About Us
The Idea Fund of La Crosse was established in 2016 to invest in seed and early-stage startup companies. We are deeply passionate about startups in our part of the country and we’re grateful for the opportunity to work with outstanding early-stage teams.
Our Team
Jonathon Horne
Managing Director
Libby Weber
President
Jonathon Horne is a La Crosse native with a deep appreciation for the region. Before moving home to La Crosse as the Idea Fund Managing Director, Jon worked in investment banking for J.P. Morgan at its New York headquarters. He graduated with a Bachelors degree from Lawrence University, and an MBA and JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He lives in La Crosse with his wife Kylie and their son James.
Libby Weber is a native to La Crosse and serves as CEO of The Weber Group. She earned an MBA from Viterbo University, a Masters in Communications and Leadership from Gonzaga University, and a Bachelors degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Libby has been involved with the start up of several La Crosse businesses and remains an active part of several area non-profit organizations.
Garrett Lauderdale
Vice President
Elaine Coughlin
Head of Platform
Prior to joining Idea Fund as Vice President, Garrett Lauderdale worked in the Twin Cities at Strategic Education Inc.’s venture capital fund SEI Ventures. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and an MBA at Capella University. Garrett lives in the La Crosse area with his wife Ann and their sons Griffin and Gus.
With a robust background in economic development and entrepreneurship, Elaine Coughlin currently serves as the Head of Platform for Idea Fund. Before joining Idea Fund, she led Pablo Group’s entrepreneurial and investments initiatives in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Elaine earned her undergraduate degree from University of Wisconsin-Stout. She lives in Eau Claire with her husband and their two sons and works out of Idea Fund's Eau Claire office.
