State not alone in quest for venture capital

Across the nation, at least 34 states have either launched venture capital funds, created investment tax incentives or both to leverage private investments in startups and emerging companies.

Tom Still

Full Story: http://lacrossetribune.com/news/opinion/tom-still-state-not-alone-in-quest-for-venture-capital/article_6687e6de-900a-11e2-861c-001a4bcf887a.html?comment_form=true

Venture capital is a must for Arizona

It’s one thing to be wrong on the merits of legislation; it’s another to be wrong on the facts. Regarding Robert Robb’s column in The Arizona Republic, “Tobin venturing into corporate welfare,” he is wrong on both.

Arizona has one of the best “angel” investor and research-and-development programs in the United States, resulting in hundreds of small high-tech firms residing here. These companies are inventing the next generation of cancer drugs, military hardware, computer chips and software. Companies like these are heavily investing in high-paying jobs, which generate other tangential industries.

Arizona House Speaker Andy Tobin’s bill creates a $50 million high-tech, early-stage, venture-capital fund using tax credits for insurance companies that offset insurance-premium taxes. The Arizona Commerce Authority will administer the fund.

By Steven Zylstra

Full Story: http://www.azcentral.com/opinions/articles/20130318zylstra-venture-capital-must-arizona.html