Investor profile

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Traction Capital

VC

USMidwestB2B SaaSAI/MLEnterpriseMarketplacesOther

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Investment thesis

Traction Capital is a hybrid venture capital and private equity firm that invests in early-stage startups and acquires mid to late-stage businesses in the Midwest, with a strong focus on Minnesota. The firm targets post-revenue companies with annual sales between $250,000 and $5 million, as well as established businesses with EBITDA ranging from $500,000 to $3 million. Traction Capital believes that startup funding goes beyond cash, providing 'smart capital' that combines financial investment with strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a deep network of over 100 investors (80% of whom are entrepreneurs), industry experts, and EOS implementers. The firm operates using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to drive efficiency, accountability, and growth within portfolio companies, positioning them for rapid growth and attractive exits within 3-7 years. Traction Capital targets essential enduring industries including technology, software, SaaS, e-commerce, staffing, manufacturing, and consumer goods.

Notable quotes

Zach and I are very impressed by the platform he's developed and can't wait to see the company accelerate as he grows his team.

Shane Erickson · PR Newswire - TroutRoutes Series A announcement · 2022-09-14

The era of paying consultants to study your problems is over. The future belongs to partners who build solutions that deliver value, quickly.

Matt Meents · Twin Cities Business - Blank Metal funding announcement · 2025-06-24

Team

Shane Erickson

Founder & Managing Partner

Brian Cox

Integrator / Partner

Peyton Green

VP of Investments / Partner

Matt Meents

Strategic Growth Partner

Chris Carey

Strategic Growth Partner

Scott Litman

Strategic Growth Partner

Recent investments

CompanyRoundSizeDate
Blank MetalSeed$3m2025-06-24
PARQAUnknown2025-06
KwiklyUnknown
TroutRoutesSeries A2022-09-14
GoRoutUnknown
Superior Decks & RailingsAcquisition
Nu-StarAcquisition
ScribeUnknown
ImpacksUnknown
PowerPusherUnknown

Frequent co-investors

VC firmDeals together
Rally Ventures1
Pure Play Partners1

Fit check

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