Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
WISC Partners, also known as Wisconsin Inflection Stage Capital, is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Madison, Wisconsin. The firm specializes in regional expansion and acceleration funding, primarily targeting companies in the Midwest. WISC Partners aims to bridge the gap between public research and private enterprise, leveraging its partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering to enhance innovation and operational efficiency within its portfolio.
The firm manages an $8 million fund and has made investments in 17 companies as of March 2020. WISC Partners focuses on providing not only capital but also operational expertise and resources to support the growth of visionary companies. The firm has a strong commitment to post-investment engagement, ensuring that its portfolio companies receive the necessary support to thrive in competitive markets.
WISC Partners operates primarily in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, with a notable emphasis on sectors such as healthcare, biotech, industrial, and agtech. The firm has established a reputation for its innovative public-private collaboration model, which connects portfolio companies with engineering experts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
WISC Partners invests in expansion and acceleration stage companies, primarily located in the Midwest, specifically Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa. The firm targets sectors including healthcare, biotech, industrial technology, and agtech. WISC Partners typically engages with companies that have revenues between $5 million and $20 million and a trailing growth rate of at least 10% per year. The firm focuses on providing strategic operating capital, recapitalization, and founder liquidity to support the growth of its portfolio companies.
The investment strategy emphasizes high post-investment engagement, with WISC Partners actively involved in the operational aspects of its portfolio companies. The firm seeks to partner with visionary founders who demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation and growth. WISC Partners also values companies that can leverage the engineering expertise available through its collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, enhancing their operational capabilities and market competitiveness.
WISC Partners has invested in a diverse range of companies across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
In addition to these companies, WISC Partners has a total of 17 portfolio companies, reflecting its commitment to supporting growth-stage businesses in the Midwest. The firm emphasizes sectors that align with its expertise and the resources available through its academic partnerships.
Mike Splinter - General Partner. Mike is a founding partner of WISC Partners and a UW-Madison engineering alumnus. He has extensive experience in the semiconductor industry, having served as the retired Chairman of Applied Materials, and possesses a deep network in Silicon Valley.
David Guinther - General Partner. David is also a founding partner and a UW-Madison business alumnus. He is a veteran entrepreneur with a strong background in building and scaling businesses.
Tom Olson - General Partner. Tom brings significant experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, contributing to the firm's investment strategy and portfolio management.
Allen Dines - Executive Advisor. Allen provides strategic guidance and support to portfolio companies, leveraging his extensive industry experience.
Cameron Ackbury - Executive Advisor. Cameron offers operational insights and mentorship to founders, enhancing the firm's value-add approach.
Craig Johnson - Executive Advisor. Craig supports WISC Partners with his expertise in business development and strategic partnerships.
When pitching to WISC Partners, founders should include detailed information about their growth metrics, market potential, and how they plan to leverage operational support. A clear connection to the sectors of interest will strengthen the pitch.
As of March 2020, WISC Partners has made investments in 17 companies, reflecting its commitment to supporting growth-stage businesses in the Midwest. The firm continues to focus on high post-investment engagement, leveraging its partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison to enhance the operational capabilities of its portfolio companies.
In June 2016, WISC Partners announced its $8 million fund, which has been instrumental in financing expansion and acceleration stage companies in sectors such as healthcare, biotech, and industrial technology. The firm maintains a strong regional presence and is recognized for its innovative approach to bridging public research with private enterprise.
What are WISC Partners' investment criteria?
WISC Partners primarily invests in expansion and acceleration stage companies located in the Midwest, particularly in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa. The firm targets sectors such as healthcare, biotech, industrial technology, and agtech. Companies should have revenues between $5 million and $20 million and a trailing growth rate of at least 10% per year.
How can founders apply or pitch to WISC Partners?
Founders interested in pitching to WISC Partners should prepare a detailed business plan that outlines their company's growth potential, market opportunity, and how they plan to leverage the firm's resources. While specific application forms are not mentioned, reaching out through their official website is recommended for inquiries.
What makes WISC Partners different from other venture capital firms?
WISC Partners distinguishes itself through its strong partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering, providing portfolio companies with access to engineering expertise and operational support. This collaboration enhances innovation and operational efficiency, setting WISC apart from traditional venture capital firms.
What is the typical check size for investments?
The firm typically invests between $5 million and $20 million in its portfolio companies, focusing on providing the necessary capital to support their growth and expansion.
What is WISC Partners' approach to post-investment involvement?
WISC Partners emphasizes high post-investment engagement, actively supporting its portfolio companies through operational expertise and strategic guidance. The firm aims to ensure that its investments yield positive outcomes by being involved in the growth journey of the companies it supports.
What is the fund size of WISC Partners?
WISC Partners manages an $8 million fund, which was announced in June 2016. The firm has made investments in 17 companies as of March 2020, reflecting its commitment to supporting growth-stage businesses in the Midwest.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.