Open Prairie Ventures has backed NewLeaf Symbiotics, an agricultural biotech firm. The investment, from Open Prairie Ventures II, was part of a $7.0 million Series A round of financing that will be used to further NewLeaf Symbiotics’ field trials. Other investors in the syndicate include Rockport Capital, Pangaea Ventures and several individuals.

Dr. Jim Budzynski has joined Open Prairie Ventures as a venture partner. Dr. Budzynski’s focus will be to assist with capital raising and identification of initial investment opportunities for the OPV III Fund to be launched in January 2013. In addition, Dr. Budzynski will also manage some existing investments in the Open Prairie Ventures II Fund.

Sam Hogg has joined Open Prairie Ventures’ West Michigan office as a venture partner, with primary responsibilities including screening new investments and managing existing ones in the Open Prairie Ventures II and Southwest Michigan First Life Science Fund portfolios. Hogg joins OPV as part of a program administered by the Michigan Venture Capital Association – aimed to encourage venture funds to hire local Michigan talent.

Insecticide manufacturer Vestaron Corporation has completed a Series B financing, totaling approximately $10.2 million. New investors include Pangaea Ventures, Michigan Accelerator Fund and two private investment organizations. Existing investors include Open Prairie Ventures and Southwest Michigan First. Keith Gillard of Pangaea Ventures has joined the board of directors. PRESS RELEASE Vestaron Corporation is pleased to [...]

Privia, a company which provides an array of products to help organizations streamline the entire bid, capture and proposal process has raised additional capital to accelerate its planned growth strategies. The investment is led by Open Prairie Ventures. Chicago Technology Partners and DL Investments also took part in the funding. PRESS RELEASE Privia LLC today [...]