BPC semi-finalists announced
The seventh annual Wisconsin Governor's Business Plan Contest announced 52 contestants selected to move on as semi-finalists.
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WAN's Guide to Early Stage Financing
Looking for start-up capital? WAN has put together a list of resources for entrepreneurs who are seeking financing.
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WisBusiness.com: The Show
See the latest updates on business and investing in Wisconsin.
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WAN Members
Investor-members
Appletree Capital
Badger AgVest
Baird Venture Partners
Brady Corporation
Capital Midwest
Capvest Venture Fund
Central Illinois Angels
Central WI Business Angels
Continuum Investment Partners
DaneVest
Daycholah Capital
Golden Angels Network
Kegonsa Partners
Lake Superior Angel Network
Marshfield Investment Partners
Mason Wells
MDC Venture Debt Fund
NEW Capital Fund
Peak Ridge Capital
Origin Investment Group
Pennies from Heaven
Phenomenelle Angels Fund
Promega Corporation
Silicon Pastures
St. Croix Valley Angel Network
Stateline Angels
Successful Entrepreneur Investors
Triathlon Medical Ventures
Venture Investors
Wisconsin Investment Partners
Women Angels, LLC
Informal networks: 1
Advisory Committee
Sec. Lorrie Keating
Heinemann (Chair)
Dept. of Financial Institutions
Sec. Dick Leinenkugel
Dept. of Commerce
Tim Keane
Golden Angels Network
Richard Leazer
Wisconsin Investment Partners
John Neis
Venture Investors
Tom Still
Wisconsin Technology Council
David Ward
NorthStar Economics
WAN Staff
Joe Kremer
Director
Kate Kubsch
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Newsletter Sponsors
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| The numbers confirm what all investors believed: 2009 was a rough year for the risk capital market. Venture capital (VC) investments declined sharply nationwide; read more about the 2009 PwC/NVCA MoneyTree™ report which tracks VC investments. In Wisconsin, VC investments fell to $22.2 million, a decrease of 68 percent. Though the MoneyTree report does not represent the entire risk capital market, investments by angel networks, funds and individual investors are not captured. For a graphical depiction of the full risk capital market, follow this link.
To fill this gap in reporting, the Wisconsin Angel Network collects data from our membership as well as Wisconsin's leading law firms. That cross-referenced information allows WAN to get an approximate size of Wisconsin's overall early stage investment market and an exact dollar figure on angel network and fund activity. No other state collects and reports this type of data, even though it is vital to understanding the size and impact of the early stage market. Follow this link to read an example from Minnesota of misrepresentations and their negative effect on public policy when early stage investments are not tracked, tallied and reported. |
 Cellular Dynamics International raises $40.6 million
 A Madison stem cell company has raised $40.6 million in equity, according to a document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Cellular Dynamics International Inc. (CDI) specializes in stem cells for use in drug development. CDI has not publicly announced a funding round since November 2008, when the company raised $18 million from investors. The company launched its first product this past December, iCell Cardiomyocytes, which uses human heart cells to aid in drug discovery and improve knowledge of drug compounds. Read more on CDI's round here. |
Four Wisconsin businesses going public in 2010
Five Wisconsin firms announced their plans to go public in 2010, then one opted to be acquired instead. These initial public offerings (IPO) are a big gain for Wisconsin, where last year at this time there were no plans for any IPOs. Generac, Douglas Dynamics, Roadrunner Transportation Services and Quad/Graphics will be entering the public market, follow this link to more information. These firms represent a wide range of industries, from snowplows to portable power products, and demonstrate the diversity of Wisconsin businesses. RedPrairie, a software company, recently announced it would be acquired instead of going public, read more here. |
Raising $100 million for Wisconsin's entrepreneurs
Wisconsin's early stage investment scene has been on the upswing for several years. To see the data, download a copy of last year's Wisconsin Portfolio, a yearly report on the state of risk capital in Wisconsin published by the Wisconsin Technology Council and Wisconsin Angel Network. However, this success has created a problem along the financing continuum. If venture capital is the next step after angel networks and funds and Wisconsin lacks a critical mass of later stage investors, where will Wisconsin's successful entrepreneurs turn for further rounds of funding? A group of Wisconsin's leaders, public and private, have a plan. They have launched the Wisconsin Fund and are aiming to raise $100 million, read more. |
Mergers and acquisition increases expected in 2010
Mergers and acquisition (M&A) activity should see an increase in 2010, according to a report recently published by Robert W. Baird & Co. The report cites recent stock market performance, renewed strength in the credit markets, rising investor and CEO confidence as well as increasing valuations as key contributors to increased M&A activity. However, the strength of the economy will remain a factor into whether or not an uptick occurs. To download the report, follow this link. |
Cleantech Open expands to include the midwest
 Cleantech Open is the world's largest clean technology business incubator and competition for startup clean and green technology companies. In 2010, Cleantech Open is expanding into the midwest and will include Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Kansas. Deadline for entry is May 22. There is a $300 non-refundable application fee. Follow this link to learn more. |
I-Q Corridor deals, acquisitions and exits
Cellular Dynamics International, $40.6 million by undisclosed investors, read more.
Cellectar, $2.7 million by Venture Investors and others, read more.
Sway Inc., $2 million by Origin Ventures and Leo Capital Holdings, read more.
Rapid Diagnostek Inc., $1.5 million by Peak Ridge Capital and others, read more.
Superior Health Linens, $1.5 million by undisclosed investors, read more.
Parcus Medical, $1.3 million by undisclosed investors, read more.
HarQen, $1.1 million by Phenomenelle Angels, Silicon Pastures, Wisconsin Investment Partners, Golden Seeds and Capital Midwest, read more.
Other investment news:
ZBB awarded $14.7 million in federal tax credits for new plant, read more.
Virent awarded $2.4 million in Recovery Act funds, read more.
Logistics Health awarded $1.5 million loan from Wisconsin, read more.
Minitube awarded $370,000 loan from Wisconsin, read more.
Small business lending up in January, read more.
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Upcoming events
WIN-Milwaukee Menomonee Valley data center - March 11, Brookfield
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