Jeff Richgels summarizes the deal:

NimbleGen’s revenues have been growing strongly, from $4.5 million in 2004, to $9.5 million in 2005 and $13.5 million in 2006, but it has accumulated a total loss of $44.5 million as of the end of 2006, including losses of $8.3 million in 2004, $5.2 million in 2005 and $6.8 million in 2006, according to its IPO filing.
The company had raised $70 million in private funding and had $19 million in cash and cash equivalents as of Dec. 31, 2006.

A few interesting data points: $272.5M Sale price, $70M capitalization, 140 employees (850K to $1M monthly staff burn rate, maybe much more) and $19M cash and equivalents at the end of 2006. These numbers nicely illustrate the risks and potential upside of technology plays. While $272.5M is not a home run by VC standards (10X+), it’s a nice out for many, perhaps most (all?) investors. It would be interesting to find out if some of the capitalization included participating preferences.
The good news for Dane County? Some of that money will probably finds its way back into new startups.
Kathleen Gallagher has more.