South Dakota Enterprise Institute (SDEI) is a private, nonprofit entrepreneurial support organization based in Brookings, South Dakota, USA focused on helping startups and emerging growth companies access capital, commercialization services, and investor networks — particularly through angel investment funds it organizes and administers across the state.

Pre-Seed / Seed: Works with startups that are early-stage and high-growth oriented, especially those preparing to raise external equity from angels or funds managed with Enterprise Institute support.
Early Institutional: Through its angel fund network, can facilitate equity investments from regional angel funds for seed and early institutional rounds. 

 Typical Capital Support:
 • SDEI itself does not directly deploy cash on a standard accelerator model; instead, it administers a network of angel investment funds (e.g., Black Hills Regional Angel Fund III, Falls Angel Fund III, Hub City Capital, Park Capital Fund) that make equity investments in startups.
Equity Taken:
• The equity percentage taken by angel funds within SDEI’s network is negotiated on a per-deal basis between the company and investors in those funds — there is no fixed published equity target that Enterprise Institute mandates for every investment.
• Founder-side expectation (industry context for angel investments): Individual angel investors or angel funds participating in seed/early institutional rounds typically take minority stakes (~5%–20%) depending on valuation, round size, and negotiation — but the exact percent varies by fund, company, and deal structure. (This reflects typical angel group norms rather than a published SDEI policy.)
Equity Structure: Priced equity, SAFEs, or convertible instruments depending on how the angel funds structure their investment.
Governance: Governance rights and specifics are negotiated per investment with participating angel investors.

Submission Method: Founders interested in angel funding coordinate with SDEI via the contact form on SDEI’s website to receive a formal company application and guidelines for appropriate angel fund(s). 
Intake: SDEI reviews the inquiry and facilitates connections to appropriate angel funds within its network for the founder to pursue. 

Sector Focus: Broad but oriented toward scalable, technology-based, or high-growth potential startups. Retail, restaurants, service businesses, and non-scalable models typically do not qualify for the angel investment funds administered by SDEI.
Geography: Primarily South Dakota–based companies, with occasional exceptions for neighboring state companies if they align with fund criteria.
Stage: Pre-seed, seed, and early institutional growth stages where angel capital can accelerate traction.
Company Profile: Founders with scalable business models and differentiated products or technologies.

Initial Intake: SDEI collects information from the founder to understand company stage and capital needs.
 Presentation Prep: SDEI helps with equity review, business plan refinement, and investor pitch preparation (coaching and consulting). 
Angel Fund Review: Once a company enters the application phase, angel funds evaluate the opportunity based on their criteria for scalable, high-growth business models. 
Deal Negotiation: Terms, valuation, and equity stakes are negotiated between founders and the participating angel investors.

Strategic Capital Access: Opportunity for equity investment from regional angel funds administered through SDEI’s network. 
Commercialization Assistance: Market research, business development planning, and investor presentation support. 
Ecosystem Connectivity: Networking with angel groups, investors, and regional entrepreneurial stakeholders. 
Investor Readiness Coaching: Preparation for investor discussions and capital raises.