A UK-based startup is crowdfunding the launch of its "x2 Underwater Jet Pack" that uses thrusters attached to your arms to propel scuba divers under water. For just $5,700, you could be flying under the suface of Lakes Michigan or Mendota.

The new members join five existing committee members for the group. BrightStar plans to begin deciding on investments in early 2014. See more information on their investment process here and how to register on the group's website.

Thompson said his interest stemmed from both his tenure as Health and Human Services secretary, but also his time as Wisconsin's governor. Among Thompson's holdings include emerging and mature companies, but he also sits on the board of several publically-held companies.

Thompson is also active on Twitter (@tommyforhealth), often sending out information on the changes affecting the healthcare industry.

The company founders had earlier sold off much of the company, so the deal represents a second payoff in the company. The benefits of such a deal spill over into other new ventures, according to a John Torinus column, outlining the benefits of early exits.

The bureau's editor, Jeff Engel, was previously a reporter at the Milwaukee Business Journal. Among the first stories for the new site, which launched in December, included a look at recent company exits in Wisconsin, and also a profile of Milwaukee investor, Tim Keane, who heads the Golden Angels Investors network in Milwaukee.

Mosher, a member of Golden Angels and Silicon Pastures angel groups and who is also on the board of the newly-formed BrightStar Foundation, told of his years of angel investing, including 17 successful exits. In total, Mosher said he's had another 45 investments fail, and has over 100 still open, of which he described several he's especially excited about.

Mosher talked in detail about his investing criteria and also some challenges he sees facing early stage companies, which you can read more about here. The luncheon also featured a presentation from the 2013 Elevator Pitch Olympics winner, Trevor Ghylin, on his company, Microbe Detectives. Read more about Ghylin's company here.

San Francisco private equity firm, Sverica International Management, acquired a "major" stake in 7Summits, a social media marketing consulting firm based in Milwaukee. Terms were not disclosed. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

ConjuGon, a Madison company working to develop an antibacterial technology, raised about $600,000, according to a recent SEC document.
 

Murfie, a Madison online music marketplace and community, closed on about $500,000 in the first close of a larger fundraising round, according to a recent SEC document.

Silatronix, a company developing new compounds used in energy devices and batteries, recently raised $700,000. Investors included Venture Investors, WARF, Pyle Group and Venture Management.