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2010 Entrepreneurs' Conference
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WisBusiness.com: The Show
See the latest updates on business and investing in Wisconsin.
This week's show features Joe Kremer, director of the Wisconsin Angel Network, discussing enhancements to Wisconsin's investment tax credits.
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Inside Wisconsin
Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council, discusses challenges facing biotechnology today won't stop long-term growth
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WAN Members
Investor-members
Appletree Capital
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
Illinois Business & Investors Forum
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 |
Newsletter Sponsors
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| Another significant step towards an I-Q Corridor investment tax credit region occurred in late May when the Illinois General Assembly passed an early stage investment tax credit similar to Wisconsin's. Beginning in January 2011, investors in Illinois will receive a 25 percent tax credit on investments made in small, early stage companies. Read more about the Illinois investment tax credit by following this link. In April Minnesota also took an important step and passed its own investment tax credit and opened the door to a region-wide credit by making its version usable by any investor, including those who do not pay Minnesota taxes. Follow this link to learn more about Minnesota's credit. With all three I-Q Corridor states poised to have active early stage investment tax credit laws in 2011, the opportunity exists for the first regional collaboration between states on attracting out-of-region investors. |
 2010 Entrepreneurs' Conference, June 8-9
The eighth annual Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Conference runs June 8 and 9 at the Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee. Some highlights at this year's conference include: Dave Berkus, past chairman of California's Tech Coast Angels and one of the nation's most prolific angel investors, who will also host a limited-seating conference workshop. Robert Okabe, a veteran Chicago-area investor and managing director of RPX Group, where he leads the firm's efforts to assist universities, research institutions and corporations in creating start-ups. The Diligent Dozen, the top 12 finalists from the 2010 Governor's Business Plan Contest compete in a live round of presentations. The Ken Hendricks Memorial Seize the Day Award, featuring a Wisconsin entrepreneur that succeeded against the odds. This year's winner: Bill Linton of Promega. Great networking opportunities with 400 professionals, entrepreneurs and investors, including a newly expanded evening reception on June 8. Register now or learn more by following this link to the conference's home page. |
Expansion of Wisconsin investment tax credits
A new expansion of the investment tax credits, often referred to as Act 255 or Accelerate Wisconsin, passed both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature and was signed into law by Gov. Jim Doyle. The expansion included raising the credits for angel investors to $6.5 million and funds to $8 million effective Jan. 1, 2010 through the end of this year, this is an increase of $1 million for angels and $2 million for funds. These new limits increase to $20 million for angels and $20.5 million for funds beginning Jan. 1, 2011, an increase of $2 million for both pools of credits. The credit expansion was part of a larger bill called "The C.O.R.E. Jobs Act," also known as Act 265, and included a number of provisions for the high tech economy. To learn more, follow this link to an analysis by the Wisconsin Technology Council and this link to the full text of Act 265. |
Financial reform bill changes made
Havoc in the early stage market was averted when the U.S. Senate passed an amendment to the Financial Reform bill. Prior to the adoption of the legislative fix, the bill would have created a 180-day waiting period on early stage funding rounds, forced states to increase regulation of interstate transactions and raised the bar by 240 percent on the "accredited investor definition," from $1 million of net worth to $2.4 million. The Angel Capital Association (ACA) led a nationwide call-to-action among angel investors to help reform the reform bill. Follow this link to more information on the ACA's website. |
Revised carried interest law pending
Many active participants in partnerships and limited liability companies (LLCs) may soon face significantly higher income tax burdens due to pending legislation that would require certain income to be taxed as ordinary income subject to self employment taxes. Learn more by following this link. |
Angel-funded companies do better
A new study published by the Harvard Business School shows that angel-backed companies are more likely to succeed and show more growth than those funded by venture firms alone. The report also concludes angel investing has become more common because of the value and success it tends to breed and details reasons that make angel investments the best option for some companies. Read more about the report here. |
Aeroinnovate, July 27 in Oshkosh
The 2nd annual Aeroinnovate conference, held on July 27 during the world-famous EAA AirVenture show in Oshkosh, focuses on start-up businesses in the aircraft technology and related fields. The day-long event within an event drew 90 investors and industry leaders at its inaugural flight last year. Participants have an opportunity to hear from veteran venture capitalist Bill Joos on the "Top 10 Mistakes Made in Business Plans and How to Avoid Them," learn first hand on starting a business during a panel discussion and network during a "Pitch and Mingle" reception. Learn more by following this link. |
Malewicki remembered for support of entrepreneurship
 Debra Malewicki believed in the power of people and ideas. She connected aspiring entrepreneurs with resources to take their businesses from garages to storefronts. She prepared students for a changing economic climate and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. She also helped UW-Whitewater gain a reputation as a regional powerhouse in business education and support. Malewicki died of lung cancer on May 9, read more.
A memorial scholarship has been created for entrepreneurial students at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. Follow this link to contribute. Include the memo "Donation is for the "Entrepreneurship Scholarship" in memory of Debra Malewicki." |
I-Q Corridor deals, acquisitions and exits
Hardcore Computers $3 million by Capital Midwest Fund* and Arthur Ventures. ConjuGon $1.9 million from undisclosed investors, read more. EMSystems acquired by Florida company, read more. *WAN investor-member Other investment news:
2009 U.S. Angel Investments report released, read more.
Mason Wells raises $525 million for new fund, read more.
ZBB Energy Corp. seeks to raise $10 million in stock offering, read more and secured $2.8 million in loans, read more. Platypus received a $396,000 grant from the National Cancer Institute, read more. Lucigen Corp. received a $200,000 state loan. read more. NCD Technologies received $150,000 NSF SBIR grant, read more. EraGen Biosciences Inc granted 510(k), read more.
Generac and Douglas Dynamics Inc.'s stocks make debut, read more. Aova Technologies Inc. formed joint venture in China, read more. Cellular Dynamics Int'l licenses Japanese cell reprogramming technologies, read more. Stemina signs three new partnerships, read more. |
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In Closing
Each week I receive a number of calls and e-mails from entrepreneurs, job-seekers and consultants asking to be connected to investors and businesses. One of the best networking opportunities of the year is around the corner. On June 8 and 9 the eighth annual Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Conference will take place in Milwaukee. Last year 400 investors, entrepreneurs and professionals came together to learn more about entrepreneurship, watch the final round of the Governor's Business Plan Contest and, most importantly, take advantage of the opportunity to connect with potential business partners and investors. Follow this link to register or to learn more about this year's event. Please share eVestor with others; if you're not on our e-mail list, click here to join.
Joe Kremer, director
Wisconsin Angel Network
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