Twyst
Traction Capital Invests in Twyst to Accelerate National Expansion of Its Innovative and Patent-Pending, Proprietary Functional Beverage Straw Veteran beverage operators behind functional drink brand secure Minnesota growth equity investment as patented straw product gains traction in major national retailers Traction Capital, a Minnesota based growth equity firm, has invested in Edina-based Twyst, a functional […]
What Fund I Taught Us: A Managing Partner’s Perspective
By Shane Erickson When we started Traction Capital and launched Fund I, we weren’t just cutting checks. We were trying to prove that smart, values-aligned capital in the hands of gritty Minnesota founders could produce exceptional outcomes. Not just financially, but relationally. We bet on entrepreneurs in the Upper Midwest, folks who’d proven there was […]
Blank Metal
Blank Metal Raises $3M to Accelerate Enterprise AI from Pilot to Production New Approach Delivers Production AI in 90 Days as Enterprises Seek Faster Path to Value MINNEAPOLIS — June 24, 2025 — Blank Metal, an AI-native engineering company, today announced $3 million in seed funding to help enterprises overcome a critical challenge: 88% of […]
Common VC Misconceptions Many Founders Face
By Ellie Pigott Venture Capital (VC) can be a game-changer for startups, providing essential capital and strategic guidance to fuel growth. However, amidst the promises and potential benefits, founders often grapple with misconceptions that can shape their perception of engaging with VC firms. In this blog, we’ll delve into three common VC misconceptions that frequently […]
FAQs of When Considering Your First PE Investment
By Cooper Eral Private Equity (PE) is a complex and intriguing realm of investment that often raises many questions for those considering it. As you contemplate the prospect of a PE investment, you’re likely to encounter a myriad of questions that delve into the intricacies of how PE firms operate, generate returns, and conduct their […]
Kwikly Named to the Inc. 5000 List
Every year Inc. releases a list of the Top 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in the U.S. We are pleased to congratulate Traction Capital portfolio company, Kwikly, for making the list for the second year in a row! This year Kwikly was ranked #169, up from #491 last year. Kwikly was the first investment in our fund back in 2021 […]
Demonstrating Traction: Taking Your Pitch Deck to the Next Level
By Cooper Eral For startups seeking funding, demonstrating traction is an essential factor that investors look for. Traction proves that your business idea is gaining momentum, attracting customers, and holding growth potential. Whether you are a pre-revenue or post-revenue startup, effectively conveying your traction can significantly increase your chances of securing funding. This blog post […]
Prime Party
E-commerce party supply company, Prime Party, has received a $500,000 investment from Traction Capital. The Washington-based company is making themed parties easier than ever before. Traction Capital looks forward to working closely with Prime Party as they roll out new brands and scale their business. Prime Party is a direct to consumer, TV show themed […]
The Importance of Product-Market Fit for Startups
By Ellie Pigott Startups face many challenges in their journey to success, but perhaps the most critical is finding product-market fit. This is the stage where a startup has developed a product or service that meets the needs of a specific group of people, otherwise known as their target market. When achieved, the startup has […]
Impacks
Traction Capital has invested $500,000 in a St. Cloud based startup making school supplies more convenient and accessible. Impacks provides families with pre-packed school supply kits, tailored specifically to their school and grade. The Minneapolis venture capital firm looks forward to helping Impacks expand their customer base and give back to their community. Impacks is […]