Andrew Felbinger is a Principal at Urban Innovation Fund who brings an unusual combination of Wall Street trading, real estate private equity, and recent startup operating experience as Head of Finance & Biz Ops at a YC-backed fintech company. Based in Minneapolis while working for a San Francisco fund, he serves as a bridge between coastal capital and Midwestern founders, and is known for making first investments in napkin-stage ideas that later become multi-billion-dollar companies.

• Hands-on passion for real estate investing and short-term rentals, specifically in the Minnesota and Palm Springs markets. He frequently shares the operational realities of this sector, from navigating permit delays for a pool installation to emphasizing that high occupancy rates come from providing memorable guest experiences rather than just a bed to sleep in.
• Commitment to disciplined investment strategies and long-term founder support. He advises against letting fear dictate financial decisions, suggesting that more value is lost by sitting on the sidelines than during market corrections. This philosophy extends to celebrating portfolio successes, such as witnessing a fintech company like Jeeves grow from a compelling idea to massive scale.
• Focus on the practical mechanics of fundraising and market analysis. He offers tactical advice to founders, noting that effective storytelling is often the deciding factor between success and failure when raising capital. He also critiques broader market trends, such as distinguishing between risky speculative real estate bets and safer cash-flow positive properties.
• Strong ties to the Minnesota innovation ecosystem and general sports culture. He actively participates in local startup events in the Twin Cities, braving the cold to meet new cohorts, and engages with sports narratives ranging from golf rivalries to the positive social impact of professional baseball players.