Patrick G. Morand

Open Prairie Ventures invests in high growth information technology, wireless communication and life science technology companies. They look for companies with efficient capital usage and disruptive technologies. Areas near major universities noted for research and innovation are an essential part of their focus. They seek to utilize less than $5 million of capital to generate meaningful revenue and to deploy less than $15 million of syndicated capital to develop, commercialize and exit their investments. Open Prairie Ventures prefers to be the lead investor, or co-lead investor in pre-revenue portfolio companies, and to syndicate with their venture network as post-revenue growth requires additional capital.

The Southwest Michigan First (SWMF) Life Science Fund is a $65 million limited partnership venture fund interested in early stage life science opportunities in Southwest Michigan. The Southwest Michigan First Life Science Fund has a dual-bottom line approach. Not only does it seek to turn a profit for its investors, but it only invests in companies that already have a presence or are committed to establishing a presence in Southwest Michigan. The fund provides equity investment to entrepreneurs and also offers support services in the areas of industry expertise, regulatory strategy, reimbursement planning, exit strategies and early stage business systems. In addition, the SWMF Life Science Fund has access to a uniquely positioned and committed network that is able to give direction and strategy to start-up companies as they grow and develop.