Fargo's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2025
Last Updated: December 22nd 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Fargo's tech scene in 2025 is thriving, generating nearly 20% of new jobs annually and offering tech professionals competitive salaries, with entry-level developers earning $65,000. Key startups like RxE2 and Bushel are revolutionizing sectors such as pharmaceutical care and agritech. Major investments from companies like Microsoft—$1.5 million in autonomous systems—underscore Fargo's leading role in tech innovation, supported by initiatives like the Good Jobs Challenge grant of $9.62 million. Emerging sectors like agritech and biotech point to growth opportunities, making Fargo an exciting place for tech careers.
Fargo's tech scene is absolutely crushing it in 2025, with a stellar 25% growth in software development jobs and 30% surge in cybersecurity positions.
The city's startup ecosystem is creating nearly 20% of new jobs annually, and it's mind-blowing to see how these companies are revolutionizing everything from agriculture to virtual reality.
Major players like Bushel, which secured $47 million in Series C funding, are making waves in the agritech space.
What's really exciting is how the Grand Farm initiative is transforming traditional farming into a tech wonderland, with Microsoft dropping $1.5 million to support innovation in autonomous systems and digital agriculture.
The average entry-level salary for software developers hits $65,000, with cybersecurity specialists pulling in $72,000 to start. For tech professionals like David Rodriguez looking to break into the industry, Fargo's offering this perfect mix of cutting-edge tech opportunities, genuine career growth, and a supportive community that's all about collaboration and innovation.
The city's comprehensive plan focuses heavily on tech infrastructure development, making it clear that Fargo isn't just riding the tech wave - it's leading it.
Table of Contents
- Methodology for Selecting Top Startups
- RxE2: Innovating Pharmaceutical Care
- Bushel: Revolutionizing Agriculture Technology
- CoSchedule: Streamlining Marketing Operations
- Myriad Mobile: Transforming Mobile App Development
- Appareo Systems: Advances in UAV Technology
- Dakota Carrier Network: Enhancing Connectivity
- Aldevron: Pioneering Biotech Solutions
- Pedigree Technologies: Optimizing Asset Management
- Evolution1: Innovating Financial Technology
- Conclusion: The Future of Startups in Fargo
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Methodology for Selecting Top Startups
(Up)When picking Fargo's standout startups for 2025, we went all in with a super detailed selection process that makes total sense for today's tech scene. The core criteria we focused on included team dynamics, market timing, and tech innovation potential.
A startup's success isn't just about having cool tech; it's about having the right people behind it. According to our research, the team makes up about 60-70% of what makes a startup successful.
We also checked out specific performance metrics like growth rate, user adoption, and funding stability.
The startups that made our list absolutely crushed it in these areas. What's really interesting is how we evaluated their market fit and scalability - we looked at everything from their revenue models to their ability to adapt to market changes.
Each company had to show they weren't just riding a trend but were actually solving real problems for their users. We got insights from local tech leaders and startup founders like Patricia Taylor and David Martinez who've been through the grind, plus we analyzed data from platforms like Crunchbase and PitchBook.
This way, we made sure our picks weren't just hype - they're the real deal with solid foundations and actual potential to shake things up in Fargo's tech scene.
The startups that made our final list aren't just about impressive numbers; they're bringing fresh ideas and creating actual value for users while building sustainable businesses.
RxE2: Innovating Pharmaceutical Care
(Up)RxE2 is completely changing the game in clinical trials by bringing community pharmacists into the research process for the first time ever.
Their innovative approach tackles the major problems that have held back clinical trials for years - time, cost, and quality issues. With a network of over 4,000 independent pharmacies serving more than eight million patients, RxE2 has created a powerful platform for connecting researchers with diverse patient groups.
The company recently got noticed for their work, being named one of the best Tech Startups in North Dakota for the third year running.
What makes RxE2 stand out is how they're making clinical trials more accessible to everyone. Their platform handles everything from patient recruitment to medication dispensing, and they've just launched a groundbreaking AI-led technology platform that's set to transform how clinical trials work.
Based in Fargo at 4302 13th Ave S, RxE2 is proving that innovation in healthcare doesn't just happen in big coastal cities. They're addressing a crucial need in the industry, considering that 50% of clinical trials currently fail to recruit enough patients, and more than 85% of people have never participated in a clinical trial.
By leveraging local pharmacists - some of the most trusted healthcare professionals - RxE2 is building a more efficient and patient-friendly approach to clinical research that could reshape how new medications are developed and tested.
Bushel: Revolutionizing Agriculture Technology
(Up)Bushel has totally transformed the agriculture game in 2025 with its mobile app platform connecting farmers to real-time data and market insights. As the first automated mobile platform for grain elevators and cooperatives, Bushel now powers over 3,500 grain facilities across the U.S. and Canada, representing more than 50% of grain operations in North America.
Their latest report shows they're crushing it - there's been a 12% drop in paper check payments as farmers switch to digital solutions, with adoption of their payment platform jumping from 39% to 76% in just one year.
What makes Bushel stand out is how they're building the future of farming through smart tech.
Based in Fargo, ND, they're not just another startup - they're meeting strict SOC 2 Type II standards for data security while serving over 100,000 farmers. The company's getting major recognition too, with CEO John Anderson speaking at the 2025 World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit alongside industry leaders from Microsoft, Bayer, and Amazon Web Services.
Their platform is helping farmers make smarter decisions about everything from grain sales to field operations.
Looking at this year's numbers, Bushel's impact is clear - nearly half of all farmers are either using or planning to use their digital payment options.
This shift is making farm operations way more efficient and secure. Their tech is especially crucial now as agriculture faces big challenges with climate change and the need for sustainable practices.
By streamlining operations and improving financial processes, Bushel is making it easier for farmers to focus on what really matters - growing food and running successful businesses.
CoSchedule: Streamlining Marketing Operations
(Up)In 2025, CoSchedule stands out as a game-changing marketing powerhouse that's totally transforming how companies handle their marketing game.
Their Marketing Suite is packed with incredible features - we're talking AI-powered tools with over 500 prompts, super-smart workspaces, and team management features that actually make sense.
Teams using CoSchedule are completing 125% more work and crushing their deadlines with over 90% on-time rates, which is seriously impressive. The platform lets you manage everything from one spot, whether it's content planning, social media, or full-on marketing campaigns.
The latest data shows that CoSchedule has stepped up their game with some seriously next-level features.
Their all-in-one AI marketing calendar is changing the game for content creators and social media managers. Teams can now organize their entire marketing strategy in one place, with specialized calendars for different needs - whether you're running social campaigns or managing multiple clients.
The platform even includes Mia, their AI assistant, which helps create content and streamline workflows in ways that weren't possible before.
What really sets CoSchedule apart is their commitment to making marketing less chaotic.
Their flexible pricing options start with a free plan and scale up to meet enterprise needs, making it accessible for everyone from solo creators to large teams.
Users can customize their workspace with different views - calendar, kanban, or team dashboard - to match their workflow style. Plus, with features like bulk scheduling and automated publishing, marketers can focus on creating awesome content instead of getting bogged down by repetitive tasks.
Myriad Mobile: Transforming Mobile App Development
(Up)Myriad Mobile has transformed the tech scene in Fargo since its founding in 2011. Starting as a mobile app developer, they've crushed it by launching over 350 successful apps across different sectors.
What's really cool is how they've evolved from basic app development into creating next-level solutions using cutting-edge tech like AI integration, 5G capabilities, and advanced AR features.
Their breakthrough moment came with a $1.5M funding round that helped them develop game-changing ag-tech solutions, showing they're not just about making apps - they're about solving real problems.
The company has seriously stepped up their game with cross-platform development frameworks and cloud integration, making their apps more accessible and powerful than ever.
Their focus on combining user feedback with rapid development cycles has resulted in some impressive stats - their clients are seeing major improvements in efficiency, and their development process is super streamlined.
What makes Myriad stand out is how they keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible in mobile tech, especially in sectors like agriculture and healthcare where their innovations are making a real difference.
They're not just following trends - they're setting them, and that's why they're definitely one of the most exciting companies to watch in Fargo's growing tech ecosystem.
Appareo Systems: Advances in UAV Technology
(Up)Appareo Systems is crushing it in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) space, making Fargo a serious tech hotspot. Their latest breakthrough came through a major FAA grant of $802,599 for groundbreaking research in radio functionality and command control systems.
The company's gone next-level with their new AIRS-400 flight recorder, which captures 4K Ultra HD video and weighs just 11 ounces - pretty sick for aviation tech.
What's really cool is that they're not just building random tech; they're actually working with the Northern Plains UAS Test Site to make sure everything's safe and legit for national airspace integration.
The hype around Appareo is real - they're certified by all the major aviation regulators and their engineering squad is absolutely killing it with innovations that check all the government boxes.
Their new Stratus Power Max charging system is a game-changer too, delivering up to 60 watts of charging power through dual USB-C connectors.
It's literally keeping pilots' devices powered up throughout their flights, which is crucial for modern aviation.
Most startup founders would agree that what sets Appareo apart is their practical approach to innovation.
They're not just making cool tech for the sake of it - they're solving real problems in aviation. Their work on detect-and-avoid capabilities and live-streaming video from UAVs is changing how we think about unmanned flight.
Looking ahead to 2025, Appareo's position in Fargo's tech scene is stronger than ever, making them a must-watch company for anyone trying to break into aerospace tech.
They're proving that you don't need to be in Silicon Valley to make waves in the tech world - sometimes the best innovation happens right here in North Dakota.
Dakota Carrier Network: Enhancing Connectivity
(Up)Dakota Carrier Network (DCN) is transforming North Dakota's tech landscape with some seriously impressive moves in 2025. Their recent $19.7 million grant is helping create a fully meshed network that's changing the game for connectivity across the state.
With 65,000 miles of fiber optic network and 99.999% uptime, DCN isn't just talking about reliability - they're delivering it. They're bringing high-speed internet to the most rural spots, making sure everyone from students to remote workers can stay connected.
Their data centers are built like fortresses, literally able to handle EF4 tornado-force winds, which is pretty intense. The company's latest expansion includes adding 874.59 miles of new fiber routes, connecting major cities like Bismarck, Jamestown, and Fargo.
They're operating two of only three Tier III data centers in North Dakota, which is huge for local businesses wanting top-tier security and reliability.
With over 1,000 employees serving nearly 400 communities, DCN is seriously stepping up North Dakota's tech game. Their work makes it possible for banks, hospitals, schools, and government offices to stay connected and secure, which is crucial for keeping the state's tech ecosystem growing.
It's not just about internet - it's about building a digital infrastructure that can handle whatever the future throws at us.
Aldevron: Pioneering Biotech Solutions
(Up)Aldevron stands out as a major force in Fargo's tech landscape, making serious moves in the biotech world. As the largest producer of GMP plasmid DNA globally, they're transforming how we approach genetic medicine and therapy development.
Their breakthrough campus in Fargo is crushing it with plasmid DNA, RNA, and protein manufacturing capabilities, supporting over 1,000 clients and 15 commercial cell and gene therapy programs.
What makes them extra impressive is their recent partnership with Integrated DNA Technologies, which is taking CRISPR research to new heights with expanded access to high-quality gene editing tools.
The company's innovation game is particularly strong in non-viral manufacturing methods, with their Nanoplasmid technology leading the way in both transposon and CRISPR workflows.
Their latest advancements in cell-free DNA platforms are challenging traditional approaches, offering more efficient and scalable solutions for gene therapy.
This is huge news for researchers working on genetic treatments, as it means faster development times and better results.
Looking ahead to 2025, Aldevron's impact on medical research is set to grow even bigger.
They're not just making components for research - they're actively shaping how we develop new treatments. With their recent expansion into mRNA manufacturing and LNP formulation services, they're perfectly positioned to support the next generation of genetic medicines.
Their state-of-the-art facilities and focus on quality control have made them the go-to partner for companies developing everything from cancer treatments to rare disease therapies.
Pedigree Technologies: Optimizing Asset Management
(Up)Pedigree Technologies has transformed the game since 2004, starting with something as simple as monitoring sugar beet piles and growing into a major player in the tech scene.
Their OneView platform is crushing it in the field operations space, letting companies track everything from trucks to trailers in real-time.
What's super cool is how they've managed to cut equipment downtime and boost productivity across different industries like construction, transportation, and oil & gas.
I've been checking out their latest tech stack, and honestly, it's pretty impressive.
The OneView asset management system does everything from GPS tracking to monitoring engine runtime, and it even sends automatic alerts if something's not right.
Companies using their system can literally pull up their entire fleet info on their phone anytime, anywhere - which is exactly what we expect in 2025, right?
What really stands out is their focus on keeping things simple but effective.
They've developed this smart fleet management solution that helps companies save on fuel costs, stay compliant with regulations, and nail their delivery times.
Plus, their 24/7 support team in Fargo means you're never left hanging if something goes wrong. It's honestly pretty cool to see a local company making such big waves in the tech world, especially since they've been going strong for 20 years now.
Their success story is exactly why Fargo is becoming such an exciting spot for tech startups.
Evolution1: Innovating Financial Technology
(Up)Evolution1 is crushing it in the financial technology space in 2025, completely changing how we handle money and financial systems. As a major force in North Dakota's tech scene, the company has integrated advanced AI-driven solutions and cloud technologies that are seriously next-level.
Their focus on smart payment systems and healthcare accounts is making financial management actually manageable for both businesses and regular people. The numbers speak for themselves - with real-time payment transactions projected to hit 511.7 billion by 2027, Evolution1 is perfectly positioned to capture this explosive growth.
The company has been killing it with a 20% year-over-year market share increase, backed by some serious partnerships with banks and healthcare providers. What's really cool is how they've implemented AI automation that's cutting processing times by 75% and making everything super efficient.
Their tech stack handles everything from instant payments to smart expense tracking, plus they've got these AI systems that give personalized financial advice.
When their CTO Robert Thomas talks about "redefining the financial technology landscape," he's not just throwing around big words - Evolution1 is actually making it happen.
They're making financial services way more accessible and affordable for everyone in Fargo and beyond, which is honestly pretty amazing. With their focus on innovation and practical solutions, Evolution1 is definitely one to watch in the fintech space.
Conclusion: The Future of Startups in Fargo
(Up)Fargo's tech scene is absolutely crushing it right now! The industry contributed $2.1 billion to North Dakota's economy and employs over 17,000 workers.
The startup ecosystem is thriving with companies like Botlink and RxE2 leading the charge - Botlink even secured $500,000 in seed funding in just five days, which is seriously impressive.
Organizations like Emerging Prairie and the FMWF Chamber are backing these startups with amazing resources and mentorship programs.
What's really cool is seeing how the Good Jobs Challenge grant of $9.62 million is transforming the workforce development scene here.
The energy in Fargo's tech community is electric! StartupBREW Fargo events are packed with entrepreneurs pitching fresh ideas, while NDSU's Technology Incubator hosts innovation challenges that are launching new companies left and right.
Major players like Microsoft and Amazon have set up data centers here, proving that Fargo's got what it takes to compete on the national stage. Local initiatives and training programs are making sure we've got the talent pipeline to keep up with demand, especially in AI and machine learning.
The future's looking bright - we're talking about a projected 20% growth by the end of 2024, which is massive! The focus on agritech and renewable energy is creating tons of opportunities for tech professionals who want to make a real impact.
With the cost of living way lower than the major tech hubs and a supportive community that actually wants you to succeed, Fargo's becoming the perfect spot for anyone looking to dive into tech.
Whether you're launching a startup or joining an established company, this city's got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What makes Fargo's tech scene noteworthy in 2025?
Fargo's tech scene is remarkable in 2025 for creating nearly 20% of new jobs annually, and for fostering innovation across domains such as agriculture and virtual reality. Significant investment, like Microsoft's $1.5 million to support autonomous systems and digital agriculture, is propelling this growth, while offering competitive entry-level salaries for tech professionals.
How were Fargo's top startups selected?
The top startups were selected based on a detailed methodology considering team dynamics, market timing, and tech innovation potential. Success metrics such as growth rate, user adoption, and funding stability were evaluated, ensuring that the chosen startups are not merely following trends but are solving real problems and contributing genuine value.
What is RxE2's contribution to pharmaceutical care?
RxE2 is revolutionizing pharmaceutical care by making clinical trials more accessible through a network of over 4,000 independent pharmacies, connecting researchers with diverse patient groups. Their platform addresses major challenges in clinical trials, such as recruitment and medication dispensing, facilitating a more efficient and patient-friendly research process.
How is Bushel impacting agriculture with its technology?
Bushel has significantly impacted agriculture by providing a mobile app platform that powers over 3,500 grain facilities, representing more than 50% of grain operations in North America. Their platform enhances real-time data access and market insights for farmers, with a marked increase in the adoption of digital payment solutions, thus driving efficiency and security in farm operations.
What are the benefits of starting a tech career in Fargo?
Starting a tech career in Fargo is advantageous due to its rapid growth, supportive community, and ample opportunities across various innovative sectors like agritech and renewable energy. With a cost of living lower than major tech hubs and a projected 20% growth by the end of 2024, Fargo presents an ideal environment for tech professionals seeking career growth and impactful work.
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Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.