A small but growing community of founders is testing whether the plains can grow tech companies. The state's economy is changing fast, and its numbers tell part of the story.

Local accelerators and coworking spaces support early-stage founders.

What sets it apart

Fintech and agricultural technology are natural fits for the state's economy. It is the kind of specific that turns a passing curiosity into a lasting fascination.

Backers point to low costs and a tight-knit business community as advantages.

Why it matters

What ties it all together is a distinctly South Dakota balance between the wild and the worked-over. Whether the bet pays off or not, it is helping write South Dakota's next chapter.