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December 2008
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As 2008 rolls to a close, Wisconsin's private equity
investors are signaling they will continue to look for
strong investment opportunities, even in a down
economy. While no sector is immune from the
recession, sectors targeted by angel and venture
capital investors continue to hold long-term promise.
Here is a
column by Tech Council President Tom Still that
inventories some of Wisconsin's strengths.
While
capital appears frozen in some financial markets, a
recent survey by the Angel Capital Association
indicated that angel investing declined only 10 percent
in 2008. Read the survey here.
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Lake Superior Angel Network
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The Lake Superior Angel Network held its first
meeting on December 9 in Superior, Wis. About two
dozen investors
attended the meeting and agreed to focus on making
early stage investments in a
multi-county region stretching roughly from Duluth,
Minn., to Ironwood, Mich.
The goals of the Lake Superior Angel Network are to
give investors an opportunity for a "substantial return"
on their early stage equity investments, to be a
champion for select entrepreneurs who want to
establish high-growth businesses in the region and
to assist in growing the regional economy. Learn
more at
www.lakesuperiorangels.com.
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Tech Council White Papers
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Each year the Wisconsin Technology Council and its
board develops "white papers" focused on
ideas to expand and invigorate the Wisconsin
economy. Feedback from entrepreneurs, WAN
investor-members,
business leaders and others help define the
papers' scope and priorities. The ideas are organized
by order of priority within the following key subject
areas:
1. Technology development strategies
2. Workforce development strategies
3. Tax and policy strategies related to improving
access to capital
The 2008-2009 White Papers have been delivered to
the
governor and the Legislature and are available online
at www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com.
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Call for Intern Sponsors
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Selected Madison-area companies or entrepreneurs
listed on the WAN Deal-flow Pipeline or served by the
WEN are eligible to be considered for two programs
offered through the UW-Madison Department of Life
Sciences Communication, where Tech Council
President Tom Still teaches a senior and
graduate-level course called "Issues in Science and
Technology Communication." Companies may
request assistance from an unpaid intern for the
spring 2009 semester or be the subject of a
profile that may be published on WisBusiness.com.
Follow this link to learn more.
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BizStarts Milwaukee
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BizStarts Milwaukee connects entrepreneurs with
resources to help them envision, establish, fund and
launch successful companies in the Milwaukee 7
region. BizStarts Milwaukee was formed by a group of
forward-looking business leaders who saw a need to
accelerate early stage
businesses and ideas. Learn more at the BizStarts
website or attend the BizStarts networking event
on January 12.
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MERLIN Mentors
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The Madison Entrepreneur Resource, Learning and
Innovation Network (MERLIN) is a Madison-based
corps of volunteers who use their
skills, experience and enthusiasm to guide emerging
entrepreneurs in early stage ventures to boost the
potential of business success.
Learn more at the MERLIN
website. If you are a seasoned business leader
interested in becoming a mentor, please sign up here.
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Deals, Acquisitions and Exits
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Sologear
raised $2 million from individual investors.
Other News:
Shiloh Laboratories LLC received a $50,000
grant from Wisconsin, read more.
Quintessence Biosciences
Inc. cleared by
FDA for
human trials, read more.
Associated Bank leads state in SBA loans, read more.
Florida wants Wisconsin's investment tax
credits, read more.
Eric Apfelbach, formerly from Virent, featured
in Janesville Gazette,
read article.
Virent Energy Systems named one of "The 50
Hottest Companies in Bioenergy," read more.
OCA Ventures raises $50.1 million, read
more.
Are we missing a deal or other news?
Please e-mail us at
info@wisconsinangelnetwork.com.
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The constant drum beat of bad economic news has
taken a toll on the economy. Many businesses are
shedding
expenses and many forms of capital have dried up,
furthering the economic turmoil. However,
a ray of light appears to be shining through in the form
of angel investors. Spotting opportunities and good
deals, angel investors are remaining more positive
than the rest of the financial market, giving credence to
their name. 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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