St. Thomas Private Equity Fellowship

Traction Capital and University of St. Thomas Launch Prestigious St. Thomas Private Equity Fellowship

Traction Capital, in collaboration with the University of St. Thomas, proudly announces the creation of the St. Thomas Private Equity Fellowship, a groundbreaking post-graduate opportunity designed exclusively for graduates from the University of St. Thomas. This fellowship aims to fast-track careers in private equity, venture capital, and business acquisition, providing unparalleled exposure and experience in these dynamic fields.

Introducing Our Inaugural Fellow: Justina Palmer

We are delighted to welcome Justina Palmer as the inaugural St. Thomas Private Equity Fellow. Palmer, a recent graduate of the University of St. Thomas, holds a degree in Entrepreneurship and Finance. Her outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements, combined with her passion for innovative solutions and community involvement, make her the perfect fit for this prestigious fellowship.

During her time at St. Thomas, Palmer was a Schulze Innovation Scholar, a 4-year entrepreneurship program. There she served on the Leadership Council, planning educational and networking events for startups in the Twin Cities, and mentoring underclassmen. She also excelled in pitch and case competitions and was on the leadership team for the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization. Outside the classroom, Palmer demonstrated her commitment to community service by volunteering at a local nursing home.

About the St. Thomas Private Equity Fellowship

The St. Thomas Private Equity Fellowship is more than an entry-level analyst role; it offers meaningful opportunities in three key areas: private equity, venture capital, and business acquisition. Fellows will gain hands-on experience, working closely with Traction Capital’s investment team and engaging with the startup and private equity ecosystem in Minnesota.

Traction Capital uniquely combines the due diligence and lead investment practices of traditional venture and private equity funds with an active investment group to accelerate investments in Minnesota and Midwest-based startups, as well as acquiring majority stakes in small businesses. Fellows will be integral members of the Traction Capital team, enjoying full access to the operations of a venture capital and private equity firm, and will be at the forefront of investment practices in Minnesota.

“We are thrilled to launch this fellowship program in partnership with the University of St. Thomas and to have Justina as our first fellow,” said Shane Erickson, CEO of Traction Capital. “This fellowship represents a significant step forward in supporting the next generation of leaders in private equity and venture capital.”

For more information about the St. Thomas Private Equity Fellowship, please contact Peyton Green.

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Scott litman

strategic growth partner

Scott Litman is a serial entrepreneur, advisor, and investor who brings decades of hands-on startup and growth experience to Traction Capital. With five successful company exits and a long list of accolades, he’s a driving force behind innovation and scale in Minnesota’s business community.

As a Strategic Growth Partner, Scott has an immense level of experience in entrepreneurship that he brings to Traction Capital.  He has gone from startup, funding, growth and exit five times (Imaginet Inc, Spot Buy Spot, Imaginet LLC, Magnet 360 & Lucy). In that time, he has received a number of honors & awards including E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year, Business Journal Titan of Technology, University of Minnesota Outstanding Achievement, Smart Business Dealmakers Hall of Fame, Twin Cities Business 100 People to Know / Watch (3 times), Minnesota Business The (Real) Power 50 and Business Journal 40 Under 40. Along the way, Scott has experienced being #1 in The Business Journals Fast 50, made the Inc 500 and has worked with over 25% of the Fortune 500.

Scott founded the Minnesota Cup, the largest state wide business plan competition in the US and has been on the Board of Advocates for Backpack, a student run marketing and communications agency out of the University of Minnesota.

Scott has served on the BOD, Advisory Board or been advisor to a number of startups that have had tremendous success including Enstratus (acquired by Dell), InStereo (acquired by Salesloft), HealthSimple (acquired by J&J), Hollywood Fashion Secrets (acquired by American International Industries), I See Me (acquired by The McEvoy Group) and more.