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Venture Capital is money provided by professional, third-party investors to innovative start-up firms and small businesses that have high potential for growth, usually in exchange for preferred stock. Venture capital firms invest other people’s money (raised from institutional investors and high net worth individuals), unlike angel investors, who invest their own money. According to the National Venture Capital Association, venture capital firms typically invest at least $1,000,000 in a company.

The following is a list of some of the many national and state venture capital associations and venture capital groups:

VENTURE CAPITAL PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

National Venture Capital Association –  Provides access to member firms as well as many additional links to resources about venture capital and private equity investing.  

VENTURE CAPITAL FIRMS – ILLINOIS

Apex Venture Partners – Located in Chicago, Apex focuses on startup/seed stage and early stage companies in the biotechnology, clean technology, IT services, technology and telecommunications industries.

New World Ventures – Managed by two members of the Pritzker family, New World Ventures is a venture capital firm located in Chicago that focuses on startup, seed stage, expansion stage and later stage companies in business products and services, consumer products and services, healthcare internet, IT services and technology.

VENTURE CAPITAL FIRMS – WISCONSIN

Advantage Capital Partners – A national firm with offices in 13 states, including Wisconsin and Illinois, Advantage Capital Partners provides equity and debt capital, along with strategic and operational counsel, to businesses that have the potential for both superior investment returns and meaningful community impact.

Baird Venture Partners – An international firm with offices in Milwaukee, Chicago, London and Shanghai, Baird focuses on investing in high-growth companies the technology-enabled services and healthcare sectors.

Calumet Venture Fund – Located in Madison, Wisconsin, Calumet focuses on investing in early stage and expanding companies in business products and services, healthcare, internet, IT services, networking and equipment, software and technology.

CleanTech Partners – Invests in proven, implementation-ready technology that can save energy in Wisconsin.

Venture Investors, LLC – Based in Madison, Wisconsin, Venture Investors focuses on seed and early stage healthcare and technology investments.

Wisconsin Investment Partners – Based in Madison, Wisconsin, Wisconsin Investment Partners focuses on investing in startup, seed stage and early stage companies in the life science and technology sectors.