More investment capital is on the horizon, according to “Emerging Funds” panelists at the Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium Wednesday at the Monona Terrace.

Chris Prestigiacomo of the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) explained that the state’s $25-million “fund of funds” is about 6-8 months from its first investment. It will focus on agriculture, information technology, advanced manufacturing, medical imaging and medical devices.

“(In one year) we’ll be committed to 2-3 (opportunities), though the money may not actually be deployed,” Prestigiacomo said.

4490 Ventures, a $30 million fund managed jointly by WARF and SWIB, could get going in the first quarter of 2014 following the hiring of a fund manager, Carrie Thome of WARF said.

Meanwhile, Venture Investors launched recently its Fund V, worth $80 million. According to John Neis of Venture Investors, the fund is focusing on 12-15 early stage opportunities that emerge out of research universities.

“One of the most difficult things for us, there are so many opportunities out there, we’re going to say no to things that deserve funding,” Neis said.