By Tom Still MADISON, Wis. – The power of deal sharing and accelerating interest from out-of-state investors has been front-and-center this summer in Wisconsin, with many young companies announcing new venture capital rounds or acquisitions by larger companies. For state policymakers who are considering priming the pump...
When the Wisconsin Legislature declined to include a privately matched, $100-million state venture capital investment in the 2021-23 state budget, it wasn’t because lawmakers were foreign to the concept. Over time, the Legislature has twice worked with separate governors – Democrat and Republican – to enact programs that have raised Wisconsin’s startup...
Supporters of a $100 million venture capital fund are considering a separate bill to create the mechanism to boost young businesses. This comes after the “fund of funds” was not included in the state’s 2021-23 biennial budget. “It has been raised as a possibility by some legislators in both parties as...
The latest Wisconsin Portfolio report from the Wisconsin Technology Council shows more than $483 million was raised by early-stage companies in the state in 2020, marking a record year for the amount raised. But the Tech Council notes in its report that Wisconsin's numbers still lag...
The latest edition of “The Wisconsin Portfolio” shows more than $483 million was raised by the state’s early stage companies in 2020, a record for any calendar year in Wisconsin but still not on par with other Midwest states. The report by the Wisconsin Technology Council and its Tech...
CURRENT LAW The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is a public-private entity created under state law as the state's lead agency in promoting economic development. WEDC offers a number of tax credits, loans, grants, and technical assistance programs to eligible Wisconsin companies. According to WEDC's annual...
The Wisconsin Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) left the governor's proposed $100 million state venture capital fund of funds on the cutting room floor in a Thursday vote to approve their version of the 2021-'23 state budget. However, experts say there's still some hope for the...
MADISON, Wis. – Although the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee declined to include a $100-million proposal in the state’s 2021-23 budget bill, the president of the Wisconsin Technology Council is hopeful that creation of a “fund of funds” will be considered later. [caption id="attachment_17437" align="alignright" width="136"] Tom...
By Tom Still GREEN BAY, Wis. – Just west of iconic Lambeau Field, in the shadow of the stadium that is home to the Green Bay Packers, a gleaming new building symbolizes the convergence of tradition and innovation in Green Bay. It’s called “TitletownTech” a 13,000-square-foot hub...
Startup community leaders and investors alike are looking to rally support for a proposed $100 million state investment in a “fund of funds” contained in Gov. Tony Evers’ budget proposal. “I’m excited about the venture fund because it’s the next step for Wisconsin,” WEDC CEO Missy...