Amplifying stories from the Rochester, MN entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Jamie Sundsbak Jamie Sundsbak

The State of Collider and Our Startup and Small Business Community

It’s amazing to think that Collider opened its doors only six month ago.  In that time, we have seen a lot of truly remarkable things happen in our startup and small business community.  We are proud that Collider has helped to play a small part in this.  

I had the good fortune to speak before the Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) Board this week to give a brief update on Collider and our emerging ecosystem.  I’d love to share some of the highlights with you as well.

Collider by the numbers

  • 50 members of Collider
  • 13 companies
  • 23 freelances or remote workers
  • 10 events with a combined attendance of 300 people
  • 2,200 views on our “Welcome to Collider” video on our Facebook and Youtube pages in just 3 weeks

Our startup and small business community have adopted large events to fuel our ecosystem
In 2015 we began a push to bring national or internationally recognized events to Rochester.  We have succeeded in brining 4 events to Rochester so far.  Thanks to all the organizers and volunteers that have made these events a success.  


Our community has attracted a lot of attention in the last year as well.

  • Rochester Rising (a Collider member) has done an amazing job chronicling the rise of our area startup and small business ecosystem
  • Walleye Tank highlighted local ideas and companies
  • People or organizations in 10 states have reached out to Collider to learn more about Rochester
  • Reaching #37 Entrepreneur Magazine - Best Cities for Entrepreneurs
  • Our community was highlighted by Minnesota Public Radio and will be featured nationally soon as part of the National Public Radio show “Marketplace”

With the announcement of RAEDI’s Angel Fund, Monday nights visit from Keevin O’Rourke of the NMotion Accelerator and the beginning of several large DMC projects, our community shows no sign of slowing down.  

I’m excited to see what the next six months brings!

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Jamie Sundsbak Jamie Sundsbak

Rochester Welcomes 1 Million Cups

We are so excited to welcome 1 Million Cups to Rochester.  

Many of our community members have visited 1 Million Cups events in other cities and have lamented the fact that Rochester didn't have a 1 Million Cups...well now we do.

Starting February 4th, 1MC will hold its first event in Rochester.  The presenting companies will be announced soon.  Until then, please check out the 1MC Website, Facebook page, Twitter account, or this blog for more information.

To provide a "teaser" 1MC Rochester produced this video.  Please feel free to share it with anyone that might be interested in fostering the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Rochester and the surrounding area.

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Jamie Sundsbak Jamie Sundsbak

Collider and Rochester Rising Collaborate on "Risky Business Racing"

A large part of the entrepreneurial journey is spending a huge amount of time making your vision of your business come true.  This can result in long hours and have a negative effect on your health.  

At Collider, we believe that being healthy ultimately helps your wellbeing and can directly translate to business success.  

Today, we are excited to announce our partnership with Rochester Rising to create Rochester's first entrepreneurial racing team.  We think this will be yet another way we can solidify and advance our entrepreneurial community, one step at a time.

Check out Amanda's post on Rochester Rising to learn more about how YOU can get involved.

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