Similar to all meaningful change, early-stage investing and innovation does not happen in a vacuum, it’s fueled by collaboration.
Groove is excited to highlight our exceptional partners and the many ways they help us grow and support the local early-stage ecosystem. Join us in celebrating Groove Investment Group’s 2025 sponsors!
At Groove, our team knows that breakthrough companies aren’t built with strategy and capital alone, they’re powered by exceptional talent. And that’s where Versique comes in. As a locally owned, award-winning recruiting firm based in the Twin Cities, Versique specializes in executive search, direct hire, and interim solutions across key business functions like finance, HR, marketing, technology, and operations. What sets Versique apart? The firm's recruiters are experienced professionals who’ve worked in the very industries they now hire for, bringing unmatched insight, experience, and connections to the table.
When asked how early-stage companies can attract top talent without big-company perks or salaries, Kevin Vig, emphasized the power of culture:
“Early-stage companies can create whatever culture they want, and it starts with the people. Selling what sort of culture you are while also allowing the first wave of employees to help build it is a fantastic way to attract the right talent. This is an opportunity that larger, more established companies cannot offer.”
As Managing Director of Client Partnerships for Versique's Finance & Accounting Interim Solutions, Kevin Vig brings over 11 years of experience in financial operations and HR leadership, pairing deep industry expertise with strong local networks to deliver high-impact talent where it’s needed most.
Bust Out’s work sits at the intersection of vision and execution, driving digital transformation for startups and enterprise clients alike. As a full-service digital consultancy, the firm handles everything from custom software development and UX design to digital strategy and multimedia production. Bust Out’s team bridges the gap between startup agility and enterprise-grade solutions, making them the ideal partner for growth-stage companies navigating scale.
When asked what’s one mistake early-stage founders often make when building their MVP, Kesah Schmitt offered this insight:
“A common mistake that early-stage founders make is jumping straight into building a MVP without first validating their core assumptions through lighter-weight approaches. Prototypes and user interviews can uncover invaluable insights and help you course-correct early, all without writing a single line of code.”
Chief Strategy Officer Kesah Schmitt has spent her career helping startups and businesses create digital solutions that generate measurable business impact and meaningful user engagement. With expertise in product development, digital marketing, and business leadership, Kesah guides Bust Out's strategic approach to building impactful digital experiences.
Redpath isn’t just about spreadsheets - it’s about strategy. Redpath delivers proactive financial guidance and tailors its CPA and advisory services uniquely to client needs. Whether you’re prepping for funding or optimizing operations, Redpath has got your back (and your balance sheet).
On the topic of how startups can set up smart financial systems early without over-engineering them, Mike Traeger shared this practical advice:
“One of the most valuable early investments a founder can make is spending even an hour or two with a seasoned fractional CFO—someone who can help structure your financials properly from the start. Getting it right early means your financials can actually help you run the business, not just check a compliance box.”
Mike Traeger, a leader in Redpath’s Advisory practice, knows how to make numbers tell a story. With 20+ years of experience guiding companies through high-stakes growth, distress, and everything in between, he’s the guy to reach out to!
For 35+ years, Riverbridge Partners has redefined wealth management by treating investments as building blocks for human flourishing rather than just portfolios. Providing investment management and advisory services with excellence is Riverbridge’s specialty, but it also sees a larger purpose. The firm seeks to invest and advise in ways that engage both human and financial capital for its highest and best use.
When asked why long-term investment strategies matter for early-stage startups, Austin Cumblad emphasized alignment and patience:
“For early-stage startups and their backers, alignment is crucial. Founders need investors that are supportive and patient; investors need founders with vision and resilience; and both groups need to understand that value creation never happens overnight.”
Connect with Austin Cumblad, who is deeply involved in Minnesota’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and is your guide to aligning values with value creation!
Groove knows that when startups are ready to scale, systems can either unlock growth or create obstacles. Dynamic by both name and nature, Denamico makes CRMs and revenue systems work smarter, not harder. As a 5x CRM Accredited HubSpot Partner, Denamico helps growth-minded teams break down silos, streamline operations, and harness data‑fueled customer intelligence. From Minneapolis to global markets, Denamico empowers scaling organizations to transform disconnected tech stacks into integrated revenue drivers. When asked what’s one simple way a growing startup can improve customer experience using automation, Denamico’s response drives home the human side of tech:
“Automation should eliminate busy work, not replace human connection. When we implement CRM automation for clients, we always ask, ‘Does this give our people more time to be human?’ If the answer is no, we're solving the wrong problem. The magic happens when technology serves your team's ability to deliver exceptional experiences, not when it becomes the experience itself."
Co‑founders Brendon and Kristin Dennewill lead an experienced team with strategic RevOps consulting and technical expertise, backed by decades of their global business journey.
Bell Bank is one of the nation’s largest family and employee-owned banks, offering personal and business banking, mortgages, wealth management, and insurance. Founded in 1966, Bell has grown to over $14 billion in assets by prioritizing relationships and long-term impact.
When asked how being family and employee-owned has shaped Bell Bank’s approach in supporting entrepreneurs, Hailey Margetta shared:
“When you're talking about a family and employee-owned bank, it really changes how we look at helping entrepreneurs. We really want to understand your vision, not just your financials, and that often leads to more flexible financing and genuine guidance that goes beyond just banking products.”
As Market Development Director here in the Twin Cities, Hailey Margetta works at the intersection of people, businesses, and banking, helping unlock financial tools to help clients grow and thrive. For practical insights on personal or business finance, check out Hailey’s LinkedIn Learning page, it’s full of helpful, actionable content!
Emergent Software is a full-stack technology partner based in the Twin Cities, helping businesses tackle software, cloud, and data projects with confidence. With 20 years of experience and deep expertise in the Microsoft ecosystem, the firm builds everything from custom apps and integrations to Azure cloud solutions and modern data platforms.
Groove asked Emergent Software about the biggest challenge startups face when scaling software and how to prepare for it early. Their team advised:
“Proactively deciding on core architectural principles, development tools, code commit processes, observability patterns and security and regulatory constraints is critical to build software at scale. Even if you have to make tradeoffs, putting on paper what your true north principles are for software development will help guide you.”
Founded by Jamie Anderson and Mark Bajema, Emergent pairs serious engineering know-how with a partnership-first approach that makes the firm easy to work with and easy to trust. Need help with a software project, big or small? Reach out to Jamie and Mark, they’re the real deal and always happy to chat!
Coalition9 is a homegrown community helping Twin Cities leaders grow alongside one another. Founded in 2019 by Aaron Eggert, Coalition9 is a member-centric community for leaders and entrepreneurs, offering spaces for real conversations through diverse peer-to-peer advisory groups, interactive learning, events, and an online communication platform. The groups focus on character-driven leadership and shared growth makes it a meaningful resource for anyone looking to lead with more intention.
When asked what role community plays in leadership development, Aaron shared:
“Leadership can be lonely—that’s why a supportive community is essential for leadership development. You need space to step back from day-to-day operations, explore fresh ideas, and connect with people who’ve been in your shoes—and who will hold you accountable.”
If you’re craving a supportive leadership community, don’t hesitate to reach out to Aaron. He's always eager to share more about C9’s unrivaled Member Experience!
Christensen Group is the largest locally owned, independent insurance agency in Minnesota and is 100% employee-owned. Over the past 7 decades, Christensen Group has grown from a small family-owned insurance agency to a Top 100 independent insurance brokerage in the country. The company's focus is on connecting its clients with the expertise and solutions needed to effectively manage risk.
On why proactive risk planning is a form of strategic growth, Christensen Group’s team noted:
“When founders take the time to think ahead, they build trust with investors, create operational stability, and lay the groundwork for sustainable scaling. It’s one of the most overlooked competitive advantages.”
Eric Simmons, Senior VP of Business Insurance, specializes in management and professional liability, working closely with clients in law, tech, construction, and more. Risk Consultant Charlie Duensing brings a sharp focus on industries including startups, hospitality, and tech. If your business is growing or facing new risks, Eric and Charlie are people you’ll want in your corner!
HR isn’t always simple, figuring out payroll, benefits, and compliance can be overwhelming, especially for small teams. TriNet steps in to help with that, offering support that’s practical and people-focused. With over 30 years of experience and more than 20,000 clients nationwide, TriNet understands what it takes to help teams thrive.
When asked why strong HR support is essential for scaling a healthy culture, TriNet’s team emphasized the foundational role HR plays:
“Providing HR structure is directly correlated to curating a positive culture. A strong culture attracts candidates who align with your mission, enhancing a safe space to foster new ideas and scale together.”
Sales Consultants, Morgan Fischer and Lexi Liesch, bring TriNet’s solutions to life here in the Twin Cities. Whether you're a startup navigating your first hires or a growing team ready to scale, Morgan and Lexi are your go-to for effective HR support!
Together, these partners remind us that it takes community, insight, and a shared commitment to helping startups thrive. Be sure to reach out to our amazing sponsors, the knowledge and expertise they bring to the Groove community is vast. Thank you to all our sponsors for your continued support!
