last updated · Source: ConnectSafely investor database



