2009-11-10 21:45:02 -

The great American novel Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain was the inspiration for founder Matthew Crowe when he decided to start a new Minneapolis-based venture capital firm. In the current economic environment one might think now is not the time; however, Huckleberry appears to have a very unique twist.

Their “What’s Your Huckleberry” campaign will be starting this spring and is one of many sneak peaks into their new model of venture capital and the hip new brand of Huckleberry.

What is a Huckleberry? A ‘Huckleberry’ is a problem in need of a solution.

Their upcoming web portal will allow users to identify and discuss Huckleberries (problems) in specific industries, technologies, demographics or existing products and services. Huckleberry Ventures will be hosting two

annual events promoted nationally through targeted PR – similar to the Xprize – selecting the very best Huckleberries as the winners and recipients of an investment from Huckleberry. This is a small part of their more “proactive” approach to venture capital which has traditionally been seen as an unchanged and reactive industry.

With its brand centric, proactive investment model, Huckleberry will actively promote itself to the entrepreneurial world through its unique deal sourcing model, strong investment team, and operations-focused execution strategy.

“We want to identify problems in need of solutions and build successful companies,” says Crowe who states he’s an entrepreneur first and a venture capitalist second, allowing him to far better understand what entrepreneurs want and need while at the same time providing the marketplace with sustainable companies.

Huckleberry plans to make early stage investments in consumer-focused products and services related to the Internet, mobile communications, retail, and ‘socially-minded’ companies. This is a dramatic change in the Midwest venture landscape traditionally known for Med Tech and IT investments. Target, Best Buy, and 3M are just a few of the consumer-led brands that are headquartered in Minneapolis.

“Having the best brand, the best team, the best capital, and investing in only the best entrepreneurs – that’s a recipe for success,” says Crowe.

Huckleberry VenturesMatthew Crowe, 612-990-3737Founder matthew.crowe@huckventures.com : mailto:matthew.crowe@huckventures.com