About – Mnvest

MNvest.org is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit advocating for the democratization of investment. With the help of legislators, civic and interest groups, and thousands of Minnesotans, we successfully drafted and passed a law easing the investment process for everyday Minnesotans to invest in private Minnesota companies. MNvest was signed into law in June 2015 and after the finalization of accompanying Rules, became effective on June 20, 2016. The intended benefits are manifold, but namely include the ability for issuers (those raising money) to advertise their need for capital, as well as providing a means for nonaccredited investors (~97% of population) to meaningfully participate in private company securities offerings.

Board of Directors

Scott Cole, Board Co-Chair, Collectivity, Coop

Scott is a high tech executive with blended experience leading for-profit, nonprofit, education, social enterprise, and cooperative initiatives. He is committed to alleviating chronic social problems by building the capacities of foundations and community organizations to work collaboratively (eliminating the ‘silo’ effect).

Zach Robins, Board Co-Chair, Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A.

Zach Robins is an associate in the Corporate & Transactions practice group at Winthrop & Weinstine. Zach’s extensive experience in the areas of business and finance, mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships, equity raises and debt financings provides clients with comprehensive counsel and representation when strategic growth is a focus of your business plans.

Chris Hanson, The Data Bank, GBC

Chris Hanson’s current company, thedatabank, gbc, is a Certified General Benefit Corporation that was formed in 1998 as the first SaaS CRM software used by nonprofit organizations to manage relationships with their supporters. His focus is on helping social entrepreneurs and small business owners understand how they can operate businesses that are financially and socially beneficial. Chris is also the current President of the Twin Cities Metro Independent Business Alliance.

Y. Elaine Rasmussen, Social Impact Strategies Group

Elaine has over 20 years experience in building transformational relationships and cultural competency in corporations, philanthropy, government, and nonprofits. She’s been recognized for innovation in driving impact & organizational effectiveness in organizations such as Shearson/Lehman Bros., Native Americans in Philanthropy, Warner Bros!, the State Department, and social enterprises. Her bachelor’s degrees are in marketing and international business and holds a masters in conflict analysis and resolution. She is also a board member for MDI and the Association for Black Economic Power (ABEP). Elaine is a descendant of Hopi and Cherokee Nations.

Nate Shubert, Lurie LLP

Nate oversees businesses and high net worth individuals at Lurie. He has 10 years of experience working directly with business owners, CFOs and controllers providing tax planning, consulting and compliance services. Nate is on the firm’s Emerging Leaders Group, helping to shape its next generation, and has a passion for helping develop younger staff.

The goals of this website are primarily to educate, promote usage of the MNvest system, break down the law and its associated rules, and help small businesses grow in Minnesota.