We've Been on Both Sides of the Startup Desk

Our Story

Dundee VC formally began in 2010. The root of the idea was formed when Mark Hasebroock, Dundee VC’s founding and managing partner, raised money for his two e-commerce companies, giftcertificates.com and Hayneedle, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, respectively.

Despite building two fast-growing tech startups in Omaha, the capital to grow them came from New York City and Sand Hill Road. That left Mark wondering why. Mark saw the problem and created his own solution: Dundee Venture Capital, to fund entrepreneurs like him building tech startups in cities like Omaha.

Since, Mark has built a team to continue the mission of investing in early-stage tech founders across the Mighty Middle. With over 50 investments and $70M across three funds, the focus remains the same – partnering early with talented tech entrepreneurs in the Mighty Middle and working closely with them to build a better future.

Recent Tweets

We look to lead or co-lead rounds, working directly with founding teams on an ongoing basis

How We Invest

  • We lead seed rounds as first institutional capital in a company and bring in other investors.
  • Initial investments are $500K-$1M into $1M – $3M seed rounds.
  • We like to see a prototype built and early traction with an initial, engaged customer base. But, we will invest pre-revenue and, in some cases, pre-product.
  • We invest in the Mighty Middle, underserved markets across the US and Canada.
  • We are generalist investors, preferring high-growth, high-margin tech startups. Our portfolio is a mix of vertical and horizontal enterprise software, consumer brands, and marketplaces.

How We Work

  • We know you have choices when you raise capital and we work daily to be worthy of the choice entrepreneurs make to partner with us.
  • We often sit on boards or have board observer roles initially when we lead rounds. We want to be our entrepreneurs’ go-to call when they need help, an ear to talk to or a shoulder to lean on.
  • Typically, one partner will work most closely leading an investment, with another partner assisting. Our entire team is up to speed on every investment and available as a resource.
  • We want to demystify what raising venture funding means. Throughout our investment decision process, diligence, and partnership with a company, we strive to be as transparent and straightforward as possible with what we see and how we are thinking; if we aren’t doing so, please call us out.