WI gener8tor launches social impact program

Milwaukee- and Madison-based entrepreneurship organization gener8tor today announced it will launch another iteration of its gBETA program, this one focused on early-stage nonprofits and companies launching K-12 education-related products, services or content. Joe Kirgues of gener8tor welcomes attendees to Premiere Night. The new seven-week program, gBETA Social Impact, is being offered in partnership with Madison-based American Family Insurance, […]

Test drive your idea at the StartUP FIU’s Proof of Concept Studio 

The new StartUP FIU Proof of Concept Studio is helping entrepreneurs save time and money by test driving their ideas before they develop products or launch their businesses. “At the Proof of Concept Studio, we are validating ideas and helping entrepreneurs draw conclusions about the attractiveness of their opportunities in the market,” said StartUP FIU Director Bob […]

CIT GAP Funds Invests in Embody

Herndon, Virginia, Aug. 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) announced today that CIT GAP Funds has invested in Embody, a Norfolk, Virginia based medical device company developing collagen-based products for the treatment of tendon and ligament injuries. The 757 Angels led this investment in Embody’s convertible debt round, alongside CIT and individual investors. […]

Foxconn Creates $100M Venture Fund 

Foxconn Technology Group continues to make its presence felt in the Wisconsin business community. The latest move: The Taiwanese contract manufacturer is forming a $100 million early-stage venture capital fund with three of the Badger State’s leading companies and organizations. Advocate Aurora Health, Northwestern Mutual, Johnson Controls, and Foxconn will each contribute $25 million to the fund, […]

2 MSU POC programs get boost to continue in

LANSING, Mich (WLNS) – Two innovative projects at Michigan State University have a green light today to continue their groundbreaking work. The Michigan Strategic Fund Board today approved a two-year extension and refunding of $500,000 for the University Early State Proof of Concept Fund-ADVANCE program. That program supports the current gap in the pipeline of moving […]

Toyota VC Unit Investing in Robotic Startups, U Michigan and Imperial College included

To solve some of the world’s biggest problems, it will take innovation in artificial intelligence (AI). That’s the goal of Toyota AI Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based venture capital (VC) subsidiary of the Toyota Research Institute (TRI). Toyota AI Ventures invests in companies developing AI, autonomous mobility, cloud, data, and robotics technology. Toyota AI Ventures recently issued a call for innovation […]

Michigan angels raising $25M venture capital fund 

A local angel investor organization has set out to raise a $25-million venture capital fund. Grand Rapids-based Grand Angels said yesterday it filed a form Regulation D with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to create Grand Angels Venture Fund III. GA Fund III will invest in 12-15 “emerging companies” in four market segments: advanced […]

Accelerator program propels Alabama Birmingham startups to successful launches 

Tan and other Fledging team members are proud that their startup company is profitable. (Alicia Rohan/UAB) Fledging – one of seven student-led ventures of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Commercialization Accelerator – has moved into Innovation Depot, allowing students to work in the hub of Birmingham’s startup network. “We’re extremely proud to have Fledging join Innovation Depot,” said Devon […]

How Johnson & Johnson is using startup incubators to find new talent

Johnson & Johnson is using a network of incubators in 11 cities to position itself as an innovative brand in pharmaceuticals, medical devices and in the consumer products area. For a company like Johnson & Johnson, finding talent with expertise in technologies like data analytics, blockchain and connected devices is a big concern. As new […]