Collider Names Peter Burghardt as Executive Director

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Collider, a Rochester nonprofit that helps early-stage companies launch and grow, has named Peter Burghardt as its new Executive Director, tapping an experienced entrepreneur and startup advisor to lead its next phase of growth and impact.

Founded in 2018, Collider was created to strengthen Rochester’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing a central hub for founders to access mentorship, programming and community connections. Since its launch, the organization has supported hundreds of entrepreneurs and played a key role in advancing innovation and small business growth in the region.

Burghardt joins Collider with a background that spans startup operations, venture support and creative entrepreneurship. From 2016 to 2024, he worked with early-stage companies at The Batchery, a Berkeley, CA-based startup accelerator, where he helped more than 200 founders navigate product development, market entry and capital strategy. In 2024, he founded Stringtree, an online marketplace for vintage and high-value musical instruments.

“Peter brings a unique combination of entrepreneurial experience, creative thinking and deep understanding of what it takes to build and support early-stage companies,” said Pamela York, Board Chair of Collider and General Partner at Capita3. “His passion for community-driven innovation aligns perfectly with Collider’s mission, and we’re excited for the energy and vision he will bring to Rochester’s growing startup ecosystem.”

Originally from Minnetrista, Minnesota, Burghardt is returning to the state with a deep commitment to helping entrepreneurs succeed and a belief in the power of strong, locally rooted ecosystems.

“Collider’s work is in line with my passion for helping startups get going—and get going right,” Burghardt said. “I’m a builder by nature and I love supporting people as they figure out how the puzzle pieces fit together for a successful business.”

As Executive Director, Burghardt will focus on expanding Collider’s role as a “front door” for entrepreneurship in Rochester—helping founders access the resources, relationships and capital they need to succeed. His priorities include strengthening partnerships between founders, investors and community partners across the region, enhancing early-stage programming and exploring opportunities to increase access to funding for startups.

Burghardt sees significant opportunity in Rochester’s unique assets. “When you have a community like Rochester—an epicenter for incredibly talented people, innovation, and investment —it creates exciting opportunities for new ideas to take shape,” Burghardt said. “There’s so much potential here to build businesses that improve quality of life and contribute to a vibrant, growing economy.”

Burghardt and his family are relocating to Rochester, where he looks forward to connecting with the community and helping shape its entrepreneurial future.

About Collider Collider is a Rochester-based nonprofit organization that supports entrepreneurs and early-stage companies through programming, mentorship and community connections. By serving as a central hub for innovation, Collider helps founders launch, grow and scale their businesses while contributing to a thriving regional economy.