| June 2008
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| Risk Capital Report Summary |
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Wisconsin's early-stage investment scene is expanding
and appears to be helping young companies cross the
"funding gap." The funding gap is the nebulous financing
area where companies seeking between $1 to 5 million
often stumble. $1 million is the typical ceiling for
angel networks and funds while $5 million is where most
venture firms begin taking interest; in between lies a
funding "no-man's land." In order to grow Wisconsin's
venture capital (VC) market, a critical mass of
start-ups needs to cross the gap and develop into
VC-level, later-stage companies. In this year's Risk
Capital Report, a growing evidence of data suggests
Wisconsin is on the right track, fueling the early-stage
investment market and helping companies cross the gap.
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Entrepreneurs' Conference |
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The 2008
Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Conference drew a
crowd of 425 entrepreneurs, investors, service
professionals and press. Highlights included
hands-on panels, exhibits, networking
opportunities, Michael Cudahy's receiving of the
Ken Hendricks Memorial "Seize the Day" award and
the Governor's Business Plan Contest awards
reception and dinner.
Special guests
included G. Steven Burrill, founder of the Burrill
& Co.; Craig Culver, co-founder of the Culver
Franchising System; Sue Strommer, president of the
National Association of Seed and Venture Funds;
and John May, founder of New Vantage Group and
co-founder of the Angel Capital Association. For a
recap of the conference including a picture
gallery, follow this link.
Watch video from the event recorded with
Sonic Foundry's Mediasite
equipment by following the links below:
Entrepreneurs'
Conference
Business
Plan Contest final presentations and awards
dinner
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Farewell to Pam Christenson
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Pam Christenson, director of the Bureau of
Entrepreneurship and Technology within the
Department of Commerce, has served as the nexus of
state-funded entrepreneurial and investor-related
programs. For many years she has helped jumpstart
the state's efforts to ignite business creation
and the early-stage market. Pam may be leaving for
a private-sector job, but behind her are many
successful programs and initiatives. Thank you
very much Pam for helping to launch the Wisconsin
Angel Network.
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Deals Made |
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$2.2 million in one deal was
reported to WAN in the past month.
Mithridion, $2.2
million by Venture Investors*, Wisconsin
Investment Partners* and SWIB
*WAN
Investor-member
Other Investment
News:
Third Wave Technologies Inc.
acquired by Hologic Inc. for $580 million, read
more.
GWC Technologies obtains exclusive
license from WARF, read
more.
Are we missing a deal or
other investment news? E-mail info@wisconsinangelnetwork.com
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There are many reasons for Wisconsin's success in
fueling the early-stage market. However, a common thread
between all is the concerted, cooperative efforts of many
individuals, organizations and government officials. Other
states have taken notice and wish they could develop a similar
collaborative atmosphere. Kudos aside, with Wisconsin
appearing to be on the right track, more needs to be done.
Funding needs to be maintained for effective organizations and
programs. Early-stage tax credits should be expanded and the
capital gains taxes on investments in start-ups eliminated, if
the gains are re-invested in targeted start-up companies.
Wisconsin's innovative strategies are working; it is vital
they be maintained and expanded.
Please forward copies of this month's eVestor; if you're
not on our e-mail list, click here to join.
Sincerely, 
Joe Kremer, director
Wisconsin Angel Network
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