While there is still time left in 2021, it has already proven to be a tremendous year for startups in Lincoln and throughout Nebraska.

Investment in startups continues at a record pace, with Lincoln’s own CompanyCam recently securing $30 million in Series B financing. Their growth since being founded in 2015 is a true success story, as they have not only secured more investments and funding but have also continued to employ more people.

With the culmination of Lincoln Startup Week at the end of October, we are already setting our sights on the future and how to further bolster our entrepreneurs.

One way we have been able to build and develop successful early stage startup companies is through our LaunchLNK grant program, which will be accepting applications for 2022 beginning on December 1.

LaunchLNK grants are awarded to scalable tech or tech-enabled companies that are looking to grow their operations in Lincoln. In addition to $25,000 and connections to potential sources of future investment and mentors, companies go through an eight-week virtual accelerator program.

The LaunchLNK program is now in its fourth year and has provided seed funding for 15 different startups in Lincoln. Companies founded by the program have gone on to employ almost 40 people and raise an additional $4.5 million in capital, contributing to the startup and Lincoln ecosystem.

The task for companies is to have a Lincoln presence, build out their ideas and help grow jobs here in our community.

Previous recipients of LaunchLNK grants include Sapahn, BasicBlock, Pawlytics, Layer and Corral Technologies.

For more information on the LaunchLNK program, visit the LaunchLNK website or contact Christina Oldfather, LPED's Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, at coldfather@selectlincoln.org or (402) 436-2374.