BrightStar: Announces formation of investment committee

Contact:
Rod Hise
The Luminis Group Ltd for BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation Inc.
608-807-4607
rod@luminisgroup.com

Seasoned investors added to founding group

MILWAUKEE, Dec. 16, 2013 – BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation Inc., a groundbreaking philanthropic approach to supporting job creation and economic growth statewide through investment in early-stage companies, today announced the election of five members who complete its investment committee. Along with five of the eight BrightStar founding donors who serve on the committee, the 10-person group will begin selecting early stage companies for investment beginning at its first meeting on Jan. 21, 2014. The new members include:

• Pam Evason, CPA, CFA, managing director, Windermere Wealth Advisors LLC
• Lisa Johnson, vice president, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
• Daniel Matola, CFA, chief investment officer, Jacobus Wealth Management Inc.
• Dan Shannon, senior vice president, Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) Inc.
• Andy Shrago, co-manager, Wisconsin Investment Partners LLC

“The addition of these outstanding individuals to our investment committee completes a great team with some of our experienced angel founders,” said Todd Sobotka, chairman of BrightStar’s investment committee. “Our five new investment committee members have excellent backgrounds, including portfolio management, executive, and mergers and acquisitions experience. Our investment team has the experience to vet nearly any type of opportunity that arises.”

The BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation was founded this summer by eight business leaders and early-stage investors who pledged nearly $6 million to establish it. The foundation expects to raise an additional $60 million during the next three years. Its new, philanthropic approach will enable the formation of new investment capital in Wisconsin through charitable donations to the foundation. These contributions are tax deductible.

Because BrightStar is a non-profit organization, more of the capital it raises through charitable giving can be invested. Virtually all earnings and returns from the foundation’s portfolio companies will be reinvested to create additional high-quality jobs and spur continued growth in Wisconsin’s economy. Donors are not entitled to any return of their contributed capital or any share of BrightStar’s earnings.

About the BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation Inc.

The non-profit BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation is using a groundbreaking philanthropic approach to support job creation and economic growth across Wisconsin through investment in early-stage companies. This new approach will enable the formation of new investment capital in Wisconsin through charitable donations to the foundation. Contributions to BrightStar are tax deductible.