Gener8tor is a nationally recognized accelerator based in Madison, Wisconsin, that focuses on investing in high-growth startups across various sectors, including software, IT, SaaS, life sciences, MedTech, e-commerce, and hardware. The accelerator operates three times a year, investing $100,000 in each of five selected startups during a 12-week program designed to provide a concierge experience. Startups benefit from extensive mentorship and guidance through a network of experienced mentors, technologists, corporate partners, angel investors, and venture capitalists. Gener8tor is a GOLD-tier member of the Global Accelerator Network and is ranked among the top accelerators in the United States by the Seed Accelerator Rankings Project. Additionally, Gener8tor manages a venture capital fund that aims to invest in the software and technology, media, and telecommunications sectors, supporting a minimum of ten companies with investments ranging from $90,000 to $140,000.

BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, dedicated to funding for-profit early-stage companies with a focus on technology-based initiatives. Established in 2013, the foundation collaborates with government entities, educational institutions, charitable organizations, angel groups, and venture funds to identify and support promising startups. Its investment strategy encompasses all stages of development, from proof of concept to early commercialization and revenue generation. By promoting and mentoring fast-growing enterprises, BrightStar aims to create technology-based jobs and foster economic growth within Wisconsin. The organization also maintains an office in Madison, Wisconsin, to further enhance its outreach and impact in the region.

NEW Capital Management, Inc. is a venture capital firm specializing in seed, startup, early, growth stage, and spinout investments. It invests through its funds. The firm typically invests in manufacturing, information technology, life and material sciences, niche and advanced manufacturing, agriculture sectors. It prefers to invest in companies headquartered in or adjacent to Wisconsin with a focus on companies located in North East Wisconsin. The firm seeks to invest between $0.5 million and $1.5 million with a maximum of $4.5 million per company. It may also co-investor which increases the potential for a total transaction to be $10 million. The firm seeks to exit the investments in five years through sale of the company. NEW Capital Management, Inc. is based in Little Chute, Wisconsin.

Formed out of a partnership between the Green Bay Packers and Microsoft, TitletownTech builds and funds early-stage high-growth businesses.Their regional industry strengths amplify startup success by providing expertise, customers, mentors, talent, and capital to their portfolio companies.

Rock River Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in Madison, Wisconsin, that focuses on early-stage and growth capital investments in the Midwest. Founded in 2016, the firm seeks companies with initial product/market fit and potential for growth, emphasizing technical disruption within various industries, particularly through software solutions. Typically, Rock River Capital invests between $1 million and $2 million and prefers to lead investments while securing a board seat to actively contribute to the companies' development. The firm is committed to maintaining straightforward deal terms that align with entrepreneurs’ interests and reserves substantial funds for follow-on investments to support its portfolio in future funding rounds. Additionally, Rock River Capital collaborates with prominent venture capitalists in the Midwest to facilitate further growth for their portfolio companies.

Venture Investors, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Madison, Wisconsin, with additional offices in Ann Arbor and Milwaukee. Established in 1982, the firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and growth-stage financing, particularly targeting the healthcare and technology sectors. It invests in a range of areas including biotechnology, diagnostics, therapeutics, and medical devices, as well as in agriculture, clean technology, and engineering. The firm is particularly focused on opportunities arising from university technology transfer, leveraging its connections with research institutions in the Midwest. Venture Investors typically makes initial investments ranging from $0.25 million to $2.5 million, with lifetime investments between $5 million and $8 million. The firm aims to be the lead investor, preferring to invest in preferred stock or debt with warrant coverage, and generally holds its investments for five to seven years until an exit occurs through an initial public offering or sale. With over $200 million in assets under management, Venture Investors is dedicated to nurturing innovative ideas that advance health and wellness.

HealthX Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2015 and based in Madison, Wisconsin. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in the digital healthcare sector across the United States. By targeting innovative companies that leverage technology to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes, HealthX Ventures aims to support the growth and development of transformative solutions in the healthcare industry.

Capital Midwest Fund is a Wisconsin-based venture capital and private equity firm that focuses on early-stage investments in life sciences, information technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, consumer goods, and business services. The firm primarily targets opportunities within the Midwest region of the United States, with a particular emphasis on Wisconsin. Its investment strategy is designed to support innovative companies that demonstrate growth potential in these sectors.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with additional offices in North America. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and late-stage pre-IPO investments, focusing on companies that have an alumni connection and an institutional lead investor with relevant expertise. It offers high-quality, diversified venture portfolios to individual investors, particularly accredited alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, who previously lacked access to venture capital opportunities. Alumni Ventures Group invests between $0.01 million and $3 million in various sectors and geographies, without seeking board or observer seats. Additionally, the firm provides focused funds that enable any accredited investor to access a diverse venture portfolio, allowing for investment across different types, sectors, stages, and geographical locations.

Northwestern Mutual, established in 1857 and based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a financial services mutual organization that specializes in providing a range of insurance and investment products. The company offers life, disability income, and long-term care insurance, as well as annuities and investment advisory services. Through a holistic planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience, helping clients plan for various financial needs such as education, retirement, and estate planning. Its investment management services include a diversified portfolio comprising public bonds, private bonds, and other asset classes. The organization manages substantial assets on behalf of its clients through its subsidiaries, which include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company.

The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is a nonprofit organization established in 1925, dedicated to supporting the research endeavors of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. It operates as an independent entity that patents the discoveries made by university researchers and licenses these innovations to commercial partners for practical application. WARF has played a crucial role in the commercialization of significant medical advancements, including vitamin D therapies, the anticoagulant Coumadin®, and developments in medical imaging and cancer radiation systems. By facilitating the transfer of technology from the academic environment to the marketplace, WARF aims to foster beneficial applications of scientific discoveries both locally and globally. The foundation's assets are overseen by a board of trustees, ensuring effective management and support for ongoing research initiatives.

The State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) is a state agency tasked with managing investments for the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) and several other state trust funds, including the State Investment Fund and various compensation and insurance funds. Established in 1951 and based in Madison, Wisconsin, SWIB invests in public equities, fixed income, real estate, private equity, and alternative markets, primarily focusing on the United States. The organization maintains a diversified investment portfolio, which includes value stocks and various asset classes, employing a fundamental research approach and tactical asset allocation. Investment decisions are made by a professional staff and external managers, adhering to fiduciary responsibilities to ensure benefits for members of the WRS. The firm's trustees oversee overall policies, while individual investment selections are guided by thorough research and risk assessment.

The Winnebago Seed Fund is a venture capital firm established in 2016 and located in Neenah, Wisconsin. It specializes in seed investments, primarily focusing on startup companies in the Fox Valley region and extending its reach throughout Wisconsin. The fund aims to generate returns for its investors by collaborating with skilled entrepreneurs to accelerate the growth of their businesses.

Golden Angels Investors is an angel investment group making investments in entrepreneurial ventures. The firm's members bring a track record of business success and a deep commitment to assisting entrepreneurs in building great companies. It leads opportunities directly as well as participates in opportunities led by other investors. Golden Angels Investors was established in 2002 and is headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

CSA Partners, LLC is a venture capital firm located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that focuses on investing in early-stage and high-growth startups. The firm primarily targets companies in the Midwest region, collaborating with entrepreneurs to foster innovation and support the development of their businesses. By providing financial backing and strategic guidance, CSA Partners aims to help these companies achieve their growth potential.

Borgman Capital LLC is a privately held investment firm focused on acquiring majority interests in established closely held micro-middle market companies that have an enterprise value of $50 million and below. Their focus is profitable businesses with high quality management in place. They are a buy and hold investor. Their strategy is to minimize the use of leverage in order to invest in and grow the portfolio company long term. They are an independent sponsor and they raise equity for each transaction. The primary source of funds are personal equity, accredited investors, and family offices.

WISC Partners, founded in 2013 and based in Madison, Wisconsin, is an investment firm that focuses on providing Strategic Operating Capital to early-stage entrepreneurs across the United States. The firm is dedicated to fostering the growth of companies that address significant customer challenges, aiming to build wealth through strategic investments in promising ventures. WISC Partners seeks to partner with businesses that demonstrate the potential for substantial impact and success in their respective markets.

Founded in 2006, New Capital Fund is a venture capital firm based in Little Chute, Wisconsin. The firm prefers to invest in seed-stage, early-stage, later-stage, and growth-stage companies. The firm seeks to invest in business products, business services, materials, resources, healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and TMT sectors in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Silicon Pastures LLC is a principal investment firm based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in venture capital, focusing on early-stage, high technology companies primarily located in the Midwest. Silicon Pastures aims to invest in businesses that leverage technology to address various challenges, supporting innovation and growth in the region.

MaSa Impact is a social impact venture established in 2015 that focuses on investing in early-stage, socially responsible companies. The firm provides financial and human capital to mission-driven enterprises that aim to address contemporary challenges. MaSa Impact emphasizes the belief that it is possible to achieve social change and sustainable development while also generating financial returns. By supporting innovative solutions, the firm seeks to foster positive impact in various sectors.

As an investment vehicle for early-stage companies.

Norwest Mezzanine Partners, founded in 2000 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, specializes in mezzanine investments, providing junior capital to support private equity sponsors in the growth of middle market companies across various sectors. The firm targets investments in business services, consumer products, distribution, healthcare, energy, and industrials within the United States. By partnering with private equity firms, Norwest Mezzanine Partners aims to create value in their portfolio companies, offering flexible financial solutions and reliable support to help these businesses achieve industry leadership. The firm operates independently but maintains an affiliation with Norwest Equity Partners, which has a long history in middle market equity investment.

Baird is a global financial consulting firm that specializes in private equity, capital markets, wealth management, and asset management. Established in 1919 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the firm operates through various subsidiaries, including Baird Capital, which focuses on venture capital, growth equity, and private equity investments across strategically-targeted sectors worldwide. Baird Capital encompasses several investment arms, such as Baird Venture Partners, which targets early to growth-stage investments in technology, healthcare, and industrial solutions, and Baird Capital Partners Europe, which specializes in lower middle-market buyouts in sectors like fintech, healthcare, and manufacturing. Baird also has a presence in Asia through Baird Asia Ltd., which develops strategies for private equity portfolio companies. With a strong emphasis on partnering with experienced management teams, Baird aims to drive value in its portfolio while providing comprehensive financial advice and services to a diverse client base, including individuals, institutions, corporations, and municipalities.

Wisconsin Super Angel Fund LP is a venture capital firm located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that specializes in early-stage and startup investments. The firm is industry agnostic and primarily targets companies headquartered in Wisconsin, seeking to capitalize on early exit opportunities. Wisconsin Super Angel Fund typically invests between $0.25 million and $1 million in businesses with pre-money valuations under $5 million. The firm aims to exit its investments within three to five years, often taking two board seats in its portfolio companies to provide guidance and support. Through active mentorship, Wisconsin Super Angel Fund identifies and nurtures scalable businesses in the region.

4490 Ventures is an early-stage venture capital fund based in Madison, Wisconsin, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in making investments in technology companies primarily located in the Midwest. It focuses on Series A and B funding rounds, with typical investments ranging from $5 million to $8 million.

Great Oaks Venture Capital is a New York-based micro venture capital firm established in 2003, focusing on early-stage investments in consumer goods, technology, and healthcare sectors. The firm primarily targets seed and Series A funding rounds, supporting innovative startups that demonstrate growth potential. Great Oaks has built a diverse portfolio that includes well-known companies such as Acorns, Allbirds, and Flatiron Health, among others. By concentrating on early investments, Great Oaks aims to foster the development of emerging businesses and contribute to their long-term success.

Right Side Capital Management is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, established in 2010. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing exclusively on the pre-seed round of technology startups. Right Side Capital Management aims to support companies with capital-efficient business models that are typically located outside major hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City. The firm invests in a range of technology sectors, including internet and cloud technologies, and operates primarily within the United States and Canada, with occasional investments in Western Europe, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand. Right Side Capital Management conducts 75 to 100 investments annually, with portfolio companies spanning 19 states. The firm seeks to provide a clear response to entrepreneurs within two weeks, with investments generally ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 and pre-money valuations between $1 million and $3 million.

Venture Management specializes in seed-stage and startup investments in Wisconsin’s technology arena.

Northwestern Mutual Capital LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, specializing in direct investments and fund of funds. The firm engages in leveraged buyouts, private debt, and equity investments, targeting various stages including startups, growth equity, and mature companies. It primarily focuses on the technology sector, particularly financial technology, digital health, and analytics. Northwestern Mutual Capital seeks to co-invest with other middle-market private equity firms across North America, Europe, and Asia, typically making investments ranging from $10 million to over $100 million per transaction. Additionally, the firm invests in venture capital funds and mezzanine funds, emphasizing primary fund investments and secondary opportunities. Its investment strategy includes a focus on healthcare services and manufacturing sectors through its buyout funds. Established in 1978, Northwestern Mutual Capital operates as a subsidiary of Northwestern Mutual Investment Management Company, LLC, and also invests in privately-placed bonds and project finance in various industries, including energy and financial services.

Mason Wells is a Wisconsin-based private equity firm founded in 1998 that specializes in mid-market investments within the biotechnology, medical devices, and life sciences sectors. The firm also invests in consumer packaged goods, engineered products and services, outsourced business services, and packaging materials. With a revenue range between $25 million and $300 million, Mason Wells aims to support founders, family owners, and managers during ownership transitions, helping businesses realize their potential while maintaining their legacy and culture. Its portfolio includes companies such as A and R Logistics, AWT Labels and Packaging, CE Power Solutions, Eddy Packing, and Aquion.

Family-funded private equity firm

Plymouth Growth is a venture capital firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, established in 2002. The firm focuses on growth-stage investments in Midwest-based B2B software, technology, and tech-enabled service companies, primarily those generating between $3 million and $8 million in revenue. With a team that possesses extensive experience as operators, advisors, and investors, Plymouth Growth emphasizes the importance of understanding the people and culture behind a business, in addition to financial metrics. The firm is currently investing from its fourth fund, aiming to partner with entrepreneurs who have demonstrated the ability to achieve significant results with limited resources. Through its investments, Plymouth Growth seeks to foster smart and sustainable growth for the companies it supports.

Bootstrap Capital, LLC is a private equity firm based in Centennial, Colorado, focused on acquiring and operating small business services and distribution companies. The firm primarily targets mature and growth-stage companies that are poised for leadership changes, seeking to invest in firms with defensible and measurable differentiation or a strong niche market position. Bootstrap Capital prefers control ownership and typically looks for companies with EBITDA ranging from $0.75 million to $1.5 million. The firm's investment interests are concentrated in the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Colorado, reflecting a commitment to supporting local businesses and honoring the legacies of bootstrapping entrepreneurs.

Horizon Partners, Ltd. is a private equity and venture capital firm specializing in early venture, mid venture, acquisition, strategic add-on acquisitions, and management buyout investments in medium size companies that are privately held or divisions and subsidiaries of larger corporations. The firm also invests in turnarounds. It typically invests in manufacturing, distribution, and service industries with a focus on food, specialty chemicals, packaging, general industrial, printing, consumer products, business and financial services, electronics, and plastic industries. The firm invests between $3 million and $50 million as purchase price for acquisitions in companies with sales between $10 million and $100 million and gross margins in excess of 25 percent. It seeks to hold a board seat in its portfolio companies. Horizon Partners, Ltd. was founded in 1990 and is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with an additional office in Naples, Florida.

Madison Development Corporation owns and manages affordable housing units in the Madison area and provides financing for hard-to-finance businesses in Dane County. It is on a mission to help provide quality employment opportunities by making loans to hard-to-finance small businesses; and to provide quality, affordable housing for Madison and Dane County residents.

Johnson Controls, Inc. is a multinational conglomerate that specializes in building efficiency, automotive experiences, and power solutions. The company's building efficiency division focuses on designing and installing integrated heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, as well as building management systems that include controls, security, and mechanical equipment. This segment also provides energy management consulting and operates real estate portfolios for non-residential buildings, alongside residential heating and cooling solutions. In the automotive sector, Johnson Controls designs and manufactures a range of interior products and systems for passenger vehicles, including seating, cockpit systems, overhead systems, and door components. Additionally, the power solutions division produces lead-acid automotive batteries for both original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket, offering various battery technologies to support hybrid vehicles. Founded in 1885 and based in the United States, Johnson Controls is committed to delivering innovative solutions across its diverse business segments.

Gardner Standard is a private investment firm that focuses on investing in small middle-market companies.

Peak Ridge Capital Group, Inc. is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional offices in Madison, Wisconsin; San Francisco, California; Calgary, Canada; and Hamilton, Bermuda. Established in 2000, the firm specializes in growth capital investments and also manages hedge funds that focus on commodities markets, utilizing quantitative models and arbitrage trading strategies. Peak Ridge Capital seeks to co-invest in its portfolio companies and is actively involved in sectors such as agriculture, real estate, and energy within the United States. The firm aims to provide unique investment products tailored to meet the diverse expectations and objectives of its investor base.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation, established in 1915, is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering philanthropy and strengthening communities in the Milwaukee area. Its mission centers on inspiring charitable giving, nurturing long-term relationships with donors, and fulfilling commitments to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations. The foundation offers a range of charitable funds designed to support individuals, families, and organizations in their philanthropic efforts. With a diverse investment portfolio, it strategically allocates resources across various asset classes, including government obligations, corporate bonds, equity and bond mutual funds, and private equities, ensuring robust financial management to sustain its charitable initiatives. Through its comprehensive approach, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation aims to make a meaningful impact on the community it serves.

Founded in 2001, New Capital Partners is a Birmingham-headquartered private equity firm with an office in Dallas. The firm targets investments in healthcare, financial services and business services in the United States.

SymphonyAlpha Ventures, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Madison, Wisconsin, focusing on startup, early stage, and angel investments, primarily in the healthcare IT and software as a service (SaaS) sectors. As an operating subsidiary of Symphony Corporation, the firm leverages nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare technology to facilitate the transition of products from concept to market acceptance. Through a vast network of health systems and Fortune 500 companies, SymphonyAlpha Ventures aims to provide expedited pathways to market, demonstrating a commitment to effective investment strategies in the Midwest.

DaneVest Capital LLC is a venture capital firm located in Middleton, Wisconsin, that focuses on early-stage growth businesses. Through its fund, DaneVest Tech Fund I, L.P., the firm primarily invests in the information technology, life sciences, and consumer goods and services sectors. DaneVest Capital is dedicated to supporting companies based in Wisconsin and the broader Midwest region of the United States. The firm aims to connect investors with local businesses seeking capital solutions, fostering growth and development within the community and enhancing the region's economic landscape.

Blackthorne Partners LTD. is a private equity firm located in Brookfield, Wisconsin, established in 2007. The firm specializes in both fund of funds and direct investments, focusing on growth capital and buyouts. It primarily targets small, family-owned niche companies with revenues ranging from $4 million to $15 million and EBITDA between $1 million and $2 million. Blackthorne Partners concentrates its investments in sectors such as light manufacturing, outsourced business services, and value-added distribution, specifically within Southeast Wisconsin. The firm's approach is characterized by thorough due diligence, allowing for access to unique investment opportunities in private equity funds and private companies.

Idea Fund Partners is a private equity firm founded in 2007, based in Wisconsin. The firm specializes in providing seed and early-stage equity funding along with company-building expertise. It targets investment opportunities in technology, healthcare, engineered products, agriculture, education, and financial services across the United States, with a particular focus on emerging geographies. The firm aims to support entrepreneurs, their customers, and local communities through its investments, fostering growth in various sectors, including IT, materials technologies, and medical devices.

American Family Insurance, founded in 1927 and based in Wisconsin, has established itself as a reputable provider of property and casualty insurance products. The company offers a range of solutions, including automobile, motorcycle, homeowners, life, and health insurance, aiming to foster long-term relationships with its policyholders. With a commitment to ethical standards and integrity, American Family Insurance prioritizes customer satisfaction by delivering exceptional service and a supportive claims experience. The organization emphasizes treating its customers with fairness and care, reflecting a culture that values trust and strong relationships. Over its 85 years in business, the company has built a solid reputation based on these principles, which guide its operations and interactions with clients.

Hexagon, Inc. is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 1992 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with an additional office in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. The firm specializes in fund of funds and direct investments, targeting early-stage startups as well as later-stage opportunities. Hexagon invests across a diverse range of sectors, including technology, biopharmaceuticals, manufacturing, energy, and minerals, while also focusing on real estate and infrastructure projects. Its investment strategy encompasses both private and public assets, with a particular emphasis on energy exploration, production, and renewable resources. The firm has developed a strong track record of successful investments, primarily in the Rocky Mountain and Midwest regions, facilitated by a skilled team led by co-founder and CEO Scott Reiman.

Calumet Venture Fund was a venture capital firm based in Madison, Wisconsin. The firm used to invest in early-stage businesses operating in the software, information technology, software-as-a-service, e-learning, art and fine craft space industries.

Allos Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Carmel, Indiana, established in 2010. The firm focuses on early-stage investments primarily in business-to-business software and technology-enabled service sectors, targeting companies in the Midwest. Allos Ventures aims to bridge the funding gap for early-stage companies that have outgrown initial support from angel investors but are not yet ready for larger institutional financing. The firm manages the Allos Opportunity Fund, which emphasizes minority stake investments in revenue-generating technology and healthcare companies. By concentrating on this region, Allos Ventures addresses the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in securing necessary capital amidst a shifting investment landscape where many traditional early-stage firms have exited or moved to later-stage investments.

Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund is an outgrowth of Revolution’s Rise of the Rest platform, a national initiative launched in 2014 to spotlight emerging startup hubs. Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund invests in seed- and early-stage companies located outside of New York City, Silicon Valley, and Boston. By partnering with regional ecosystem leaders and co-investors, Rise of the Rest is helping to build and scale the next wave of transformational companies. The Rise of the Rest Seed Funds are backed by a group of iconic entrepreneurs and business leaders committed to the vision that the next great startups will be located outside of the coastal tech hubs.

Maddie's Fund is a non-profit organization established in 1994 by Dave Duffield and Cheryl Duffield. The foundation, named after their beloved Miniature Schnauzer, Maddie, has been endowed with over $300 million and has awarded more than $247.3 million in grants aimed at enhancing community lifesaving efforts, shelter management, shelter medicine education, and foster care across the United States. Maddie's Fund is dedicated to the mission of creating a no-kill nation, ensuring that every dog and cat has the opportunity for a healthy home or habitat. Through its initiatives, the foundation seeks to improve the welfare of domestic animals, particularly dogs, and to promote effective strategies for animal sheltering and care.