Open Prairie is an investment firm focusing on opportunities for investors seeking diversification in the alternative asset category.

Our History

Open Prairie Ventures was founded in 1999 as a venture capital firm focused on early-stage Midwest-based technolgy companies.  The first investment fund, Open Prairie Ventures I, L.P. (OPV I), was formerly licensed by the Small Business Administration as a Small Business Investment Company (SBIC).  In 2006, JIm Schultz, Michael Peck, and Dennis Beard recapitalized the SBA's Limited Partner interest in OPV I through a buyout of the SBA position.  OPV I completed fifteen investments with four successful exits, including the 2007 IPO of TomoTherapy (NASDAQ: TOMO) and has four active portfolio investments remaining.

The firm's second fund, Open Prairie Ventures II, L.P. (OPV II), completed its first close in 2008.  The primary focus of OPV II is growth and early-stage opportunities in the agriculture techonolgy and medical device fields.  The fund has completed four investments to date with one successful exit in December 2009.  

Midwest Region

Our Midwest presence provides us with a wide geographic foot print.  Our referral network is strategically positioned to aid in generating high-quality deal flow and our management team has the experience to add professional, high-quality value guidance to our portfolio companies and their managers.

Midwest Eco-Center

The Midwest is an agricultural eco-center with strong technology universities and a breadth of economic development centers with thirteen ag-focused incubators and six USDA research centers.  In addition, a high number of graduating scientists and engineers matriculating in the region who generate a unusually high number of patent filings.  The Midwest region is considered a “Super Cluster” in the plant science and animal health sector which augments the level and quality of investment opportunities for Open Prairie Ventures.