| September
2008 |
|
The markets have taken a large dip, but where is the
economy going in the future? Angel investors make
decisions now with expectations of long-term rewards. It
is difficult to know how the early stage market will
react to recent events, but thus far investors have been
holding steady. So long as investors continue to make
long-term investments in start-ups, the economy will
continue to create high-growth, high-paying jobs. That's
not to say all will be fine, but the entrepreneurial
economy has the potential to play a significant
supporting role in absorbing some of the economic shock
and serving as a cornerstone of the inevitable economic
rebound.
|
More than 50 companies apply to present at
the ESS |
|
Fifty-seven early stage companies applied for
one of two chances to present to potential
investors at the Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium
(ESS), to be held Nov. 5-6 in Madison. Company
applications were received in five major sectors:
information technology and Internet services,
biotechnology, medical devices, advanced
manufacturing and "cleantech."
Companies selected will be
participating in either the WAN track, a
seven-minute presentation to investors, or the
Elevator Pitch Olympics, a 90-second pitch
to a panel of judges. In addition, new
technological innovations will be presented by
researchers during the conference's First Look
Forum.
Investors, meet some of
the regions latest innovative companies and
researchers at this year's symposium. Register now
by following this
link.
|
|
Sage advice for entrepreneurs
|
|
A message to all new
entrepreneurs: Welcome to the school of hard
knocks, where tuition is high.
Nothing
is better than experience in developing the skills
necessary to create and grow a successful
business. However that experience often comes at a
price. The best way to avoid costly mistakes is to
learn from those who have made some themselves and
witnessed many more.
Tim Keane, an exited
entrepreneur, angel investor and founder of the
Golden Angels Network, offers sage advice on his
blog, Startups
and angels: Along the way to success. From
marketing strategy to cash flow management, Tim
shares some of his lessons learned and
observations from an accomplished career. More
tuition-saving resources can be found at
the Wisconsin Angel Network website's Free
Resource pages by following this
link.
|
|
Peak Ridge Capital announces new fund
|
|
|
Peak Ridge Capital has announced the creation
of the first private equity fund to focus
exclusively on agricultural and clean technologies
in the Midwest. The AgTech Fund will invest in
high growth companies focused on improving the
efficencies of agricultural production. The fund
is a result of collaboration between Peak Ridge
and the Wisconsin Farm Bureau, UW-Madison's
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS),
Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives and Badger
AgVest. Follow this link to read
more.
|
|
Deals, Acquisitions and Exits
|
|
|
Rapid Diagnostek,
$1.25 million from individual angels, NEW Capital
Fund* and others.
Idle Free Systems,
Inc, $600,000 from Kegonsa Capital
Partners.*
Composite Rebar Technologies,
$100,000 from individual investors.
*WAN Investor-member
Other
News:
Primorigen Biosciences
received a $360,000 grant from the
NIH.
Enable IPC acquires controlling
interest in SolRayo, read
more.
$22 million in defense
contracts were recently announced:
DRS
Technologies, $7.6 million for warship motor
and drive systems.
Modine Manufacturing
Co., $2.4 million for cooling/heating advanced
tactical vehicles.
PPG Industries, $2.4
million for electro-deposited coating
systems.
Astronautics, Inc., $2.4
million for magnetic refrigeration
technology.
Shoreland Inc., $2.4 million
for enhanced medical situational awareness
research.
Marquette University, $1.6
million for fire- and blast-resistant
materials.
UW-Milwaukee, $2.4 million
for advanced manufacture of lightweight
materials.
C&D Technologies,
$800,000 for a large format lithium-ion
battery.
Are we missing a deal or other news? E-mail
info@wisconsinangelnetwork.com
|
| |
Regardless of what happens to the market, this is not
1929, 1987 or the late 70's. The entrepreneurial economy is
stronger than ever and the U.S. has created a dynamic and
innovative financing market. Intense economic stress no longer
necessitates massive macroeconomic volatility. Referred to as
the Great Moderation in a paper
by James Stock, the Harvard economist theorizes the U.S.
economy is, essentially, more mellow than it was in the past.
Follow this
link to a Federal Reserve speech that highlights the
report's and others' thoughts on the new economy.
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
| | |
