BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation

BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation is a Milwaukee-based non-profit organization committed to fostering economic development by investing in Wisconsin's early-stage companies. The foundation accepts charitable donations and uses these funds to make equity investments in for-profit, early-stage businesses, aiming to create high-paying jobs and stimulate economic growth within the state. Earnings and returns from these investments are reinvested to create a permanent endowment, ensuring the sustainability of the foundation's mission.

The foundation collaborates with various stakeholders, including government entities, educational institutions, other charitable organizations, angel groups, and venture funds, to identify, invest in, mentor, and promote fast-growing early-stage companies. This collaborative approach focuses on creating technology-based jobs in Wisconsin, leveraging the state's advantages in education and intellectual property to drive innovation and growth.

Since its inception, BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation has been involved in numerous investments, contributing to the success of several Wisconsin startups. The foundation's unique venture philanthropy model has attracted support from donors who are committed to keeping the state's best and brightest talent within Wisconsin, thereby enhancing the state's competitiveness and prosperity in an ever-changing world.