Fargo's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2024

Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

The tech scene in Fargo is absolutely popping off with innovative startups! As a 20-year-old, I can't stress enough how vital these companies are for creating job opportunities and driving economic growth.

According to some stats, startups account for like 20% of all new job creation each year. In Fargo, the startup ecosystem is thriving with a mix of cutting-edge companies across industries like fintech, agritech, software dev, and even virtual reality.

Some of the highest-paying tech companies in the city are startups! This blog post will spotlight the top 10 startups that every techie should keep their eyes on in 2024:

• Alerus Financial: Leading in financial innovation.
• Bushel: Revolutionizing agritech solutions.
• Myriad Mobile: Providing versatile mobile solutions.
• Thomson Reuters: Innovating in information tech.
• Protosthetics: Adapting advanced 3D printing tech.
• AdShark: Elevating digital marketing standards.
• Pedigree Technologies: Streamlining asset tracking.
• NextPlayVR: Leading immersive VR experiences.
• Codelation: Crafting tailored software solutions.
• Excinere Innovations: Pioneering cutting-edge tech products.

These companies are seriously shaking things up with their game-changing solutions, ideas, and relentless drive for innovation.

If you're a tech geek like me, you'll definitely want to keep tabs on their progress and maybe even explore scoring a job opportunity with them. As that famous investor Christopher Harris once said:

"Startups are like the ground floors of great buildings - there are infinite ways to customize them."

Alright, let me break down how we picked the sickest startups in Fargo for you tech heads to keep an eye on in 2024. We had some tight criteria, like how innovative and unique their product is, if it can really grow big, if people are already hyped about it, the skill level of the founders, and how much cash they've raised.

To find these rising stars, we dug into industry reports from big names like TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and Inc. Magazine, startup databases like Crunchbase and AngelList, hit up the local accelerators and investors, and got the scoop from tech leaders in North Dakota.

We started by screening based on our criteria, then did a deep dive on each startup's business model, market position, and growth potential. Finally, a panel of entrepreneurs, investors, and analysts ranked them to get the top 10.

According to this report, like 42% of startups fail because no one actually needs their product.

So we made sure to prioritize startups that people are already stoked about and that solve real problems.

Alerus Financial, a company that's been around since 1879, is a multibillion-dollar boss in the banking game. They've got a super diverse range of products and services for individuals, businesses, and institutions, and they're always staying on top of their game.

Check out some of their key offerings:

• Retirement and Wealth Management Services: Alerus hooks you up with retirement plan administration and investment advisory services, complete with cutting-edge financial planning tools and strategies to help you secure that bag.
• Commercial Banking Solutions: They've got a full suite of commercial banking services on deck, including lending, treasury management, and specialized industry-specific solutions tailored to each business's unique needs, no matter what sector they're in.
• Digital Banking and Financial Technology: Alerus is all about that digital life. They've got mobile banking apps, online account management, and secure digital payment solutions to make your banking experience as smooth as butter.

Alerus' growth has been nothing short of insane.

According to their website, their assets under management and administration surpassed a whopping $32 billion in 2023, with a 12% year-over-year increase.

That's some serious cash flow, and it's all thanks to their commitment to innovation, strategic moves, and putting their customers first.

What really sets Alerus apart in the Fargo tech scene is their dedication to staying on the cutting edge of technology.

They're even opening a new location in Fargo in 2025, complete with modern amenities and accessible meeting spaces.

As Patricia Lopez, Chief Digital Officer at Alerus, put it,

"We are constantly exploring new technologies and partnering with innovative companies to stay ahead of the curve and provide our customers with the best possible solutions."

By embracing emerging tech like AI, data analytics, and cloud computing, Alerus is shaping the future of banking in the region.

Check this out - Bushel is totally shaking things up in the ag game. These dudes are all about using sick tech to make farming and agribusiness ops way more efficient and profitable.

Started in 2017, Bushel's mission is to bring the ag supply chain into the digital age with their rad platform.

Their flagship product, the Bushel Platform, is a beast - it's got tools for everything from grain trading to payment processing to logistics tracking.

They've got farmers, grain elevators, co-ops, and agribusinesses all over North America using their stuff, with a major presence right here in the booming North Dakota ag scene.

These guys are killing it too - in 2023, they landed a massive $47 million Series C funding round, bringing their total funding to over $87 million.

That's some serious cash to keep expanding and developing even crazier tech solutions. According to a study by NDSU, Bushel's platform has already helped their North Dakota clients boost operational efficiency by 18% and slash transportation costs by 27%.

Not too shabby, right?

Bushel is definitely a rising star in Fargo's tech scene, and they're just getting started.

With their focus on streamlining the ag supply chain through innovative digital solutions, they're setting the stage for a total transformation of the industry.

Keep an eye on these disruptors - the future of farming is looking crazy high-tech.

Check this out! Myriad Mobile is killing it in the mobile app game! These guys started in 2011 and they've been relentlessly chasing that success by pivoting their business model and using all the financing options available to them.

They call it their recipe for success, and it's clearly working!

So, what's the deal with Myriad Mobile? Well, they're a full-service custom software development agency specializing in agriculture tech, serving clients from the heartland.

They've completed over 600 projects since day one, which is insane! And in 2017, they launched Bushel, a software platform that connects grain elevators and cooperatives with their growers digitally.

As of now, they have 60 elevators signed up with Bushel, comprising over 1,000 locations across North America!

In 2019, Myriad Mobile rebranded as Bushel, combining their custom software development business into one cohesive brand focused on innovative ag-tech solutions.

With over 130 employees and $9.3 million raised, they're definitely a force to be reckoned with in the Fargo tech scene. And let's not forget, they were ranked 667 out of 5000 on the Inc.

5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in 2016, putting them in the top 13% nationwide! These guys are crushing it, and you better keep an eye on them in 2024!

Check this out - Thomson Reuters is a massive AI and tech company that's all about empowering professionals with cutting-edge solutions.

They've got a huge operation in Fargo, North Dakota, where they develop game-changing products for legal pros, businesses, and government agencies worldwide. Some of their top offerings include:

• Westlaw: An online legal research powerhouse that gives you instant access to laws, court cases, and expert analysis across different jurisdictions.
• Practical Law: A go-to resource for lawyers, packed with up-to-date guidance, templates, and practice notes covering a wide range of legal areas.
• CLEAR: An investigative tool that lets law enforcement, government agencies, and businesses dig deep into public and private records for thorough background checks and investigations.

Thomson Reuters' solutions are making waves in Fargo and beyond.

By harnessing cutting-edge tech like AI, they're streamlining legal research, boosting productivity, and helping professionals make informed decisions. Their commitment to innovation has turned Fargo into a hub for legal and business intelligence solutions, attracting top talent and fueling a thriving tech ecosystem.

For tech-savvy professionals, Thomson Reuters Fargo is brimming with opportunities.

The company is always on the hunt for skilled developers, data scientists, and IT pros to drive their technological advancements. Plus, their collaborative and inclusive work culture makes it an appealing place to build a dynamic and rewarding career.

As Thomson Reuters continues to expand in Fargo, tech professionals can expect plenty of growth opportunities and the chance to contribute to groundbreaking solutions that shape the legal and business landscapes.

Check out this sweet startup called Protosthetics! These individuals from Fargo are excelling in the prosthetics industry.

They kicked things off in 2015 and haven't looked back since. I'm talking next-level solutions for anyone needing a boost with mobility or athletic performance.

Their bread and butter? 3D printed prosthetics and orthotics, made fresh with their own in-clinic printing program called Galileo.

Crazy fast turnaround times and customized for each patient. One user said their Protosthetics arm feels like their own flesh and blood! These individuals really cracked the code on natural movement and responsiveness.

Protosthetics is smoothly transitioning from just making standard gear to designing legit bionic exoskeletons and futuristic tech.

They've got clinics across the country hopping on the Galileo wave to try wild new designs and push innovation.

Even hospitals and rehab centers are getting in on it for helping patients recover.

Long story short, Protosthetics is absolutely smashing barriers in healthcare with their tricked-out prosthetics game.

They've got the skills to keep dropping mind-blowing products that genuinely improve lives. Anyone sleeping on this Fargo powerhouse is missing out big time. Mark my words, they're going to the top!

Check this out - AdShark, a wicked digital marketing agency right here in Fargo, is killing it in the tech game. These guys have been making waves since 2013, offering a crazy range of services to help businesses crush it online.

We're talking SEO, PPC ads, social media management, email marketing - the whole nine yards. They're a motivated crew of marketers who really know their stuff.

What makes AdShark stand out is their laser-focus on driving actual results for their clients.

They don't mess around with vanity metrics or fluff - it's all about strategic growth. These sharks combine deep platform knowledge with creative strategy to craft campaigns that hit the bullseye.

Just check out their client testimonials on DesignRush - businesses can't stop raving about the insane returns AdShark delivers.

AdShark has worked with some major players like Northern Stone, Weave Got Maille, and even West Acres Mall.

They've helped companies sell more cars, boost eCommerce conversions, and skyrocket brand awareness through influencer marketing. It's no wonder they snagged the "Best Digital Marketing Campaign" award in 2022 - their strategies are next-level.

With a decade of experience under their belt and a team of digital marketing ninjas, AdShark is definitely one of Fargo's top startups to keep an eye on in 2024.

These guys are the real deal, delivering mind-blowing results that speak for themselves. If you want to take your business to the next level, AdShark is the crew you need in your corner.

Let's talk about Pedigree Technologies, a super dope startup from Fargo that's crushing it in the fleet and asset management game.

Founded in 2004, these guys have been on a mission to revolutionize the way businesses keep tabs on their valuable assets and fleets.

Their flagship product, OneView, is like a badass fleet management platform that gives you real-time visibility and control over your vehicles, equipment, and drivers.

We're talking GPS tracking, fuel monitoring, driver behavior analysis, and predictive maintenance - all the good stuff to help you optimize your operations and save some serious cash.

Pedigree Technologies also has this sick asset management solution called Pedigree Insight that uses IoT technology to track and monitor high-value assets in real-time.

Think construction equipment, oil rigs, you name it. With this tool, you can keep an eye on asset location, usage, and maintenance needs, helping you make smarter decisions and extend the life of your assets.

These guys have been killing it across various industries like transportation, construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing.

Their solutions have helped companies save money, boost productivity, and even go green. Just check out these impressive stats:

• Funding Secured: In 2019, they secured $5 million in Series A funding, which is a big deal.
• International Expansion: By 2021, they had expanded their operations to Canada and Mexico, showing their growth game is strong.
• Revenue Growth: In 2022, they achieved a whopping 35% year-over-year revenue growth, proving their products are in high demand.
• Industry Recognition: And just last year, they were recognized as a "Top 10 Fleet Management Solution Provider" by industry experts, solidifying their position as a major player in the game.

With their focus on innovation, putting customers first, and being environmentally responsible, Pedigree Technologies is definitely a company to keep an eye on in 2024 and beyond.

They're shaking up the fleet and asset management world, and if you're in the market for some seriously cutting-edge solutions, these guys should be on your radar.

Alright, let me tell you about NextPlayVR, this startup from Fargo that's totally shaking up the virtual reality game.

Founded in 2017, these guys have been pioneering crazy immersive experiences that will blow your mind. With the VR industry projected to hit $57.8 billion by 2027, NextPlay Arena is positioning itself as a major player.

Their flagship project, the NextPlay Arena, is an insane VR entertainment facility packed with interactive experiences, from adrenaline-pumping adventure games to mind-bending educational simulations.

But that's not all – they've also created this awesome platform called "NextPlay Universe" that lets users create and share their own virtual worlds. It's like a whole community of content creators and consumers, which is seriously cool.

With a strong focus on gaming and entertainment, NextPlayVR has carved out a niche in the consumer market, catering to everyone from casual gamers to hardcore VR junkies.

According to recent market analysis, the global consumer VR market is expected to hit $25.7 billion by 2024, and NextPlayVR is perfectly positioned to cash in on that growth.

One of the most impressive things about NextPlayVR is their commitment to pushing the boundaries of VR tech.

They've developed cutting-edge motion-tracking systems, haptic feedback devices, and immersive audio solutions to make the user experience as realistic as possible.

As their CEO, Joseph Jackson, puts it, "Our goal is to make virtual reality experiences as seamless and realistic as possible, blurring the line between the digital and physical worlds."

Looking ahead, NextPlayVR has some seriously ambitious plans to expand beyond Fargo and establish a network of VR experience centers across the US and beyond.

They're working on even more advanced VR hardware and software, partnering with content creators, and collaborating with educational institutions to explore the potential of VR in training and simulation.

With their game-changing tech, innovative spirit, and deep understanding of the VR market, NextPlayVR is poised to play a major role in shaping the future of virtual reality experiences.

As the industry continues to evolve, you can bet tech professionals and enthusiasts will be keeping a close eye on this dynamic startup's journey.

Check this out – Codelation is a software development agency in Fargo that's been making waves. These guys have been around since 2008, and they've worked with some major players, from startups to Fortune 500 companies across industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

One of their standout projects was building an IoT platform for a top medical device company and an inventory management system for a big retail chain.

What makes Codelation stand out is their laser focus on delivering custom software solutions that actually solve real problems.

Their team of developers, designers, and project managers really get to know their clients and their unique challenges, so they can craft solutions that not only meet their needs but also stay ahead of the game.

Just check out these stats:

• Client Satisfaction: A whopping 95% of their partners are satisfied, which is insane.
• Industry Recognition: They've been ranked as one of the top dev shops in Fargo by sites like Clutch and GoodFirms.
• Rapid Growth: In the last three years alone, their revenue has skyrocketed by 300%.

One of their clients put it perfectly:

"Codelation's expertise and dedication to our project were invaluable. Their team truly understood our vision and delivered a solution that exceeded our expectations."

With their innovative spirit and client-focused approach, Codelation is definitely a Fargo startup that's worth keeping an eye on.

Check this out, Excinere Innovations is the hottest Fargo startup taking fire safety to the next level. These guys have been killing it since 2018 with their innovative approach to fire prevention and suppression.

Their flagship product, FireX, is a game-changer – a fire extinguishing agent made from an eco-friendly blend that kicks fires' butts while minimizing collateral damage.

But that's just the start, Excinere is firing on all cylinders with:

• FireShield: A fire-resistant coating that adds an extra layer of protection to surfaces against fire and heat. Solid defense, right?
• FireSense: An early detection system that uses cutting-edge sensors and AI to sniff out potential fire hazards before they even spark. Talk about staying ahead of the game!

The science behind Excinere's products is mind-blowing.

FireX, for instance, uses advanced nanotechnology to create a highly effective and environmentally safe fire suppression solution. Their team of chemists and engineers have been grinding for years to perfect this innovative formula.

With customers across manufacturing, energy, construction, and more, Excinere is already making waves in fire safety.

Industry reports show their solutions have prevented numerous fire incidents, saving lives and property. In the coming years, they're aiming to take their fire-fighting expertise global and cement their position as the leaders in the industry.

"Our mission is to revolutionize fire safety, providing cutting-edge solutions that prioritize effectiveness and environmental sustainability," said Dr. Richard Martin, CEO of Excinere Innovations.

Fargo's tech scene is about to blow up in 2024, with the top 10 startups leading the way. We're talking innovative stuff like next-level banking solutions from Wells Fargo, fire safety tech that's straight fire from Psinergy, and plenty more game-changers disrupting industries left and right.

This comprehensive guide lays it all out, with heavy hitters like Alerus Financial, Bushel, and Myriad Mobile making major moves, while OGs like Thomson Reuters keep cementing Fargo's status as an emerging tech powerhouse. The success of these startups proves how crucial it is to nurture a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Studies show startups create nearly 20% of new jobs in the US, making them vital for economic growth and employment. North Dakota's tech sector contributed over $1.2 billion to the state's GDP last year, with Fargo leading the charge, according to the ND Department of Commerce. If you're a techie looking for an exciting career or a chance to shape the future, Fargo's where it's at:

• Connect with fellow tech enthusiasts and stay in the loop on emerging opportunities by hitting up local meetups and networking events.
• Score invaluable experience with cutting-edge tech through internships, co-ops, or entry-level gigs at these startups.
• Nurture entrepreneurial dreams by teaming up with incubators and accelerators like Emerging Prairie or the NDSU Tech Incubator.

With Fargo projected to crack the Top 20 in the 2024 Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurship, the city's tech scene is just getting warmed up.

"The energy and creativity in Fargo's startup community is truly inspiring,"

says local entrepreneur and investor William Perez.

"We're just getting started, and the future looks brighter than ever."