Minnesota’s Economic Engine (2026): The Headquarters Advantage and the Next-Wave Challenge This report is built around a simple idea: if we want to understand how Minnesota is performing, we need to measure it against relevant peers using consistent metrics. Grant Gibson • Ecosystem
Kaleidoscope Names Travis Smith CEO, Launches Scholarship Fund Minneapolis-based startup Kaleidoscope announced Jan. 15, 2026 the appointment of Travis Smith as chief executive officer alongside the launch of the Kaleidoscope Scholarship Fund, a newly formed 501(c)(3) public charity aimed at unlocking up to $1 billion in scholarship funding over time. Next In the North • Ecosystem
Digi International Acquires Particle for $50M to Expand IoT Subscription Revenue in Minneapolis Minneapolis-based Digi International announced Jan. 27 that it has acquired Particle, an edge-to-cloud IoT application infrastructure provider, in a $50 million all-cash transaction. Next In the North • Ecosystem
Allegiant and Sun Country to Combine Airlines in $1.5B Deal, Maintaining Major Minneapolis–St. Paul Presence Allegiant Travel Company announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Sun Country Airlines in a cash-and-stock transaction Next In the North • Ecosystem
Sezzle CEO Charlie Youakim Wins EY Entrepreneur Of The Year US Financial Services and FinTech Award Minneapolis fintech company Sezzle has earned national recognition at the 2025 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, with CEO and co-founder Charlie Youakim receiving the U.S. Financial Services and FinTech honor. Next In the North • Tech
Jamf to Be Acquired by Francisco Partners in $2.2 Billion All-Cash Deal Minneapolis-based Apple device management company to go private following transaction approval Next In the North • Tech
