South Dakota Equity Partners

South Dakota Equity Partners (SDEP) is an equity fund investing in early and growth-stage companies within South Dakota. The firm diversifies the state’s economy and commercializes technology from university systems. SDEP typically engages after initial funding rounds, targets scalable businesses, and avoids retail, oil and gas, gaming, and real estate.

The concept for South Dakota Equity Partners originated in October 2015, after former Governor Dennis Daugaard encouraged a partner to establish a state-focused equity fund. Active company pursuit began in 2016, with the first fund closing in June 2018. Blaine Crissman, a managing partner with over two decades of private equity and venture capital experience, leads the firm.

SDEP primarily serves promising South Dakota companies seeking growth capital and strategic guidance. Its vision is to cultivate a robust, self-sustaining entrepreneurial ecosystem. Fostering local business expansion and establishing a lasting capital source, SDEP strives for enduring economic prosperity and innovation.