Minnesota kept sending hundreds of thousands in grants to EV startup that missed key reporting deadline

A Minnesota startup with big plans appealed to state government for financial help to make parts that charge electric cars in the Twin Cities.

5 INVESTIGATES found the company received hundreds of thousands of dollars despite blowing past a key deadline to outline how it was spending public money.

Representatives for the company, FlexForge, appeared before lawmakers in 2023 asking for $10 million to create more than 160 jobs at its manufacturing facility in Brooklyn Park.

“What we envision is bringing a clean energy hub to Minnesota,” said Jevne Micheau-Cunningham, CEO of FlexForge.

But records obtained by 5 INVESTIGATES show FlexForge LLC was not registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State when it made its funding request and described itself as an established business with about 10 employees.

State Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar, said the lack of registration should have raised concerns.

“Normally when y...