StartUpNV is now looking back on four years of astounding success for its affiliated funds that support startups in Nevada, reporting that the companies are providing outstanding returns to investors and the funds are significantly outperforming industry standards.

The three StartUpNV-affiliated venture capital funds, FundNV, AngelNV, and 1864 Fund, have had 475 investors invest $14.3 million in 27 startups since 2021. The funded companies are thriving with positive returns and averaging a 50-70% success rate as opposed to the industry standard of less than 40%.

According to industry benchmark sources, such as Cambridges Associates and Pitchbook, most venture capital funds are barely breaking even, but the StartUpNV-affiliated funds have more than tripled investor capital, which beats Silicon Valley venture capital standards by 264%.

In addition, while 90% of peer funds have distributed zero cash back to investors, the three StartUpNV-affiliated funds have returned 30% of invested capital in just four years, for a total of $4.3 million.

StartUpNV executive director Jeff Saling attributes this success to the fact that there is less competition in Nevada for startups and thus, better valuations, and the intrastate Nevada Certified Investor (NCI) law has enabled more people to become investors.

“Silicon Valley venture capital funds are fighting over the same deals at inflated valuations. We're finding exceptional founders in Nevada and emerging markets at rational prices. The returns speak for themselves that what we are doing in Nevada works,” said Saling.

The mission of StartUpNV is to build Nevada’s startup economy by supporting more founders and broadening the investor base. Where most venture capital funds average only 50 investors, the StartUpNV-affiliated funds have 475, which means venture capital accessible to smaller investors, not just the ultra-wealthy. The NCI law enables more Nevadans to qualify to invest at lower minimum levels.

"Venture capital shouldn't be just for billionaires. Thanks to the NCI law that allows lower investment amounts, we have a diverse array of investors – from teachers to small business owners – who are enjoying higher returns and building wealth,” added Saling. “Smaller checks, more startups, better returns. We're capital-efficient, doing more with less.”

"In addition, most seed funds take 7-10 years to return money. We're doing it in four. Time is money, and our investors are seeing returns twice as fast,” added Saling.

As the funds enter 2026, Saling predicts that the Nevada startup economy will gain national attention for its success – both for investors and entrepreneurs. “Nevada is proving to be a viable tech hub, enabling the state to diversify its economy and rival Silicon Valley for the reputation as the place to be to raise capital and build a successful company,” Saling concluded.

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