File not found
Community

BETA Names New Executive Director

BETA, a Minnesota nonprofit organization that provides early-stage Minnesota-based founders with the resources and relationships necessary to grow and scale their business, has named Shelisa Demuth as its next Executive Director. 

BETA Executive Director

BETA Executive Director Shelisa Demuth

A Minnesota native, Demuth brings 10 years of startup consulting experience, including the founding of her most recent venture, LAUREL, a PR firm for impact-driven disruptors. In just 3 years, she grew the team to eight members and led strategy to effectively develop campaigns and configure marketing automation systems to build both local and national brands.

Previously, she was Chief of Staff at New York-based private equity firm, Private Risk Capital Development Advisors and Director of Sales at Minneapolis-based products manufacturer Woodchuck USA before founding her firm.

“We are thrilled to welcome Shelisa as the next Executive Director of BETA,” said Board Chair Allison Barmann. “BETA has grown its impact over the past several years through its founder-focused programming, Startup Week that is growing in scale and prominence, and, most recently, the acquisition of tech.mn. Shelisa has the skills, experience and vision to build on and integrate these assets to amplify BETA’s impact and truly make MN a startup leader.”  

Throughout her career, Demuth has remained a champion of innovation, care and community, values that resonate with exiting Director, Casey Shultz. When asked to comment on her successor, Shultz stated:

“When it comes to supporting and growing our entrepreneur community, Shelisa is the whole package. I can’t wait to see how she leverages her breadth of experience and leadership to continue growing the BETA, Twin Cities Startup Week, and tech.mn brands.”

Putting founders first is at the center of BETA’s mission and core to its new leadership. Demuth had this to share about her vision for the organization:

“This is an immensely investable ecosystem. Minnesota founders have what it takes to make the Twin Cities a startup capital. The innovation is already here. Corporate support and funding is here. There’s no organization that’s better positioned to develop national tech leadership by nurturing that relationship. Building on the strong foundation BETA has established, this community of innovators will only continue to gain momentum and grow. To lead the next iteration of that identity in the same place I grew up is an incredible full circle.”

That insight and energy is what she’ll bring to BETA when she steps into the leadership role on January 3rd.

Don’t miss a beat. Follow Shelisa and stay in the know:

Shelisa Demuth headshot credit: Bianca Wilcox Photography

About BETA: BETA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides early-stage Minnesota-based founders with the resources and relationships necessary to grow and scale their business. Through signature programming and events including Twin Cities Startup Week, BETA Showcase, the BETA Cohort and media outlet tech.mn, BETA’s mission is to inspire, educate and nurture the next generation of business leaders to become the state’s next Fortune 500s.

Alex Skjong
Alex oversees the content produced for BETA, Twin Cities Startup Week, and tech.mn. When he’s not writing or editing, there’s a good chance he’s enjoying a refreshing brew and explaining the merits of heavy metal (of which there are many).