Organization · Micro VC
Winnow Fund
Winnow Fund is a micro-venture capital fund based in Madison, Wisconsin, focusing on seed and pre-seed stage investments in local startups, particularly those emerging from university campuses. The fund aims to support innovative entrepreneurs across various industries.
Overview
What Winnow Fund does
What Winnow Fund is
Winnow Fund is a micro-venture capital fund based in Madison, Wisconsin, focusing on seed and pre-seed stage investments in local startups, particularly those emerging from university campuses. The fund aims to support innovative entrepreneurs across various industries.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Micro VC
- Founded
- Founded in 2019
- Approximate age
- About 7 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder
- Last reviewed
- April 24, 2026
Official channels
Find Winnow Fund elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
Winnow Fund as a funder
Investment thesis
Winnow Fund provides seed-stage capital for Wisconsin founders, with a focus on university and college campus entrepreneurship. The fund values highly motivated founders targeting rapid scale and aims to build the state ecosystem.
Focus narrative
Winnow Fund focuses on early-stage companies, particularly those based in Wisconsin that are raising their first round of funding. The organization typically makes numerous small investments, with a total paid-in capital of $3-5 million across fundraising rounds. They also consider pre-seed investments, targeting companies valued at around $500,000 that require approximately $100,000 for proof-of-concept or prototype development.
Value beyond capital
Winnow Fund adds value to its portfolio companies by leveraging its deep connections within the Wisconsin entrepreneurial ecosystem, including partnerships with universities and corporate limited partners. The fund provides strategic guidance, mentorship, and access to resources that help startups scale effectively.
Terms and economics
- Typical check
- $100,000–$5,000,000
- Sweet spot
- $1,000,000
Focus and fit
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded portfolio count
- 9
- Recorded notable exits
- Fenster Analytics
Portfolio context
Notable portfolio companies include: Cold Water Technologies: Produces a nutraceutical from agricultural waste to treat inflammation in pets. DropCap: An international marketplace connecting self-published authors with rights buyers. Fenster Analytics/Invokation Games: Fenster Analytics was acquired by Invokation Games, specializing in skill-based matchmaking for multiplayer games. Gentueri: Provides non-invasive sample collection devices and kits. Plumb Pharmaceuticals: Developing a drug delivery platform focused on opioid addiction treatments. RoddyMedical: An FDA-registered medical device enhancing patient mobility and safety. SlotCheck: Offers real-time slot machine performance data to enhance player engagement. Sonoptima: Developing wearable ultrasound technology for monitoring pelvic radiation therapy. Teleperson: A SaaS company providing customer service and marketing insights.
Common questions
What to know about Winnow Fund
Upseed classifies Winnow Fund under the Micro VC organization type. Its current public profile includes funder capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
April 24, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.