Waypoint Ventures Changes Name to RPM Ventures
Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Venture Capital Firm Adheres to Proven Strategy Launching New Name and New Era
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – November 14, 2006 – Marc Weiser, Managing Director of Waypoint Ventures, announced today that the firm has changed its name to RPM Ventures (RPM). The new name more accurately reflects the investment activities of the firm and is an evolution of the preceding Waypoint Ventures fund. RPM's investment strategy will continue to be focused on companies leveraging novel technologies.
RPM provides capital and guidance to entrepreneurs and technology start-ups, helping turn their ideas into the next generation of new-economy companies. The firm distinguishes itself as a national specialist and regional generalist. As a national specialist, it invests in companies across the U.S. selling to the Midwest manufacturing or automotive customer base. As a regional generalist, RPM works to create companies based on novel technologies developed from Midwest research centers.
"We've changed our name because it speaks much more to the types of companies that we invest in and work with," said Weiser. "However, our vision stays the same – we'll continue to focus our efforts on helping forward-thinking technology organizations achieve growth and ongoing success."
The new RPM fund is built atop a solid foundation of strategic resources that include close proximity to world-class research universities and institutes. Its Ann Arbor, Mich. location has allowed the firm to cultivate relationships with prestigious technology transfer offices at academic institutions such as the University of Michigan, the University of Illinois and Purdue University.
Weiser executes and manages the growth of RPM's portfolio companies while Tony Grover, the organization’s other managing partner, spearheads communication efforts with university technology transfer offices.
"Over time, we realized that the name Waypoint Ventures just didn't have that 'technology' feel that best describes our organization," said Grover. "We think that RPM is a much better fit and aligns much more closely to technology, which truly is our focus and passion."
About RPM Ventures
Founded in 2000, Ann Arbor, Mich.-based RPM Ventures, previously Waypoint Ventures, provides capital and guidance to entrepreneurs starting and building innovative technology companies. The firm has a reputation as a national specialist for its unique insight and access to the automotive and manufacturing industries, and as a regional generalist helping to create companies based on novel technologies from Midwest research centers. For more information, please visit www.rpmvc.com.
