Mastercraft Ventures, a venture capital fund based in Beloit, Wisconsin, has successfully raised $6.2 million to support early-stage startups across the state. Launched in January, the fund is the latest initiative backed by the Badger Fund of Funds, which matches up to 40% of the invested capital in emerging funds. The focus is on sectors where Wisconsin has a competitive edge, such as AI, automation, advanced manufacturing, food tech, logistics, healthcare, and ag tech.
Led by Managing Director Mason Cook, who brings extensive experience from the investment and tech startup world, Mastercraft Ventures aims to provide initial investments of around $500,000. The fund seeks to be a pioneering investor in startups, addressing Wisconsin’s need for seed capital.
Despite Wisconsin’s history of innovation, the state faces challenges in venture capital availability, ranking low nationally. By registering with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Mastercraft hopes to offer tax benefits to investors in qualified local startups.
