You didn’t follow the standard playbook and neither do we.

As former founders, we understand what value from VCs means. Our founders have gone on to raise follow-on rounds, create jobs where they live, and prove that world-class companies can be built anywhere.

Real Builders. Real Places. Real Returns.

  • Agile Space

    Chris Pearson is the CEO of Agile Space Industries, a leading innovator in in-space chemical propulsion. With 25+ years in the industry, Chris and his team manufacture advanced thrusters and engines that help spacecraft accomplish their missions faster and more efficiently.

    Durango, CO

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    BOPA

    Founded in 2017 by Sarah Hinkley, Jaron Hinkley, and Bryan Stafford, Barn Own Precision Agriculture (BOPA) has developed autonomous robots that can help farmers with weeding, planting, spraying, harvesting, and more. Their ANT systems reduce labor needs while supporting food security and climate resilience.

    Florence/La Junta, CO

  • Cloudrise

    Rob Eggebrecht, co-founded the company in 2019 as CEO and exited in 2024 with an acquisition by Exclusive Networks. Cloudrise uses tech-enabled services to help organizations elevate data protection, privacy & cloud security programs.

    Grand Junction, CO.

  • BettrData

    Aaron Dix is the founder and CEO of BettrData, an AI Data Operations software built to scale data at enterprise without the complexity. Founded in 2020 BettrData offers a highly-automated, flexible, multi-sourced data operations platform

    Black Hawk, CO

  • Smart Media

    Co-founded by Tyler Moebius and Kim Perell in 2014, SmartMedia Technologies is the leading enterprise Web3 platform for first-party data, engagement, and loyalty. Trusted by brands like PepsiCo, Visa, and the NBA, SMT bridges Web2 and Web3 to deliver gamified, immersive experiences at scale.

    Carbondale, CO

  • Sky peak

    Co-founded in 2018 by Cat Coughran McIntosh and Don McIntosh, Sky Peak Technologies is reshaping mobile data with CORA AI—a patented tech that reduces bandwidth usage by shaping content before it hits the network. The result? Seamless, efficient connectivity anywhere.

    Fruita, CO

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    Glade Optics

    Curt Nichols started the company in 2016 in Breckenridge, CO. Glade Optics began by providing premium ski goggles, helmets and sunglasses for skiers and snowboarders. They’ve since expanded across the mountain biking, trail running, and fly fishing industries.

    Breckenridge, CO

  • Kamiwaza

    Founded by Luke Norris, Kamiwaza AI is building the connective tissue between AI hardware and enterprise applications. Their GenAI Orchestration Engine enables secure, scalable AI without moving sensitive data—unlocking private GenAI across any format, silo, or location.

    Silverthorne, CO

Founder Spotlights

“From day one, they have been a true partner and are like an extended part of the team.

I wish all investors were like them.”

Kelly Watters, CEO | Western Rise

“We were not entirely sure what to expect bringing a VC into the company, but we can say with confidence that the team at HOWDY PARTNERS has truly brought a wealth of game changing resources beyond capital.

They help foster success for us as entrepreneurs so we can bring benefit to our industry and communities, it’s more than just VC.”

Sarah Hinkley, Founder | BarnOwl Precision Agriculture (BOPA)

“What Howdy Partners is building is far beyond just a venture fund. They are helping build an entire ecosystem and changing the narrative for what’s possible in rural america.”

Tyler Moebius, CEO | Fastg8 / SmartMedia Technologies

See how we support founders beyond capital in our Founder Resources

Rooted, resilient and ready?

See what we look for and the process to partnering up:

Process & Criteria

Think you’re a fit? Submit for review to get on our radar:

Submit for review