Marc Nager

Managing Partner @ Howdy Partners | Entrepreneurship, Startups, VC

Durango, Colorado

fortlewis+1

Summary

Marc Nager is a recognized global leader in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems, having co-founded Startup Weekend and served as CEO of UP Global. Under his leadership, these organizations expanded to support nearly one million entrepreneurs across five continents and over 700 cities, significantly contributing to the growth of early-stage startups worldwide. startups+3

He is a pioneer in rural venture capital, currently serving as a Managing Partner at Howdy Partners (formerly Greater Colorado Venture Fund). His work focuses on providing the first institutional investments to founders in overlooked markets, particularly rural Colorado, and advocating for investment models that prioritize sustainable growth and authentic relationships over traditional high-return expectations. howdy+2

Nager is deeply committed to community building and innovation, as evidenced by his roles as a Board Member for Energize Colorado, VP Innovation at Telluride Foundation, and Managing Director of Telluride Venture Accelerator. He also previously served as Chief Community Officer at Techstars, where he continued to champion global startup ecosystems. energizecolorado+2

As a thought leader, Marc Nager emphasizes the human-centric and values-driven aspects of entrepreneurship. Through interviews and his writings on Medium, he discusses themes like problem-solving, collaboration, diversity of opinion, and the importance of small businesses as economic drivers, believing that capitalism needs to align more with societal values. startups+2

Work

Education

Writing

Mental Health Resources for Entrepreneurs in the time of COVID

May 13, 2020

An article published in the Greater Colorado Venture Fund's Medium channel, offering resources for entrepreneurs during challenging times.

medium.com

GCVF Standard Terms & Reps for Investment Docs

February 14, 2020

Published on the Greater Colorado Venture Fund's Medium channel, this article outlines standard terms and representations for investment documents.

medium.com

A Founder’s Guide to Startup Valuations in Rural Colorado

October 23, 2019

An article discussing the nuances of startup valuations, especially for companies in rural areas, published on the Greater Colorado Venture Fund's Medium channel.

medium.com