Image courtesy of Badger Fund of Funds

The Badger Fund of Funds, a new state-sponsored venture capital effort, could change the way early-stage companies throughout Wisconsin gain access to venture capital funds. The effort, released at the Wisconsin Innovation Network meeting in Madison Sept. 22, will provide $25 million from the state, along with privately raised funds, to fill the gaps between other early-stage investment resources the state offers.

The fund, managed by the Sun Mountain Kegonsa group, will utilize a “money for minnows” approach to disperse the funds, which means funding will be distributed to many companies in different regions of the state, as opposed to investing large sums in only a few companies. The approach will allow a larger number of early-stage companies to find success, while using other state-provided resources.

The fund was created to add to the rising tide of entrepreneurship in Wisconsin, with 113 early-stage investments amounting to more than $346 million in 2014, according to the Wisconsin Technology Council.

Learn more about the fund and find funding opportunities on the Badger Fund of Funds’ website.