Convergys Corp., Fifth Third Bank, Western-Southern Life Insurance Co. and Procter & Gamble Co. each have contributed $5 million to start the Tri-State Growth Capital Fund I, organizers at the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce said Wednesday.

        The Convergys contribution came from that company's pension fund.

        Organizers still hope more companies will contribute. The “fund of funds” will invest in venture-capital funds that will invest seed capital in small technology companies. The fund is an outgrowth of CincyTechUSA, the program started this year, and will be managed by Fort Washington Investment Advisors.

        “After Sept. 11, this is clearly not the best time to attract investment,” said Rich Kiley, the P&G executive serving as an adviser to the fund. “But people understand the value it brings to the region.”

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