Lauer, Korte, Kresko invest in Internet firm. (Dan Lauer; Ralph Korte; Robert Kresko; WorkNet Communications Inc.)

Local investors raised $3.5 million to launch WorkNet Communications Inc., a firm that provides high-speed Internet access to businesses over a wireless system.

The company, which started this summer, now provides or is installing service in 11 buildings, mostly in Clayton. It expects to be in more than 500 buildings throughout St. Louis within 18 months, with growth to other markets on the horizon, said Ken Harrington, president and chief executive officer of WorkNet.

One of the investors, Dan Lauer, president of Lauer Toys and the creator of Waterbabies Dolls, said he put up money for WorkNet because he wants to encourage local start-up firms.

"Technology works. I wanted do something in this area so that I could learn personally more about it," Lauer said. "That was attractive to …