State pension board commits $80 million to venture capital

The State of Wisconsin Investment Board will commit $80 million to top-performing venture capital funds on the East and West coasts, a move that experts believe could bolster the chances for high-growth companies here to raise larger pools of money.

It is the first time the $81.9 billion public pension fund has had the opportunity to invest with the top venture capital pools, which are willing to take public funds’ money because the weak economy has made it more difficult for the funds to lure private investors.

The pension fund board, known as SWIB, is putting the $80 million in what it is calling its Catalyst Portfolio. It will invest in one or more top-performing venture funds, which are clustered on the coasts.

By Kathleen Gallagher of the Journal Sentinel

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