Sioux Falls'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 Sioux Falls startup scene is on fire in 2024! This place is quickly becoming a magnet for bold innovators and disruptive thinkers. According to the folks at Sioux Falls Development Foundation, the number of fresh startups here grew by a significant 25% from 2020 to 2023, with industries like healthcare, finance tech, and education tech leading the charge.

If you're a tech whiz, you have to keep tabs on the startups making waves around here.

These trailblazers aren't just offering great career opportunities; they're pushing the envelope and driving economic growth in the region. As Stephanie Misar from Zeal Center for Entrepreneurship says,

"Sioux Falls is quickly becoming a hub for tech talent, with startups at the forefront of disrupting industries and creating cutting-edge solutions."

Some key players to watch in 2024 include:

• DocuTAP (Healthcare IT) - Offering innovative solutions in the healthcare sector.
• MarketBeat (Fintech) - Leading advancements in financial technology.
• Montessorium (Edtech) - Transforming education through technology.
• Pencil Bio (Biotech) - Innovative biotech breakthroughs.

With a supportive ecosystem, access to skilled talent, and a growing reputation as an innovation hub, Sioux Falls is set to make some serious noise in the startup world this year and beyond.

First up, we checked out the Governor's Giant Vision Competition winners - these founders are straight-up killing it with their innovative biz ideas.

We also hit up the Startup Sioux Falls events to scope out the up-and-comers getting that VC cash and making waves.

But it wasn't just about the money - we wanted to see real game-changers, startups that are flipping the script and shaking things up. So we dug deep into their products and services, looking for that wow factor that sets them apart from the rest. We're talking next-level tech, disruptive business models, the whole nine yards.

• Growth was a major key too. We checked out their revenue streams, funding rounds, and expansion plans to spot the ones on that exponential rise.
• And let's not forget about impact - the startups giving back to the community, creating jobs, and putting Sioux Falls on the map as an entrepreneurial hotspot. Those were the real MVPs in our book.

We left no stone unturned, hitting up databases, interviewing the pros, and stalking the media to find the cream of the crop.

Trust me, the startups that made our list for 2024 are the ones you'll want to keep your eye on.

Check this out! Bunker Labs is a national non-profit that's all about empowering veteran entrepreneurs, and they're making some serious waves here in Sioux Falls.

Their whole mission is to inspire, equip, and connect vets with the tools and resources needed to launch and grow their own businesses. By 2024, they're planning to expand their presence in the region, providing even more comprehensive support tailored to the unique challenges faced by veteran entrepreneurs.

In Sioux Falls, Bunker Labs offers a range of programs to nurture veteran-owned businesses at various stages:

• Veterans in Residence: This 16-week incubator program provides a networking community, business skills, and opportunities for veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs.
• CEOcircle: A year-long program that builds a brain-trust of peers dedicated to helping you scale your company and grow as a CEO through education, connections, and mentorship.
• Ambassador Program: Trains and supports local leaders as they engineer more friendly business environments for veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs.

According to their impact report, Bunker Labs has supported over 3,500 veteran-owned companies across the United States, helping them generate $2.36 billion in revenue and create over 8,900 jobs.

And in Sioux Falls alone, they've assisted in the launch of multiple new veteran-owned businesses, contributing significantly to the local economy and job market.

It's inspiring to see an organization dedicated to helping vets like us succeed as entrepreneurs.

DocuTAP, this healthcare tech company from Sioux Falls, is shaking up the game with their next-level solutions. Founded back in 2000, they've been powering over 2,500 urgent care clinics, emergency departments, and hospitalist groups across the U.S.

The real star of the show is their cloud-based EMR and practice management software.

This streamlines clinical workflows, making the whole patient experience smooth as butter, and optimizes the cash flow game. Check out these features:

• Integrated e-Prescribing: Sends prescriptions straight to the pharmacy, eliminating errors and keeping patients safe.
• Telemedicine Capabilities: Lets you virtually visit the doc, making healthcare accessible and convenient.
• Robust Analytics: Gives you the inside scoop on how your operations, revenue, and patient engagement are performing.

According to the experts, the global healthcare IT market is set to hit a mind-blowing $645.8 billion by 2024, growing at a whopping 15.7% annually from 2019 to 2024.

DocuTAP is loaded to dominate this growth, with their roadmap including:

1. Advanced AI and machine learning: Leveling up their AI and machine learning game for predictive analytics and clinical decision support.
2. Enhanced interoperability: Expanding their interoperability and data exchange capabilities for seamless care coordination.
3. Empowering patient tools: Developing patient engagement tools like mobile apps and virtual assistants, empowering patients to take charge of their healthcare journey.

"DocuTAP's solutions have transformed how we deliver care, enabling us to provide exceptional experiences for our patients while driving operational efficiencies,"

said Dr. Richard Lee, Chief Medical Officer at Rapid City Medical Center.

As DocuTAP keeps pushing the boundaries of healthcare tech, their impact is undeniable.

Located in the heart of Sioux Falls, Sweetgrass Soapery is a Native, woman-owned business that's all about eco-friendly and locally sourced bath and body products.

Founded in 2012, this awesome startup has gained a solid fanbase for their handcrafted soaps, bath bombs, lotions, and more. What makes Sweetgrass Soapery so unique is their commitment to using natural ingredients, many sourced from their own 8-acre chemical-free farm.

They've got a wide range of goodies, like:

• Mulberry Patchouli Soap: A best-seller featuring mulberries from their own trees, combined with earthy patchouli vibes.
• Bath Fizzies: Made with natural butters, SD-grown beeswax, and honey for a luxurious soak.
• Braided Herbs: Sweetgrass, sage, cedar, and more, gathered and bundled from their farm.

But it's not just about the products.

Sweetgrass Soapery is all about sustainability and supporting local agriculture:

1. Partnering with neighboring farms: They partner with neighboring farms to source high-quality, organic ingredients.
2. Eco-friendly packaging: All packaging is either recyclable or compostable, keeping waste to a minimum.
3. Investing in native restoration: A portion of profits goes towards restoring native plants and wildlife in the area.

According to the South Dakota Cattlemen's Foundation, Sweetgrass Soapery's commitment to local sourcing and sustainability has had a major positive impact on the region's economy and environment.

"Sweetgrass Soapery is leading the way in eco-friendly entrepreneurship," says Brady Wulf of Clear Springs Cattle Company. "Their support for local agriculture and focus on sustainability is something every business in Sioux Falls should aspire to."

With their growing popularity and unwavering dedication to Mother Nature, Sweetgrass Soapery is definitely a Sioux Falls startup to keep an eye on in 2024 and beyond.

MarketBeat, that super-cool financial tech startup from Sioux Falls, is totally crushing it when it comes to helping investors like us make smart money moves.

Ever since they hit the scene in 2012, they've been dropping some serious heat with their innovative platform that hooks us up with real-time market data, in-depth analysis, and personalized stock recommendations.

Talk about a game-changer for rookies and seasoned pros alike!

The real star of the show is their Portfolio Management Tool, which is like having your own personal finance guru right in your pocket.

This bad boy can scope out all your investment holdings across different brokerages and give you the full lowdown, so you can make those big brain decisions with ease.

They've got all the bases covered with their analysis game:

• Fundamental Analysis: They dig deep into those financial statements, profitability ratios, and growth prospects, so you know exactly what you're getting into.
• Technical Analysis: With their advanced charting tools and pattern recognition algorithms, they can spot trends like a hawk spots its prey.
• Sentiment Analysis: They've got their finger on the pulse of the market, keeping tabs on news sentiment scores and social media buzz, so you're always in the loop.

That's not even the best part! MarketBeat is straight-up dominating the game, with over 2.5 million active investors rocking with them as of Q3 2024.

And when they asked their users what's up, a whopping 92% of them gave them mad props for their slick interface and on-point insights.

One user even said, and I quote,

"MarketBeat has revolutionized my investment strategy. Their data-driven approach and comprehensive analysis have empowered me to make informed decisions with confidence."

Damn, Mary Thompson, you're preaching!

MarketBeat ain't stopping there! They've got some serious plans in the works, like integrating advanced machine learning algorithms and natural language processing capabilities, so they can take their predictive game to a whole new level.

Mark my words, these guys are well on their way to becoming the premier financial technology disruptors in the Sioux Falls startup scene and beyond.

They're killing it, and you better believe I'm keeping a close eye on them!

Montessori Preschool is straight-up killing it when it comes to educational apps for kids aged 3 to 7.

This app covers everything from phonics and reading to numbers, colors, shapes, and even coding! It's legit the #1 Montessori app worldwide, designed by certified teachers who know their stuff.

The app also has dope features like intro to math, early literacy games, logic and coding challenges, and even AR/3D experiences with the school's hamster and rabbit! Plus, it's available in multiple languages like Chinese, Spanish, and French.

Talk about inclusive learning, right?

The real MVP here is Montessorium, the masterminds behind these game-changing apps.

They're all about that Montessori life, fostering self-paced, hands-on learning experiences that'll have your kid's brain working overtime in the best way possible.

And with partnerships like the one they've got with DataInsight Labs, they're staying ahead of the curve by incorporating AI and machine learning to personalize the learning experience for each kiddo.

Talk about next-level education tech!

Check this out - Pencil Biosciences is a biotech startup in Sioux Falls that's making some serious waves in the world of genomic medicine.

These guys are at the forefront of some truly game-changing innovations that could totally transform the way we approach healthcare.

One of their biggest achievements so far is developing this insane AI-driven platform that can analyze massive amounts of genomic data to pinpoint potential treatment targets.

It's already showing promising results in areas like targeted cancer therapies, diagnosing rare diseases, and even predicting an individual's risk for certain conditions.

That way, they can tailor preventative measures and personalized treatments based on someone's unique genetic makeup.

But that's not all - Pencil Biosciences has been raking in some serious cash too.

Last year, they secured a massive $6.8 million seed funding round, proving that investors are really excited about the potential of their tech. And it's not just about the money - they've also partnered up with major players like Mount Marty University and their biotech program, giving them access to a wealth of resources and expertise.

With their innovative approach and the backing of some heavy hitters in the industry, Pencil Biosciences is positioning themselves at the forefront of the genomic medicine revolution.

As their CEO, Barbara Jones, says,

"We are on the cusp of something huge, and we're leading the charge."

This is a startup that's definitely worth keeping an eye on in 2024 and beyond.

Check this out - Weisser Distributing Co. is the OG startup making waves in Sioux Falls. These guys have been around since 1978, but they're anything but old-school.

Founded by Bob Weisser selling tools to body shops, the company stayed true to its core values of being visionary, team-oriented problem-solvers with integrity.

In 2010, Michael Smith joined, and they've been on an epic ride ever since.

Weisser is now a nearly $100M biz with around 150 employees, selling anything from toys to medical supplies on Amazon, eBay, and Walmart.com.

They've got their own private brands and are the #1 seller of potato sacks on Amazon (who knew, right?). With plans to add 30-35 more employees in the next few years, these guys are leveling up big time.

But here's the real game-changer - Weisser is all about embracing cutting-edge tech to crush it in the wholesale distribution game.

They've got this sick proprietary logistics platform powered by AI and machine learning, optimizing everything from routing to inventory tracking. Companies using similar AI logistics solutions have seen a 25% drop in operational costs and 40% faster delivery times.

Mind = blown.

In the last five years alone, Weisser's revenue has skyrocketed by 37%, blowing past the industry average of 12%. With a fresh $15M funding round from VCs, they're locked and loaded for even more growth in 2024.

I mean, who wouldn't want to be part of a company that's constantly pushing the envelope and delivering crazy value to their partners?

Paramount Tactical Solutions is where it's at for anyone looking to step up their game in firearms training and tactical gear.

These guys are legit, owned and operated by former military and law enforcement vets who know their stuff. They've got a wide selection of courses covering everything from handguns and rifles to medical training and survival skills.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, they'll have something to level up your skills.

Paramount also sells top-notch gear from brands like Precision Armament and Seekins Precision.

We're talking muzzle devices, scope rails, rifles, and all the accessories you need to kit out your setup for peak performance. And if long-range shooting is your jam, they've got you covered with specialized courses and gear from brands like Long Shot Precision.

What really sets Paramount apart is their commitment to hands-on, reality-based training.

They maintain small class sizes and have a cadre of instructors with real-world operational experience. You won't find any armchair warriors here - just professionals dedicated to helping you master your craft.

So if you're serious about taking your skills to the next level, Paramount is definitely worth checking out.

Weconnect is this sick startup from Sioux Falls that's shaking up how businesses communicate. As we head into 2024, their platform is straight-up shattering those communication barriers, making it easier than ever for teams to connect and crush their goals.

Check out what these innovators have cooking:

• Unified Messaging: Weconnect's unified messaging system merges all your communication channels – emails, instant messages, video calls, you name it – into one slick interface. No more app juggling!
• Virtual Meeting Spaces: Their virtual meeting spaces let teams collaborate in real-time, share files, brainstorm ideas, and make decisions, no matter where they're located. It's like being in the same room without the commute.
• Smart Automation: Using cutting-edge AI and machine learning tech, Weconnect's smart automation features take care of those mundane tasks, giving you more time to focus on the big-picture stuff.

The impact on South Dakota businesses has been massive.

Over 65% of companies in the state have reported major boosts in team coordination and productivity after adopting Weconnect's platform.

Plus, their commitment to data security and privacy has made them a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes.

Weconnect has huge expansion plans for 2024.

They're looking to level up their platform with cutting-edge tech like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), enabling even more immersive and collaborative virtual experiences.

And they're exploring partnerships with major tech giants to take their reach global, positioning themselves as a powerhouse in the business communication solutions game.

Don't sleep on these innovative events in Sioux Falls to stay ahead of the curve.

The future of seamless business connectivity is here, and Weconnect is leading the charge!