From practical legal solutions to deep community roots, Fredrikson brings strategic value to startups—and to MESA.
As one of Minnesota’s largest and most respected law firms, Fredrikson has long been a go-to resource for companies navigating complex legal landscapes. But for emerging software startups, their value extends beyond legal advice—they offer a strategic partnership grounded in real-world business insight, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to the local tech community. That’s why Fredrikson is a proud Premier Partner of MESA.
Built for Startups, Backed by Experience
Fredrikson’s Venture Capital and Emerging Companies Practice provides legal support to early-stage businesses with the pace and practicality founders need. “We bring practical legal solutions to help our clients solve problems,” says Kevin Spreng, Fredrikson shareholder. “We’re not trying to solve theoretical legal puzzles. We ask, ‘How do we get from here to there?’”
Fredrikson brings a unique depth of experience to venture and emerging-growth companies, providing startup counseling, venture capital financing, intellectual property protection, technology licensing, employment advice, strategic alliances and joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate matters.
The firm’s cross-disciplinary teams work together to ensure that startups receive coordinated and efficient legal counsel that respects the realities of early-stage budgets.
A Flexible Partner for High-Potential Founders
Fredrikson also stands out for its approachability and flexible fee structures. “If we think an entrepreneur has a good likelihood of success, we’re open to talking,” Spreng notes. It’s this founder-first mindset that resonates with MESA’s mission.
Spreng himself brings decades of experience representing both entrepreneurs and investors. While his current focus is more investor-side, he remains actively involved in guiding startups through complex early-stage transactions.
Rooted in Minnesota, Committed to Community
While many firms have expanded beyond their origins, Fredrikson remains solidly Midwest-based, with its most significant presence in Minneapolis and Iowa. “We’re Midwesterners helping build our entire economy,” says Spreng. “Supporting emerging companies is a core part of that.”
That local-first mindset is what makes Fredrikson such a strong fit with MESA. “The mission to make Minnesota’s software economy one of the most vibrant in the nation? That resonates. It’s exactly what we should all want to do.”
MESA is proud to partner with Fredrikson. “Fredrikson’s alliance with MESA is a milestone. They are a highly respected advocate for Minnesota’s startup community, and we deeply appreciate their commitment to our mission,” shares John Moroney, MESA President. “We’re excited to collaborate with them to bring valuable legal and governance guidance to the startups in our program—both current and future.”
Legal Support that Accelerates Innovation
Whether it’s helping secure funding, protecting IP, navigating growth, or resolving disputes, Fredrikson is a critical ally for early-stage software companies. With a practical, personalized approach and a genuine commitment to the Minnesota tech ecosystem, Fredrikson isn’t just a legal service provider—they’re a growth partner.
