In 2017, supported by a committed group of Montana-based investors, HomeStake launched HomeStake Venture Partners in order to invest in all kinds of well-run local businesses — and not those just seeking to achieve “hockey stick” growth. Along the way, we discovered deal structures that have allowed us to truly align with our portfolio companies — allowing them to grow at the pace they wanted, never creating an expectation that they “exit” or sell their business just to provide us with a return. In this way, we have been able to keep more wealth- and job-creating businesses in our Montana community.

After two decades of work in the Montana business community, our focus on strong companies and value-aligned founders -- paired with our belief in long-term value creation and proactive collaboration -- has led to significant returns and real community impact. Below is a sampling of these partnerships.

Investments made via HomeStake or by its principals or its affiliate, 45 North Partners. Profiles charted as of time of investment and include successful exits.

Additional details of our involvement summarized below.

HomeStake equity co-investment helped longtime Bozeman based software provider for the philanthropic sector pursue a market opportunity in the community foundation enterprise software market. Long-term role providing strategic advice to company founders and Board.

HomeStake equity investment in 2018 Early Stage Montana statewide accelerator winner. Enabled company to complete development of its digital event ticketing application and begin executing its go-to market strategy. Ongoing board role adds to strategic decision making.

HomeStake equity investment helped Missoula based digital marketing tech company to complete development of a digital marketing intelligence software focused on tour operator businesses. Ongoing board role supports TOMIS and guides strategic direction.

HomeStake equity investment enabled local practice to complete expansion into the former Voss Inn and bring a higher level of care to Bozeman which previously did not exist in Montana, allowing patients to remain in state for treatment.

HomeStake debt investment alongside local CDFI, allowed local value-added agriculture company to remain in Belgrade by purchasing a building it had been leasing, and simultaneously pursue a significant expansion of its processing capacity.

HomeStake-led Series A equity investment enabled the company to begin commercializing its proprietary portable food safety testing system. Ongoing board role assists company in a strategic advisory capacity.

HomeStake equity co-investment allowed this Artificial Intelligence brand analysis and automated market intelligence technology company to continue expanding sales distribution of its system into additional product verticals.

HomeStake debt investment has provided this IP-driven environmental remediation product company with the opportunity to grow its executive team, direct sales force, and internal cash flow.

HomeStake debt investment has enabled this long-established organic farm to acquire the assets of and create a synergistic merger with another long-term community institution (Rocky Creek Farm).

Perhaps the most successful example of a HomeGrown business to-date, we provided the only external equity needed by this innovative corporate e-learning company that was acquired in mid-2017 by Alchemy Systems.

Designed early prototype of a tool (then called “TschotchkeMatic”) that evolved into the company’s “Tactile Marketing Automation® and led to a $25mm investment from Goldman Sachs in early 2018.

Early development of the company’s finance functions, go-to-market strategies, government compliance infrastructure, partnership legal frameworks, and investor relations. Culminated in an oversubscribed Series B funding event of $18mm in early 2018 that included investments by BMW and Toyota, making it the best-funded startup in Montana in decades.