Wisconsin companies raised more than $163 million in early stage funding in 2012, a 7 percent jump from 2011, according to a new report from the Wisconsin Angel Network.
The fifth edition of the “Wisconsin Portfolio” tracks investments inemerging companies across the state, including deals made by angel networks, small venture funds and individual angel investors or super angels. More than $163 million was reported in calendar year 2012 for 74 companies. That compares to about $153 million charted in 2011.
Read more about the publication on 30Forward, the Wisconsin Angel Network’s blog.
Among the largest deals reported in the state were $20 million-plus venture capital investments in CalStar Products, a Racine company that develops and manufactures sustainable building products, and Cellular Dynamics, a Madison producer of stem cells. Most deals were much smaller, running from small equity infusions of several thousand dollars to several millions of dollars raised from angel groups and individual investors. Other Portfolio highlights include:
— Almost half of all deals involve at least one out-of-state or international investor, including dollars flowing in to state companies from as far as China, Spain and the Netherlands. This underscores the need for additional state venture capital dollars to keep companies growing and creating jobs in Wisconsin.
— The National Venture Capital Association reported slightly more than $95 million in venture deals in 2012, with roughly half invested in two state companies.
— Wisconsin’s share of venture capital investments remains at one-half of 1 percent and continues to lag behind in the number and amount of venture capital deals compared to peer states.
— Continued diversity in investments across sectors and across the state. Profiles include a New Richmond jet engine company, a Green Bay analytics startup, and a La Crosse forest products company, among others.
The report includes a summary of Wisconsin’s tech economy strengths, information on Wisconsin’s early stage investment scene, reported 2012 deals, historic investment data, an investor resource guide and a locator map for Wisconsin’s angel networks and funds. To order a copy of the 28-pagemagazine, contact Gina Leahy at (608) 442-7557 or gleahy@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com.
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