The Wyoming Venture Capital fund, known as WYVC, is the quasi-governmental equivalent to a standard venture capital fund with a geographic focus. The fund utilizes two investment strategies – the Direct Strategy and Funds Strategy – to support the growth of Wyoming entrepreneurs and startups. After in-depth investment consideration and due diligence, WYVC targets contributing 20% to selected funds or companies’ fundraising rounds.
WYVC Mission: To catalyze a vibrant startup ecosystem in Wyoming, by supporting and capitalizing Wyoming entrepreneurs that, in turn, create great jobs, generate wealth, and reinvest in our state.
Origins of WYVC: In 2022, The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) was approved for $58.4 million dollars through the U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) program. With those federal funds, WBC opened applications on April 2nd, 2023, for the Wyoming Venture Capital (WYVC) fund.
If you have questions, please check the current WYVC FAQ’s before reaching out.
Strategy | Funding | Applicant |
---|---|---|
Direct Strategy | Seed & Series A Funding Rounds | Wyoming-based early-stage startups and high growth companies |
Funds Strategy | Fund-Level LP Investments | Regional and/or Wyoming-focused venture capital funds |
Once we have made an investment in a portfolio company or partner fund we stay involved. We don’t write checks and then check out.
Porftolio companies are companies that the Wyoming Business Council, through the federally funded WYVC fund, has made direct equity investments in.
Partner funds are venture capital funds that the Wyoming Business Council, through the federally funded WYVC fund, has made an investments in. These funds, much like the WYVC Direct program, are focused on investing in Wyoming based startups.
Started with the WBC in February 2023.