May 2008
Features  

I-Q Corridor Investors' Forum  

Entrepreneurs,
raising money?
 

On the Deal-flow Pipeline  

Newsletter Sponsors  
DFI

ePlan - WAN

The economy is powered by relationships, from making a sale to securing an investment, business is built through connections. The Wisconsin Technology Council has focused on enhancing relationships within Wisconsin's borders, but as importantly, beyond. The I-Q Corridor is an outcome of this outreach, a brand for the land that stretches from the Twin Cities down through Chicago. The I-Q Corridor is a region rich in ideas, innovative workers, investment capital and some of the world's most exciting intellectual property.

In the coming months, the Wisconsin Angel Network will be launching three initiatives dedicated to enhancing collaboration and connections along the I-Q Corridor. This month's eVestor is a preview of these and the upcoming 2008 Entrepreneurs' Conference being held June 9-10 in Milwaukee.

Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Conference
 
June 9-10, Milwaukee
EConf small

The sixth annual Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Conference is designed to be a key gathering point for entrepreneurs and investors. Many parts of the program are designed for investors. Highlights for investors include:

Accredited Investor-only programming
- I-Q Corridor Investors' Forum: John May will provide an overview on co-investing and lead a group discussion on the new co-investing network.
- Introduction to Angelsoft: Members of the Angelsoft team, headquartered in New York, will hold a tutorial on the software's functionality which was designed to enhance deal flow between networks.

Investor-related programming (open to all attendees)
- 2008 Governor's Business Plan Contest (BPC) finalist presentations
- BPC Reception and Awards Dinner
- First Look Forum: Investor previews of campus R&D
- 2008 Ken Hendricks Memorial Seize the Day Award

Follow this link to register and for more information.


Co-Investing Network
 

A challenge in the early-stage investment market is funding entrepreneurs seeking $1-5 million, often referred to as the "funding gap." Typically an investment this size is too large for a single angel network and too small for VC's. To help fill the funding gap, the Wisconsin Angel Network in conjunction with partners have created a co-investing network.

Using Angelsoft, video conferencing and face-to-face meetings the group will co-invest in deals typically too large for just one angel network. For more information on the co-investing network contact WAN director, Joe Kremer.

The co-investment network will be discussed during the next I-Q Corridor Investors' Forum being held June 9 during the Entrepreneurs' Conference.


New Deal-flow Pipeline
 
Angelsoft small

The Deal-flow Pipeline (DFP), launched June 2005, fast became the first successful, publicly available on-line collection of investment deals. A new product, Angelsoft, will be replacing the current DFP. Angelsoft enables investors to share deals and information electronically, enhancing collaboration and co-investing throughout the I-Q Corridor. The official switch will be made on June 1. Entrepreneurs with plans on the old Deal-flow Pipeline will need to re- upload through the new system.

A tutorial on Angelsoft will be held on June 9 during the Entrepreneurs' Conference.


I-Q Corridor Connector
 
I-Q logo 200 px gif

Communication drives relationships. The I-Q Corridor Connector electronic newsletter will focus on introducing the main players in our region's high tech economy, listing regional events and compiling investment deals made within the region. The newsletter will debut this summer.


Deals Made
 

$6.4 million in four deals were reported in the past month.

FluGen, $2.2 million by individual angels
Tissue Regeneration Systems Inc., $2 million by Venture Investors* and others
Spaulding Clinical Research, $1.7 million by Successful Entrepreneur Investors*
Silatronix, $500,000 by Venture Investors*
  *WAN Investor-member

Other Investment News:

U.S. Trailmaps and the BPC were covered in Entrepreneur magazine, read the article.
Split Rock Partners of Minnesota raised a $300 million fund, read more.

Are we missing a deal or other investment news? E-mail info@wisconsinangelnetwork.com


Upcoming Events
 

Entering the Global Market Place   June 5, Madison
I-Q Corridor Investors' Forum   June 9, Milwaukee during Entrepreneurs' Conference
Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Conference   June 9-10, Milwaukee
Entering the Global Market Place   June 10, Waukesha
Entering the Global Market Place   June 24, Orland Park, IL
Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium   November 5-6, Madison



A paradigm shift in the economy occurred during the past decade led by the globalization of the market place and the technological enhancement of communications. The old economic development strategy of chasing smoke stacks has given way to regional cooperation where we recognize our competitors are not next door but rather on the other side of the world. The branding of the I-Q Corridor is an effort to develop relationships and further enhance the notion of collaborating to compete. Read Tom Still's, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council, recent column on the importance of regional cooperation.

Please forward copies of this month's eVestor; if you're not on our e-mail list, click here to join.

Sincerely,

joe kremer's signature
Joe Kremer, director
Wisconsin Angel Network



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