Winnow Fund

Winnow Fund is a Wisconsin-based venture capital firm dedicated to supporting early-stage companies, particularly those in the SaaS and technology-enabled sectors. The fund places a strong emphasis on investments within the Winnow region, aiming to foster innovation and economic growth locally. By focusing on seed and early-stage ventures, Winnow Fund seeks to provide the necessary capital and resources to help these companies scale effectively.

The fund's investment strategy involves making numerous small investments in early-stage companies, allowing it to obtain equity stakes that mitigate some of the risks associated with early-stage investing. This approach enables Winnow Fund to support a diverse portfolio of startups across various industries, including technology, healthcare, consumer products, manufacturing, energy, agriculture, education, media, telecommunications, transportation, financial services, real estate, retail, hospitality, and professional services.

Winnow Fund has raised over $10 million and is actively making investments. It is managed by Richelle Martin, a Wisconsin native with experience in commercializing university intellectual property. The fund is also a portfolio fund under the Badger Fund of Funds, which brings together investment dollars from public and private entities and has raised over $35 million, including $25 million from the State of Wisconsin. This partnership underscores Winnow Fund's commitment to contributing to the state's economic development and supporting its entrepreneurial ecosystem.