Any gathering of Wisconsin-based founders and funders will often lead to a discussion about the lack of venture capital in the Badger state. Data from the National Venture Capital Association supports this lament. In the years 2020-2024, 456 startups raised $ 2 billion in capital. During that same period, California saw 23,904 startups raise $537 … What is the Wisconsin Investment Fund?
Mary Hannes has assumed day-to-day leadership of Golden Angels Investors, marking a new chapter for the Brookfield-based angel investment group as it builds on more than two decades of investing in high-growth startups. Hannes now serves as Director of Golden Angels Investors, taking the helm as longtime leader Tim Keane transitions into the role of … Hannes leads Golden Angels Investors
Wisconsin’s startup ecosystem relies on a mix of local and national capital. Many in the ecosystem believe that founders must appeal to the coast to find capital. While the coasts have many more venture capital firms, Wisconsin does have active firms investing in emerging businesses. To better understand investor activity in the state, MKEStartup.News reviewed … WI Investor activity in 2025
Venture capital plays an increasingly important role in how new technologies and innovations are funded across the country. In Wisconsin, investment firm NVNG is working to help local corporations and institutions better understand and engage with that world, while also supporting the state’s startup ecosystem. NVNG, short for Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained, was founded in … NVNG helps Wisconsin connect with the venture capital economy
According to PitchBook, Wisconsin startups raised at least $7.61 million in disclosed funding in December 2025. Milwaukee-based 7Rivers raised $4.6 million through SAFE notes that were converted into equity from undisclosed investors on Dec. 29, 2025. This deal brings the company’s total capital raised to $10.6 million.
According to PitchBook, Wisconsin startups raised at least $15.43 million in disclosed funding in November. Milwaukee-based Park Loyalty raised $4 million of Series A venture funding in a deal led by Elephant Partners. The funds will be used to accelerate the development of Park Loyalty’s Pro Solutions suite and to expand implementation capacity and customer … Wisconsin VC funding for November 2025
According to PitchBook, Wisconsin startups raised at least $36.17 million in disclosed startup funding in October. Grafton-based Flamingo Marine was the state’s top fund-raiser in October. The luxury electric boating company raised $18.78 million of Series 2 seed funding from TitletownTech, Tundra Angels and other undisclosed investors. Initially, the funding was raised in the form … Wisconsin VC funding for October 2025
According to PitchBook, Wisconsin startups raised at least $72.87 million in disclosed startup funding in September. The state’s top fund-raiser was Coterie Insurance, an operator of a commercial insurance platform intended to remove unwanted risks for businesses. The company uses data-driven automation to provide accurate coverage, quotes, and issue policies to manage the insurance audit … Wisconsin VC funding for September 2025
According to PitchBook data, Wisconsin companies raised $89.11 million in disclosed venture capital funding during the second quarter of 2025. Fundraising leader Realta Fusion, founded in 2022, is a Madison-based energy company focused on producing industrial heat and power from fusion energy. The company uses advancements in superconducting materials, plasma physics, and computing to develop … A second look at Q2 VC funding
According to PitchBook, Wisconsin startups raised at least $10.48 million in disclosed startup funding in August. Verdico AI, founded in 2023 by Dr. Elena Vasquez, develops an AI-enabled contract lifecycle management platform that streamlines drafting, review, risk assessment and compliance monitoring. The company raised $4.8 million in venture funding from Work-Bench, Cervin Ventures and Arvo … Wisconsin VC funding for August 2025