ABOUT GREY COLLAR VENTURES
Venture capital for Beloit-based start-ups.
Grey Collar Ventures (GCV) invests in early-stage, industry-disrupting startups who are committed to leveraging Beloit’s unique entrepreneurial ecosystem and scaling their ideas in our community. We exist to support innovators, risk-takers, and job creators.
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Along with Hendricks Commercial Properties, a real estate development company founded in 1974 by American business woman, Diane Hendricks, and Irontek, a Hendricks-owned downtown coworking space and tech hub, GCV supports the company-wide directive to "Build Beloit".
INVESTMENT CRITERIA
Grey Collar Ventures invests in an undiscriminating range of sectors. We want to be a value-add investor and will work to make connections that are valuable to each company.
LOCATION: Startups must be headquartered in Beloit or willing to relocate.
STAGE: We invest in pre-seed and seed rounds.
CHECK SIZE: Checks range from $50-$250k.
WHY BELOIT?
Located on the Wisconsin-Illinois border and a short drive from major metro areas and airports, Beloit is perfectly positioned to become a leading Midwest tech hub. The community takes pride in a strong industrial heritage, dynamic local business community and a vibrant downtown district. Boutique hotels and restaurants, upscale apartment living and other urban amenities make our small city an attractive location for startups to headquarter, find talent and affordably scale their businesses.
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We love it here and we think your startup will, too.
OUR PORTFOLIO COMPANIES
MEET THE TEAM
LARRY EVINGER
CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER
Larry leads the execution of the investment decisions at Geronimo Hospitality Group and Hendricks Commercial Properties (HCP). His group’s responsibilities include acquiring and disposing of properties, leasing spaces, providing a co-working ecosystem for entrepreneurs (Irontek) and securing capital for start-up companies. He’s been with HCP since 2010 and has worked in the real estate industry for 37 years.
ERIN CURRIER
DIRECTOR OF INVESTMENT
Erin has been with the company since 2016, helping to cultivate Beloit's entrepreneurial ecosystem. She currently oversees the Irontek team and Grey Collar Ventures' investments, and is responsible for deal flow, due diligence and managing relationships with founders. Post-investment, she works closely with portfolio companies as they continue to innovate, scale and create jobs.
ARE YOU A FIT?
​The form below will help us determine if your company fits Grey Collar Ventures' criteria for funding. Completion of this form does not guarantee funding, but it will save you time by allowing us to get you an answer as quickly as possible. Please allow 2 business days for review.