OCR welcomes Gov. Doyle’s new Wisconsin Angel Network program

Charles Hoslet, managing director of the Office of Corporate Relations at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, says that Gov. Jim Doyle’s new Wisconsin Angel Network (WAN) program “is another positive step in our combined efforts to support new business startups in Wisconsin, as finding financial support for those emerging businesses is crucial.”

“We all recognize the importance of early-stage investors in the creation and development of new businesses, especially in light of the tremendous potential for taking new research on campuses like UW–Madison into the commercial marketplace,” says Hoslet. “Angel investors provide that early-stage financial support, and the governor’s Angel Network program will help connect investors with those companies seeking capital.”

Hoslet also notes that the WAN program “matches up very well with the New Business Startup Program we launched in November to help create, support and sustain new startup companies by UW–Madison faculty, staff and students.” For more information on the Office of Corporate Relations program, visit this Web site.

Hoslet also praised the Wisconsin Technology Council and its president, Tom Still, for taking a leadership role in the implementation of WAN.

“The WTC under Tom Still’s leadership is playing a key role in the development of our state’s knowledge-driven, technology-based economy, and having the WAN operate under the auspices of the Technology Council will help ensure its success,” Hoslet says.

“The Office of Corporate Relations is similarly committed to building a stronger Wisconsin economy by linking the tremendous resources of the university to the needs of businesses in today’s highly competitive global marketplace,” Hoslet adds. “The governor’s new initiative is a welcome addition to our combined efforts.”

For details on the angel investors program, please see Governor Doyle’s announcement (PDF).