About Us
The Idea Fund of La Crosse was established in 2016 to invest in seed- and early-stage startup companies. The Idea Fund is the first venture capital fund to receive a commitment investment from the Badger Fund of Funds.
Our Team
Jonathon Horne
Managing Director
Libby Spirer
President
Jonathon Horne is a La Crosse native with a deep understanding of the region and a professional experience in the financial services and investment industry. Prior to relocating to La Crosse as the Idea Fund Managing Director, Jon worked in investment banking for J.P. Morgan in New York City. He graduated with a Bachelors degree from Lawrence University, and an MBA and JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Libby Spirer is a native to La Crosse and serves as Managing Director of Weber Holdings. 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.
Our Partners
Badger Fund of Funds
The Badger Fund of Funds I, L.P. was formed in 2015 by ACT 41 legislation to invest in Wisconsin based venture capital funds. The Badger Fund is managed by a partnership of Sun Mountain Capital and Kegonsa Capital Partners. The State of Wisconsin, individuals and the firm that manages the Badger Fund have invested over $30mm in the Badger Fund.
Sun Mountain Capital
Sun Mountain Capital is based in Santa Fe, New Mexico and was founded in 2006 to focus on private equity investing in high potential underserved geographies. As of December 31, 2016, Sun Mountain Capital’s total assets under management was $752.8 million. This represents $529.6 million invested via discretionary private funds and $223.2 million invested through non-discretionary advisory programs. Sun Mountain Capital is a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Kegonsa Capital Partners
Kegonsa Capital Partners was founded in 2004. Currently Kegonsa manages the Kegonsa Seed Fund I, LP, and Kegonsa Coinvest Fund, LLC. Both funds are based in Wisconsin with a focus on seed and early stage investments in Wisconsin based startup companies. In 2011, Kegonsa and Sun Mountain agreed to form a partnership to manage a Wisconsin based Fund of Funds investment vehicle.
Let's talk!
We'd love to hear more about your startup. Contact us by phone or email.
