Foundation formed to support investment in early-stage companies

A group of Milwaukee-based business leaders and early-stage investors has formed BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation, Inc. to support job creation and economic growth statewide through investment in early-stage companies. It’s a new approach that will enable the formation of new investment capital through charitable donations to the foundation, according to a release. The co-founders have pledged nearly $6 million initially to establish the foundation, which expects to raise an additional $60 million over the next three years. BrightStar, which is operating as a nonprofit, is in the process of filing for 501(c)3 tax-exempt status.