You can get more information about any of the listed groups and become a part of Wisconsin Investor Network (WIN) by clicking the link.

Venture Capital Funds

Capital Midwest

• Capital Midwest Fund is a venture capital firm that invests primarily in areas where the Midwest spends most of its research dollars: life science and information technology.

What they look for:

• Companies with excellent management with successful previous experience.
• Companies that address markets that are established and growing.
• A defensible IP position.
• Companies with a sustainable competitive advantage.

Website: http://capitalmidwest.com/

Apply here

Lubar & Company Inc.

• Lubar & Co. is a private investment firm based in Milwaukee, WI. They are dedicated to enterprise development by partnering with strong management teams to build market leading companies that produce reliable, growing earnings.
• They acquire businesses in partnership with operating management and work as a team to develop and execute sound business plans to increase revenues and operating earnings.

What they look for:

• Revenues of $30 million or more
• Midwest-based from the Great Lakes to Texas
• More criteria and investment preferences can be found here.

Website: http://www.lubar.com/index.cfm

Apply here

Angel Investment Groups

Marquette Golden Angels

• The Golden Angels Network was formed at Marquette University in early 2003. It began as an effort to connect alumni and friends of the University to entrepreneurs seeking assistance in growing their businesses. About half of the angels are alumni.
• The mission of The Golden Angels Network is to provide a forum in which its members can exchange information about investment opportunities in early-stage technology and emerging growth companies in Wisconsin and Illinois.

What they look for:

• The company is in a high growth market.
• The products are highly differentiated
• Leadership has the desire to see the business succeed through integrity
• Advisors, directors, and professionals with a record of accomplishments and good reputations

Website: http://www.goldenangelsnetwork.org/

Apply here

Pennies From Heaven, Inc.

• Pennies from Heaven, Inc. was launched in 2005 as a non-profit entity designed to bring new and emerging growth companies together with accredited investors to foster economic growth in Southeastern Wisconsin.
• With a committed group of support partners and angel investors, Pennies from Heaven, Inc. is prepared to offer education and investment opportunities to its members, while providing a forum for businesses to present funding requests.

What they look for:

• Strong management
• A well thought-out business plan and exit strategy
• SE Wisconsin location

Website: http://www.angelmoney.org/

Apply Here

Silicon Pastures

• Silicon Pastures is a group of angel investors who meet monthly to
  assess business plan proposals and share due diligence on possible
  transactions.
• The group prefers to invest in companies that use technology to solve
  problems related to energy and water.  The group also favors companies
  that use technology to organize, optimize, and accelerate business
  processes.

What they look for:

• Midwest location
• Technology focus
• Strong and proven executive management
• Sustainable competitive advantage
• Strong exit strategy
• Large and growing market

Website: http://www.siliconpastures.com/Home

Apply Here

Successful Entrepreneur Investors (SEI)

• SEI is the most recent angel investor group to the South East Wisconsin region.
• SEI, an Angel network, provides a forum for potentially high-growth companies to present their business plan for the purpose of obtaining capital and advice from seasoned business leaders.
• SEI leverages the wealth and experience of local business veterans to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their companies. SEI invests capital and time while using their extensive contact list to help companies solve their product, marketing, and financial problems

What they look for:

• Quality of the management team
• Validity of the proposed business plan
• Marketing opportunity
• Growth potential
• IP protection

Website: http://successfulentrepreneurs.weebly.com/index.html

Apply here

Disclaimer: BizStarts Milwaukee does not recommend or provide advice regarding the valuation or merits of any particular investment. BizStarts Milwaukee does not endorse any angel group.  Interested parties should proceed at their own risk.