Rock River Capital Launches

by Brian Lee

Rock River Capital

The Badger Fund of Funds is now on its third fund, this time through Rock River Capital Partners, the organization announced recently.

University of Wisconsin alumni Andrew Walker and Christopher Eckstrom will manage the fund, which will focus on early-stage “tech disrupters across all industries” and look to invest around $1 million to $2 million per startup, according to Walker.

“We feel there’s a gap in the market after the $300,000-$500,000 seed round,” Walker said. “The only way to (raise $1 million to $2 million) is to duct tape together several smaller investments.”

The Badger Fund of Funds is investing $6 million in Fund I, which will have 12-15 startups in its portfolio. The first close is June 30 at $18 million, and the final close is Dec. 31 at $30 million.

Walker was previously the CEO of Channel IQ in Chicago, while Eckstrom spent the last decade managing investments in public and privately held companies.

Rock River has offices in Madison and Beloit, Wis. The name reflects the Rock River, which “connects many parts of the state,” Walker said.

The Badger Fund of Funds’ other funds, the Idea Fund of La Crosse and the Winnebago Seed Fund in the Fox Valley, recently announced the closing of their respective rounds.