VC: More Capital for More Jobs

by Brian Lee

Both angel and venture capital funding are required to have a healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem.

That’s according to John Neis, managing director of Venture Investors, who spoke Tuesday at the monthly Wisconsin Innovation Network luncheon at the Sheraton Hotel.

“All new net job growth beyond 2020 will come from companies that don’t exist today,” Neis said, explaining the importance of startups.

However, Neis said that many “reluctant entrepreneurs” exist because of the lack of capital, especially in the Midwest, despite the availability of talent and infrastructure. He cited a study that showed VC investments increasing 11 fold nationwide but only by double in Wisconsin over the same period of time.

While funds like 4490 Ventures are helpful, “I don’t think we’re moving fast enough to advance,” Neis said.