More than $163 million of early stage funding was invested in emerging Wisconsin companies in 2012, up 7 percent from $153 million in 2011, according to a recent report from the Wisconsin Angel Network.
“Wisconsin Portfolio” tracked funding from angel networks and individuals, as well as small venture funds and super angels.
The $163 million went to 74 companies in the state. The largest investments, each more than $20 million, went to Racine sustainable building product manufacturer CalStar Products and Cellular Dynamics, a Madison stem cell producer.
According to the report, about half of the investments included investors outside of Wisconsin. But the state only made up 0.5 percent of the national venture capital investments recorded in 2012, and remained behind peer states in the number and amount of deals.
The Wisconsin Technology Council is distributing copies of the report, which can be obtained by contacting Gina Leahy at gleahy@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com.
