The Combine (nebraskacombine.com), Nebraska’s premier initiative for accelerating high-growth startups in food and agriculture, is excited to announce Brennan Costello as its new Program Director.
Brennan brings more than a decade of experience building Nebraska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, with a strong focus on rural and agricultural communities. In his new role, he will lead The Combine in supporting nearly 40 startups across AgTech, robotics, food innovation, and biotech—efforts that have collectively raised over $40 million in venture capital and grant funding.
Prior to joining The Combine, Brennan served as Chief Business Relations Officer for the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program, where he developed transformative programming and built extensive networks that empowered hundreds of entrepreneurs statewide. He has also held leadership roles at BasicBlock and FARMAFIELD, where he contributed to early-stage growth and helped secure an NSF SBIR grant.
A former National FFA Officer and Kirchner Venture Fellow, Brennan has played a key role in advancing ag innovation across Latin America. He holds a B.S. in Agribusiness and an M.S. in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and is currently a fellow in the prestigious Nebraska LEAD program.
Please join us in welcoming Brennan to The Combine and the Invest Nebraska team!
Learn more at nebraskacombine.com