About New Venture Network
Pioneering the Future of Startup Success
Building on a rich legacy, we introduce New Venture Network – a version 2.0 of our original program, meticulously reimagined and rebuilt from the ground up. We've distilled the essence of our learnings, ready to expand our reach across Nebraska and beyond. New Venture Network isn't just a course; it's a culmination of proven strategies, real-world experiences, and a vibrant community, all converging to guide the next generation of successful entrepreneurs.
Born in 2017 within the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, The New Venture Network—originally called The Startup Collaborative—emerged as a groundbreaking force in the entrepreneurial world. It marked a pioneering shift from traditional methods, bringing together the strengths of the Straight Shot accelerator, The Omaha Startup Collaborative incubator space, and the Chamber's Entrepreneurship and Innovation program. This merger represented not just a blending of resources but a radical advancement in fostering startup growth.
The program debuted to an enthusiastic crowd of hundreds, signaling the start of a new era in startup development. The on-demand acceleration program, which kicked off immediately after, was a testament to our forward-thinking approach.
In just three years, over 500 entrepreneurs, predominantly first-timers, journeyed through our program. Notably, half of these founders were women or people of color, a testament to our commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Voices of Success: Real Stories from Our Entrepreneurs
Discover the inspiring journeys and real-life impacts New Venture Network has made on our members. Hear directly from the entrepreneurs who have walked our path and seen transformative results. Their experiences go beyond mere testimonials; they reflect practical insights, real challenges overcome, and significant entrepreneurial victories.
No matter who you are, startup life is full of challenges. Having TSC as an ally was a game-changer! The founders are one in a billion, and the program they built was a godsend. TSC was truly a special program that provided founders with deep insight and unwavering support. Their ability to repeatedly convene large groups together around diverse issues attests to their effective leadership. TSC was an accelerator in every sense of the word — for founders and for Nebraska.
– Lacey W
“
Joining The Startup Collaborative was a game-changer for my entrepreneurial journey. The playbooks provided by TSC were not just informative, but they instilled a newfound confidence in me, making each phase of building my company clear and manageable. What stood out for me was the accessibility of mentors. Their readiness for brainstorming and strategy discussions was invaluable. The flexibility of the program was a perfect fit, especially as I balanced building my startup with a full-time job. TSC's unique approach of breaking down the startup process into smaller, manageable steps made what seemed like a daunting endeavor, much more achievable.
– Kelly M
The Startup Collaborative was instrumental in helping me launch my startup. As a first time founder, I didn't know what I didn't know. TSC filled in the gaps. With a well-organized and thorough curriculum, the program offered guidance through all stages of the startup journey. From idea validation to sales to legal, TSC offered support and resources at all steps along the way.”
– Ross H
The Startup Collaborate have established themselves as Sherpas for the Nebraska startup founders. They were instrumental in helping me adopt a proven and repeatable framework from idea to launch to see what success looks like. It was apparent from the very first meeting they were interested in success in each business. For their founders, they pulled out every stop and worked tirelessly to help make fruitful connections. The collaboration and support I felt while working with TSC and other founders was an absolutely magical experience.
– John S
Despite already having a business, I learned how to analyze our customers and develop a new product like a professional through their program. They taught us a comprehensive process for identifying the customer demand for an idea, creating it, and marketing it. The entire staff was incredibly supportive and took a personal interest in each project. With their support, we submitted a successful proposal for a grant that provided seed money for our software development. Their support was the motivation I needed to continue. Overall, it was a fantastic experience.
– Andy C
Even with decades of sales experience and years selling in the same vertical, we required guidance as we developed and launched a completely new product to our existing client base. It is one thing to conceptually understand Lean Startup methods, but it is a tremendous advantage to methodically progress step-by-step through the Phases of the Startup Collaborative.
– Craig L
Meet Your Mentor
Nathan Preheim, Innovator & Entrepreneur
Nathan Preheim is a seasoned entrepreneur whose journey through the realms of innovation, investment, and mentorship has left an indelible mark on the startup ecosystem. Nathan brings a rich tapestry of experiences, from founding, scaling and spearheading development within multiple companies to igniting the potential in others as a mentor and educator.
As co-founder of Proven Ventures and the New Venture Network, Nathan has navigated the complex terrain of startup ecosystems, venture capital, and community transformation with remarkable success. Nathan's wealth of experience—marked by multiple exits, profound industry impact, and a genuine desire to empower others—makes him the ideal mentor to lead you through the intricacies of entrepreneurial & corporate innovation.
Entrepreneurial Achievements and Venture Success
Nathan's entrepreneurial odyssey began with a passion for building and has since evolved into a series of successful ventures. Having co-founded more than half a dozen companies, his keen insight and steadfast determination have led to raising over $40M in venture capital, guiding each of his projects from nascent ideas to market leaders.
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Nathan has co-founded an investment firm/venture capital fund, investing in over 25 companies. This role has not only showcased his acumen in identifying potential but also his commitment to fostering growth and innovation within the startup community. His extensive background in vibrant tech ecosystems like San Francisco and Santa Barbara has endowed him with deep insights into tech-backed startups' challenges and triumphs.
Economic Development Leadership
Nathan’s role in economic development, particularly through his involvement with the Greater Omaha Chamber, underscores his dedication to fostering regional growth and innovation. Leading Greater Omaha's Entrepreneurship and Innovation division, he has been instrumental in crafting strategies that stimulate economic vitality and support entrepreneurial endeavors within the community.
Bridging Startups and Corporates
Nathan's expertise extends beyond the startup realm, as he has also worked extensively as an innovation consultant for numerous Fortune 500 companies and large private corporations. This experience equips him with a unique perspective on innovation at scale, understanding the nuances and challenges of fostering entrepreneurial spirit within established organizations. His ability to navigate these complex environments makes him an invaluable guide for corporations looking to innovate from within.
Academic Foundations and Community Planning
Further enriching his profile, Nathan holds a Master's degree in Community and Regional Planning, providing him with a sophisticated grasp of the economic, social, and infrastructural dynamics essential for cultivating successful innovation ecosystems. This academic foundation complements his hands-on experience, offering a holistic approach to community-driven economic development.