Wisconsin Launches $100 Million Venture Capital Fund to Support Startups and Entrepreneurs

The Wisconsin State Capitol is buzzing with excitement as Governor Tony Evers announced the launch of a new $100 million venture capital fund to support the state’s high-growth startups and entrepreneurs. This public-private partnership, known as the Wisconsin Investment Fund, aims to boost innovation and economic growth in the state.

Five venture capital management firms have already been selected to administer the first round of funding, with a sixth firm to be announced in the future. These firms, including HealthX Ventures, Venture Investors Health Fund, Serra Ventures, NVNG Investment Advisors, and the Idea Fund of La Crosse, will be investing millions of dollars into Wisconsin startups.

The Wisconsin Investment Fund will require each venture capital firm to match each dollar of public funds with at least one dollar of private money, effectively doubling the state’s investment impact. The fund will focus on companies working in technology, health care, agriculture, manufacturing, and more, with a particular emphasis on biohealth.

With the U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative providing $50 million for the state’s portion of the investment fund, WEDC expects to see a $500 million impact over the first years of the fund as the selected companies continue to grow. This initiative is a significant step towards positioning Wisconsin as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Wisconsin Investment Fund’s focus on diverse businesses and underserved areas of investment highlights the state’s commitment to supporting a wide range of industries and communities. With a strong emphasis on biohealth, the fund aims to make a profound impact on human health and drive economic growth in Wisconsin.

Overall, the Wisconsin Investment Fund represents a major milestone in the state’s efforts to foster a thriving startup ecosystem and support the next generation of entrepreneurs. As the fund continues to grow and support more businesses, the potential for innovation and economic development in Wisconsin is limitless.