News
First Company Cam built the data infrastructure, then a $2 B valuation
1+ mon, 2+ week ago (825+ words) Nebraska minted its first startup unicorn last year. Lincoln-based Company Cam was officially valued at $2 billion as of August 2025. Founder and CEO Luke Hansen reflects on the journey to unicorn status and the role of AI in construction in this…...
A lighthouse in Nebraska: How Lincoln-based Nelnet helped supercharge the local startup ecosystem
2+ day, 3+ hour ago (1406+ words) Nelnet is unique among the state's corporate players in the way it supports early-stage startups. Since 2006, it has invested roughly $171 million into companies like Hudl and Company Cam, boosting Nebraska's innovation and helping the next generation of talent grow locally....
The Gr8er Plains Summit aims to encourage individuals to invest in VC-backed Midwest startups
2+ day, 23+ hour ago (307+ words) The upcoming Gr8er Plains Summit is focused on educating qualified investors on the ins and outs of investing in venture capital-backed startups in the Midwest. The event coincides with the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting and aims to convene active startup…...
Omaha Inland Port Authority launches fund to support entrepreneurship in northeast Omaha
4+ day, 3+ hour ago (373+ words) The OIPA Impact Fund seeks to support businesses within or interested in moving to the area overseen by the OIPA. The agency is also looking for proposals and partners to execute goals with housing, job creation and community feedback. Deadlines…...
Business Innovation Act funding, AI regulation and online design code are top Tech Nebraska priorities for the 2026 NE legislative session
2+ mon, 1+ week ago (1033+ words) Tech Nebraska shared with Silicon Prairie News its top three bills for the 2026 session, all of which focus on innovation in the state. Funding the BIA is a key priority across the business and startup landscape after its instability in…...
Poverty elimination plans in Lincoln and Omaha focus on workforce development, face implementation challenge
5+ mon, 2+ week ago (1202+ words) The Nebraska Legislature mandated the plans, but it isn't funding any of the follow-through, and federal cuts are likely to make poverty rates increase. But there's still much the two cities can do. In 2024, the Nebraska Legislature passed LB 840, a…...
Trading or gambling? How a new way to wager on sports is evading Nebraska's betting ban
1+ week, 2+ day ago (1261+ words) Prediction markets have allowed Nebraskans to put money on everything from Husker basketball to the 2024 presidential election in Omaha's "Blue Dot." The markets say their users aren't betting " they're trading. A few years ago, Nebraskans looking to legally bet on…...
MCC Business Development Center offering office hours and other resources for entrepreneurs
6+ mon, 2+ week ago (338+ words) Metropolitan Community College soft-launched its Business Development Center this fall with workshops, curriculum and consulting support for local business owners. Since its start, the center has grown its adviser team and has earned grant funding for additional opportunities. Local entrepreneurs…...
In new North Omaha innovation district plan, OIPA focuses on business and housing support and hopes to launch an entrepreneurship impact fund
2+ mon, 1+ week ago (1162+ words) Staff of the Omaha Inland Port Authority emphasized that development in North Omaha should benefit current residents so they aren't left out of new wealth generated in the historically disinvested community. The innovation district aims to support early and growing…...
Nebraska women in STEM celebrate wins, see the state stumbling amid anti-diversity squeeze
8+ mon, 3+ week ago (1096+ words) Nebraska has more women in STEM but is paying them less than many surrounding states. That's just one data point shared at an event marking three years since a landmark report about struggle and perseverance among local women in STEM....