Mastercraft Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Wisconsin, focused on becoming the first institutional investor in local startups. The firm was created to address a clear gap in the Wisconsin ecosystem for true “first-in” seed capital and is structured to lead a company’s first priced round. Mastercraft Ventures operates with a statewide mandate while remaining rooted in Rock County.
The firm invests exclusively in Wisconsin-based startups across a broad range of industries and technologies. Mastercraft Ventures targets companies at the very beginning of their venture journey, backing founders before broader institutional capital enters the picture. The emphasis is on businesses with scalable products, strong founding teams, and the potential to attract follow-on capital from regional and national investors.
Mastercraft Ventures raised $6.2 million in its most recent fund, positioning it as a focused seed vehicle dedicated to Wisconsin startups.
The fund is supported by the Badger Fund of Funds, marking Mastercraft as the eighth venture capital fund backed by the program and the sixth emerging manager fund where Badger matches up to 40 percent of invested capital. This backing provides both credibility and additional capital leverage. The fund is designed to lead first rounds with initial checks of approximately $500,000, allowing Mastercraft to set terms and anchor early syndicates.
The fund plans to register with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to obtain qualified venture fund certification, which would enable eligible investors to receive Wisconsin tax benefits when the fund invests in qualified new business ventures. This structure strengthens the fund’s appeal to local LPs while increasing capital availability for founders.
Leadership
Mastercraft Ventures is led by Mason Cook, Managing Director. Cook brings experience from both investment organizations and operating roles at technology startups, including serving as president of a VC-backed software company. He is supported by an investment committee composed of operators and investors with backgrounds in building, scaling, and exiting companies.
Investment Strategy
The firm’s strategy is centered on being the first institutional check into a startup. Mastercraft Ventures typically leads initial rounds, establishes pricing, and helps founders prepare for future institutional raises. Beyond capital, the firm leverages Cook’s extensive network across Wisconsin industries and connects founders with follow-on investors throughout the Midwest and the broader US venture ecosystem.
Notable Investments
As a newly raised fund focused on first-round investments, Mastercraft Ventures has not yet publicly disclosed individual portfolio companies.
Notable Exits
No exits have been announced to date.
Other
Mastercraft Ventures is intentionally built for very early-stage companies and is comfortable investing before product-market fit.
The fund’s alignment with the Badger Fund of Funds and potential Wisconsin tax incentives can make Mastercraft a strong lead investor for founders looking to raise their first institutional seed round while staying headquartered in Wisconsin.
United States
