Tech and real estate venture capital fund getting off the ground

Over $1 million has been raised for a new fund meant to provide seed capital for startup and emerging technology and digital media companies in the Capital Region, as well as pre-development funds for “game-changing” real estate projects. The initial investment goal for Capital Region Venture Partners is $5 million. Creation of the fund is being led by Springboard Baton Rouge, an entrepreneurial business accelerator based at the Kress @ Third & Main, and Vision City Development Group. John Schneider, managing partner of Springboard and Vision City, says the fund has always been a key component in the evolution of both entities. The first four companies in the accelerator program, and several potential real estate projects that are being evaluated, will be unveiled at an 11:30 a.m. luncheon at the Kress building on Friday. The luncheon will feature guest speaker James Digby, managing partner of Rockstart, an Amsterdam-based business accelerator. Trey Godfrey of Vision City says the fund won’t necessarily be limited to companies based at Springboard, but says the four initial accelerator companies will be “first in line.” Attendance for Friday’s luncheon is limited to 75 people. For more info and to reserve a seat, send an email to info@springboardbr.com. —David Jacobs