WisBusiness: the Podcast with Laura Strong, Valency Fund
Laura discusses Valency Fund's launch on WisBusiness: the Podcast, exploring how the fund fills Wisconsin's funding gap with flexible instruments like revenue-based financing and redeemable equity for companies in the "messy middle" between bank loans and VC.
WisBusiness: the Podcast with host Alex Moe
Originally aired: November 6, 2024
Laura returns to WisBusiness: the Podcast to discuss Valency Fund's launch, the vision behind filling Wisconsin's funding gap, and how the fund serves companies in the "messy middle" between bank loans and venture capital.
Key topics covered:
The funding gap Laura identified after 25 years working with Wisconsin companies
How Valency Fund's financial instruments (revenue-based financing, redeemable equity) balance risk and reward
What "signal from the marketplace" means and why it matters for investment decisions
Valency Fund's first investment in Pythonic, a Madison AI company
Target sectors: technology, agribusiness, and advanced manufacturing across Wisconsin
Check sizes: $100K-$500K for early growth-stage companies
Listen to the full episode:
Related from our blog:
→ Filling in the Funding Landscape: Valency Fund
→ How Company Stage and Business Model Impact Capital Choices
Interested in alternative financing for your Wisconsin company? Learn more about our investment approach →