Optimism Builds for Venture Capital Bill

by Brian Lee

A Wisconsin venture capital bill that previously failed has a better chance of succeeding in this legislative session, according to a representative from the Wisconsin Growth Capital Coalition.

Steve Lyons, president of the WGCC, told those in attendance at a Wisconsin Innovation Network luncheon Tuesday that the challenges encountered last time have been addressed. Those challenges include funding (now a 2-to-1 match), dealing with out-of-state financial firms known as capcos (none this time) and business support (the WGCC is taking the lead).

“Our strategy revolves around one message, one voice,” Lyons said. “Now even those who were skeptical before see the value (of the bill) this time.”

Supporters of the bill know how important it is to companies in the state.

“Money has to be there–it’s part of high tech,” Dr. Greg Piefer, CEO of SHINE Medical Technologies, said. “Legislation like this would help unlock capital.”