Wichita Technology Corporation
Company Profile:
Wichita Technology Corporation (WTC) is a private commercialization corporation created in 1994 through a partnership between the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation (KTEC), the Wichita State University, and Wichita Area Development, Inc. to create and sustain a formal innovation network that will support technology advancement, transfer and commercialization in Kansas. This statewide technology network was created to leverage public resources with that of the private sector in order to maintain and facilitate business formation and growth by enhancing research & development activity, providing business assistance at critical phases of a technology start-up life cycle and providing access to capital.
WTC is a 501c(3) not-for-profit corporation and is governed by an independent board of business, academic and government leaders who represent each of the founding entities in the public-private partnership. The team at WTC works with entrepreneurs, researchers, technology managers and private investors throughout Kansas as well as maintaining working relationships with national research labs, research universities and venture capitalists across the U.S. to carry out this mission that contributes to the growth of the Kansas economy by creating high paying jobs and wealth. A critical element in technology commercialization is access to capital.
Wichita Technology Ventures (WTV)
Wichita Technology Ventures, L.L.C., also founded in 1994, is a seed and early-stage venture capital fund managed by Wichita Technology Corporation and funded by Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation (KTEC) and Wichita Area Development. WTV's "seed" money is usually the first formal money in after founders, friends and family. WTV is looking for opportunities in early-stage high-growth businesses. WTV's investment decisions are driven by return on investment criteria and in optimizing opportunities to invest in high growth technologies with committed entrepreneurs located primarily in Kansas.
WTV has invested over $2M dollars of seed capital leveraged with $50M dollars from private investors in 23 technology companies representing over 40 patented technologies. These 23 companies represent diverse technology areas such as advanced materials, proprietary manufacturing technology, biotech, broadband and telecommunications, proprietary engineering services and information technology software. WTV's investment philosophy is based upon making patient investments of up to five to seven years' duration, with the goal of realizing annualized rates of return ranging between 30% to 60% upon exit. An average investment would reasonably be expected to range from $25,000 to $200,000.
Midwest Venture Alliance (MVA)
Founded in 2005, Midwest Venture Alliance (MVA), including its affiliate, the Southeast Kansas Venture Alliance (SEKVA), is a network of accredited investors committed to investing in high-growth seed and early-stage technology companies in Kansas and surrounding states that is managed by Wichita Technology Corporation.
MVA members provide seed and early-stage capital in the range of $250K-$2M, an investment range not generally served by Venture Capitalists.
The MVA allows investors to benefit from a professionally managed organization while accessing better investment opportunities. The MVA makes it possible to leverage resources to make sound investments in private companies on terms that provide both the company and the investors with a greater chance to succeed. The Midwest Venture Alliance provides:
- Coordinated member-based review of business plans and investment opportunities in Kansas and the surrounding region, with each member deciding when and where to invest their own capital;
- A professional, experienced team of managers that are skilled in performing due diligence on investments as well as providing hands on business assistance to entrepreneurs of seed and early-stage companies;
- Negotiation and structure of investment terms designed to protect the private investor's interests while enhancing value and allowing the companies in which the MVA invests to thrive.
Great Plains Capital Conference (GPCC)
The 2008 Kansas Day of Innovation including the Fifth Annual Great Plains Capital Conference will bring together the region's technology leaders, entrepreneurs and angel investors for presentations by eight to ten emerging businesses seeking funding. Presenting companies are seeking venture capital from several hundred thousand to $5 million each.
For more information, please contact:
Wichita Technology Corporation
7829 E. Rockhill Rd, Suite #307
Wichita, KS 67206
Fax: 866-810-6671
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