About
Homestake Partners is a Bozeman-based venture capital firm taking a distinctive approach to investing in Montana's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Unlike traditional VC firms focused primarily on outsized returns, Homestake Partners has positioned itself around what founders describe as the state's 'backbone' businesses—the local hardware stores, corner markets, and community-rooted enterprises that form the economic foundation of Montana communities. The firm has expanded its reach into Missoula by hiring a partner to grow the organization's membership base and identify emerging investment opportunities across the state. The firm's portfolio demonstrates this philosophy in practice, with investments spanning organic agriculture (Gallatin Valley Botanical), corporate education technology (Wisetail), natural consumer products (Sofi, the Natural Baby Company), and food retail (Sola Cafe & Market locations in Bozeman and Big Sky). This diversified portfolio reflects a commitment to backing founders building sustainable, locally-rooted businesses rather than chasing venture-scale exit multiples. The membership-based model positions Homestake Partners as a community investment vehicle rather than a traditional limited-partnership structure, aligning investor interests with long-term Montana business success. By targeting the Missoula market specifically, the firm is broadening access to capital for founders outside the Bozeman core while maintaining focus on businesses that contribute meaningfully to their regions' economic and social fabric.