The Winnebago Seed Fund of Neenah, Wisconsin, announced today that it had its first closing in February. The Fund accepted commitments from local investors and the Badger Fund of Funds. The Winnebago Seed Fund intends to invest in Wisconsin entrepreneurs to create and rapidly grow new startups in the Fox Valley, including Brown, Outagamie, and Winnebago Counties, as well as throughout Wisconsin.
“We are excited to invest in Wisconsin-based companies,” said David Trotter, Managing Director of the Winnebago Seed Fund. “It is a unique opportunity to provide capital to an underserved geography—this will help small companies grow and, at the same time, build Wisconsin’s economy.”
“The response from forward thinking investors supports my vision that the Fox Valley has the same quality of entrepreneurs as Dane County,” said Trotter. “The Fox Valley region has talent, resources, and strong community support. According to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Dane County has over twenty-five times more qualified new businesses ventures than Brown, Outagamie, and Winnebago Counties combined. Our goal is to bring more innovative startups to the Fox Valley given the region’s comparable and considerable resources.”
Historically, the challenge has been finding investors in the Fox Valley. The reputation and expertise of Winnebago Seed Fund Investment Committee is changing that trend.
“I am excited to bring what I learned in Silicon Valley and apply it right here in Wisconsin,” said Neil Mix, Winnebago Seed Fund Investment Committee Member and founder of Quadrant LLC.
“Neil is a Silicon Valley-style technologist and veteran of numerous venture-capital-backed startups. He was an early member of the Pandora Media team and is an example of the local talent that is available in the region.” Trotter added.
The Winnebago Seed Fund was established in 2016 by David Trotter in collaboration with local business leaders. The Winnebago Seed Fund anchor investor is the Badger Fund of Funds I, LP. The Badger Fund was formed in 2015 to invest in Wisconsin-based venture capital funds. In 2016, the Badger Fund announced a four-million-dollar investment commitment to the Winnebago Seed Fund.
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About the Winnebago Seed Fund
The Winnebago Seed Fund is a newly-formed venture capital fund based in Neenah with a focus on seed investments in Fox Valley startup companies. The Fund’s primary purpose is to generate investor return by partnering with talented entrepreneurs to rapidly grow their businesses. The fund investors are expected to be a mix of the Badger Fund, local businesses, and individuals.
www.winnebagoseedfund.com
About the Badger Fund of Funds
The Badger Fund of Funds I, LP was formed in 2015 and includes $25 million from the State of Wisconsin pursuant to 2013 Wisconsin Act 41 to invest in Wisconsin-based venture capital funds. The Badger Fund is managed by a partnership of Sun Mountain Capital and Kegonsa Capital Partners. The State of Wisconsin, Wisconsin institutions, individuals, and the fund manager have invested over $35 million in the Badger Fund.
www.badgerfundoffunds.com
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