Startup Wisconsin is organized by Headway, a digital product agency based in Green Bay, WI.

Upcoming Events

​Madison+ Ruby Conference​
​August 1st - 2nd [Madison]
​A premier event for Ruby enthusiasts, offering unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and professional development within a vibrant community.

​First Fridays at 100state: Connecting Entrepreneurs Over Brews​
​August 2nd, 5 PM [Madison]​
A new open networking event for the Madison entrepreneur community. Enjoy free beer and beverages as you connect with fellow innovators, share ideas, and build valuable relationships in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

​How-To Series with Godfrey & Kahn: Terminology and Term Sheets​
​August 6th, 12 PM [Virtual]​
Join us for a breakdown of the basic terms used in venture investments and a walkthrough of sample term sheets for stock financing, convertible notes, and SAFE. Whether you're gearing up for your first funding round or seeking to deepen your understanding of venture investments, this workshop will allow you to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools your startup deserves.

​Lunch with a Founder - featuring Michael Gardipee
​August 6th, 12 PM [Madison]​
This month Michael Gardipee will share his founder story and growth mindset in relationship to being profitable. He is the Founder of Mistura Technologies. An engineer by training, he graduated from the Milwaukee School of Engineering with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

​Lunch & Learn: Investor Series w/Jenni Le, Associate at Venture Investors​
​August 8th, 12 PM [Madison]​
This monthly event features top Wisconsin investors specializing in startup investments, offering insights into their company philosophy, investment interests, and criteria for potential investments. Founders can gain practical advice, participate in interactive Q&A sessions, and benefit from valuable networking opportunities.

​Reticulate: When Python and R play nice​
​August 8th, 7 PM [Madison]​
Partnering with Madison's Women in Tech (WiT) meetup for a presentation on Reticulate, an R package that facilitates interoperability between Python and R, perfect for developers and data scientists. Jennifer Knack, a microbiologist and data scientist at IFF, will share her expertise and experiences, making it an insightful event for all attendees.

​MadJS Monthly Meetup: Roundtable Discussion​
​August 12th, 6:15 PM [Madison]
​Continuing with our happy hour format for a while. Just a handful of JS developers talking about what they're working on and what new frameworks and tools catch their interest.

​Women in Technology Wisconsin - South Central (Madison Area) Season End Social​
​August 14th, 4:30 PM [Monona]​
Please join them for a casual, in-person networking social. Registration includes: appetizers and (2) drinks tickets. Thank you to all who have volunteered and participated this year.

​2024 Forward Fest​
​August 19th - 23rd, [Madison]
​Forward Fest is a 5-day festival in Madison, for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs with locally organized events to connect and inspire innovation featuring all aspects of entrepreneurship.

​Badger Startup Summit​
​August 19th, 8 AM - 3:30 PM [Madison]​
Kickstart Forward Fest with the Badger Startup Summit, a front-row experience of disruptive technology on the UW Madison campus at the Discovery Building. Morning sessions feature inspiring talks on disruptive tech from leading entrepreneurs, culminating in a notable keynote by John Neis from Venture Investors.

​Her Network HOT SEAT!​
​August 19th, 10 AM [Madison]​
Part of Forward Fest. Hosted by Mel Butcher, it is a chance for several Madison area businesswomen to discuss their entrepreneurial wins and challenges with a panel of experts and an audience of supportive business people. Participant form here.

​Badger Startup Summit: MERLIN Mentors Pitch & Replay​
​August 19th, 1:30 PM [Madison]​
This afternoon session gives entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to fine-tune their pitch in a non-competitive environment to seasoned entrepreneurs and mentors.

→ 🔴 Application deadline Aug 1st!

​Madison's Geek Lunch hosted by MADdotNET​
​August 20th, 11:45 AM [Madison]
​If you've never been to a Geek Lunch, it's an engaging conversation with your geekiest friends, where the topic bounces around depending on whatever anyone wants to contribute. All are welcome regardless of where you lie on any imaginary geek scale. Think "The Algonquin Round Table" with an emphasis on tech.

​Pressure Chamber 2024​
​August 20th, 3 PM [Madison]​
Pressure Chamber returns for its 11th year as emerging companies pitch for the coveted "golden suitcase" and a reserved spot in the Chamber's exclusive Greater Madison startup meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms this fall.

​Tech Community Game Night​
​August 20th, 5 PM [Madison]​
This is part of the week-long Forward Festival event. Calling all members of the tech community and local entrepreneurs! This casual evening brings together the local tech crowd for some friendly competition, exciting games, and a chance to socialize with peers from different organizations.

​devfest 2024​
​August 22nd, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM​
DevFest WI is a conference for any and all technologists. The conference theme is inclusivity: how do we create development teams and software products that are welcoming to everyone? DevFest WI 2024 is part of The Forward Festival, Wisconsin’s largest tech and entrepreneurship festival.

​3rd Annual Job Fair for Women & Non-Binary Folks​
​August 22nd, 10 AM - 2 PM [Madison]​
Madison Women in Tech is hosting our third annual job fair as part of DevFest WI and Forward Fest! At the Memorial Union, explore opportunities with a wide variety of both Madison-based and national employers, everything from startups to corporations, including internships and entry-level positions.
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​Psst ... is your company hiring and interested in having a booth?​
→ More info here.

​gener8tor Madison 2024 Showcase​
​August 22nd, 7 PM [Madison]
​Pitches from 7-8 p.m. & Networking from 8-9 p.m. The 2024 Madison cohort startups include Cubby, Healthy Cow, Plumb Pharmaceuticals, TechComb, Technova, and Transfur.

​DevCon Midwest '24​
​August 23rd, 8 AM - 6 PM [Brookfield]
​DevCon is a single-day conference that invites developers of all ranks from the Midwest to teach, learn, network, and grow alongside their peers.

​Tribute To Tech Conference​
​August 23rd, 9:30 AM - 5 PM [Madison]
​Git Gud Gaming Lounge invites you to an exciting celebration of Wisconsin's vibrant video game industry! This one-of-a-kind event brings together the creators behind your favorite games for a day packed with engaging activities and unforgettable experiences.

​NEWDA IT Roundtable – Why Transform? Project to Product​
​August 27th, 12 PM [Virtual]​
An engaging Virtual IT Roundtable where we delve into Thrivent’s transformative journey from Project to Product. This session offers a unique, multi-faceted perspective from key individuals across the organization, providing a holistic view of their evolution. Discover the challenges they faced and the innovative solutions they implemented to overcome them.

​Founders Day Coworking + Mentorship​
​August 28th, 9 AM - 5 PM [Milwaukee]​
This is a day of free resources for Milwaukee's growing startup founders. We've got open coworking, mentor office hours, coffee, snacks, and a networking happy hour. Come for part of the day or the entire thing!

​Madison Women in Tech - SOCIAL: New Member Social - Picnic Potluck​
​September 5th, 5:30 PM [Madison]​
It can be intimidating to show up to an event when you don't know anyone! To help mitigate that, we're having one of our semi-annual social events just for people who haven't attended a Women in Tech meetup yet, or haven't attended one in the last six months. First-timers can all be new together :)

​MadJS Monthly Meetup: Roundtable Discussion​
​September 9th, 6:15 PM [Madison]
​Continuing with our happy hour format for a while. Just a handful of JS developers talking about what they're working on and what new frameworks and tools catch their interest.

​How to 'Series' with Godfrey & Kahn: Deal Process and Cap Table​
​September 10th, 4 PM [Milwaukee]​
Join MFC and Godfrey & Kahn for an immersive How-To event. They'll provide a detailed outline of the deal process and Cap Table, equipping you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate financing rounds confidently.

​She Stands Tall: Featuring Janeth and Lizeth Zorrilla​
​September 10th, 5:30 PM [Milwaukee]​
Join She Stands Tall for an inspiring evening with Janeth and Lizeth Zorrilla, the dynamic sister duo behind La Finca Coffee House. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear their story and be inspired by their journey!

​Lunch & Learn: Investor Series w/Brad Bodden, Co-Manager at Wisconsin Investment Partners​
​September 12th, 12 PM [Madison]​
This monthly event features top Wisconsin investors specializing in startup investments, offering insights into their company philosophy, investment interests, and criteria for potential investments. Founders can gain practical advice, participate in interactive Q&A sessions, and benefit from valuable networking opportunities.

​Military Entrepreneurship Forum - Milwaukee​
​September 17th, 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM​
The D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) is hosting a regional Military Entrepreneurship Forum, sponsored by Fiserv, that will focus on providing veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses in the regional area the opportunity to learn from, and network with, subject matter experts, resources in the space, Fortune 500 companies, and fellow entrepreneurs.

​Madison's Geek Lunch hosted by MADdotNET​
​September 17th, 11:45 AM [Madison]
​If you've never been to a Geek Lunch, it's an engaging conversation with your geekiest friends, where the topic bounces around depending on whatever anyone wants to contribute. All are welcome regardless of where you lie on any imaginary geek scale. Think "The Algonquin Round Table" with an emphasis on tech.

​NVNG Founder Happy Hour​
​September 25th, 5 PM [Milwaukee]​
They invite founders, investors, and innovators from across the state and the region to come and connect for a Founder Happy Hour. In attendance will be founders, VCs from across the country, and other regional ecosystem partners. It will be an excellent way to meet other founders and get introduced to new companies. Taking place at the Starlight Lounge within the renowned 3rd Street Market Hall.

​+Venture North 2024 Presented by NVNG Investment Advisors​
​September 26th [Milwaukee]​
+Venture North will showcase how collaboration and networks between venture capital and corporations can further propel Midwestern industries to become engines of economic growth. The program will delve into topics relevant to the region’s largest industries and key interests while providing insights into cutting-edge trends and areas of focus for leading organizations. Attendees will hear perspectives from venture capitalists, corporate innovators, successful founders and operators, and more.

​UW-Madison E-Business Consortium: Annual Conference​
​October 1st, 8 AM - 5 PM [Madison]​
The conference features five tracks – Customer Service, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, and Supply Chain – as well as a variety of strategic briefings, world-class keynotes, and a distinguished executive panel.

​Lunch & Learn: Investor Series w/Juan Gomez, Vice President of Lending and Investments at Madison Development Corporation​
​October 8th, 12 PM [Madison]​
This monthly event features top Wisconsin investors specializing in startup investments, offering insights into their company philosophy, investment interests, and criteria for potential investments. Founders can gain practical advice, participate in interactive Q&A sessions, and benefit from valuable networking opportunities.

​FOUNDER/FEST XIV​
​October 9th, 6 PM [Milwaukee]​
An experience that brings Midwest area startup founders together to build a community of support and celebration. Founders come to network and hear stories from those who have actually built, scaled, and lost businesses in an informal, party-like setting.

​Madison's Geek Lunch hosted by MADdotNET​
​October 15th, 11:45 AM [Madison]
​If you've never been to a Geek Lunch, it's an engaging conversation with your geekiest friends, where the topic bounces around depending on whatever anyone wants to contribute. All are welcome regardless of where you lie on any imaginary geek scale. Think "The Algonquin Round Table" with an emphasis on tech.

​4th Annual Small Business Owners Conference & Awards​
​October 16-17th [Milwaukee]
​The Small Business event of the year for solopreneurs and micro-businesses in downtown Milwaukee. Join hundreds of fellow small business owners for an unforgettable two-day event packed with inspiring talks, practical workshops, and unbeatable networking opportunities.
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Startup Programs

​gBETA Madison Fall 2024​
​Application Deadline: August 19, 2024​
gBETA is a free, seven-week accelerator for early-stage companies with local roots. Each program is capped at five teams and requires no fees and no equity.

​gBETA Milwaukee Fall 2024​
​Application Deadline: August 19, 2024​
gBETA is a free, seven-week accelerator for early-stage companies with local roots. Each program is capped at five teams and requires no fees and no equity.

​FOR-M Fall 2024 Incubator by MKdE Tech​
​Application Deadline: August 2024 (No Date Found)​
This free incubator includes six Monday evening workshops and plenty of (optional) office hours mentoring sessions in the weeks between workshops. We’ll help you explore your concept and get you plugged into the MKE tech startup ecosystem!

​Madworks Fall 2024 By StartingBlock​
​Application Deadline: Summer 2024​
StartingBlocks's flagship 10-week accelerator program. From mentorship and resources to networking and funding opportunities, we provide everything you need to succeed at every stage of your journey. Join now and accelerate your business growth.

​gBETA Beloit Fall 2024​
​Application Deadline: September 9th, 2024
​gBETA is a free, seven-week accelerator for early-stage companies with local roots. Each program is capped at five teams, and requires no fees and no equity.

​gener8tor Milwaukee Accelerator 2025​
​Application Deadline: December 4th, 2024​
gener8tor invests in five high-growth startups per cohort. This is an industry-agnostic and business model-agnostic program. We accept ALL types of startups across ALL industries and business models. Accepted startups receive $100K and 12 weeks of mentorship-driven programming.

​Northwestern Mutual Black Founder Accelerator Spring and Fall 2025​
​Application Deadline: February 10th, 2025​
The Northwestern Mutual Black Founder Accelerator, powered by gener8tor, invests in high-growth startups that are building products for consumers’ changing financial preferences, reimagining the client experience, advancing the digital health revolution, or creating transformational analytics and technologies.
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Wisconsin Tech News

​WTC releases annual startup funding report​
The Wisconsin Technology Council (WTC) released The Wisconsin Portfolio, its annual report on the status of early-stage startup investing in 2023. The organization, which has been compiling this data since 2008, provided highlights of the report at its monthly luncheon held in Madison on July 23.

​Company relocation to Green Bay is ‘already paying dividends’​
Aramid Technologies recently moved operations from Phoenix to TitletownTech’s Green Bay location.

​Royes Analytics adds value, creativity, humanity via data​
Josh Royes melds psychology expertise with quantitative methods to benefit employees, businesses.

​Calendar 2023 was Wisconsin’s third highest year for early stage investment dollars at $490 million​
Down from the previous year’s total of $640.2 million but still the third-highest investment total on the books and also consistent with overall national trends.

​The co-director of the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute says the institute can help member organizations establish a framework for how to most effectively deploy AI​
This fall, the institute aims to create a forum to bring together faculty across various disciplines, including traditional STEM fields as well as others.

​AI task force issues action plan, holds final meeting​
The Governor’s Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence has issued its final action plan, covering a wide array of policy proposals across education, government, workforce and economic development.

​Biohealth workforce project aims to drive interest in the field​
That’s according to Mark Thomas, chief strategy officer for Madison Area Technical College and leader of the Actualizing Biohealth Career Pathways project, one of several key initiatives getting funding through the state Tech Hub effort.

​UW-Madison fusion energy project hits ‘major milestone’ by producing plasma​
The university notes fusion could be “one of the cleanest potential energy sources” due to it producing carbon-free byproducts.

​Renaissant to use $5M round to develop software platform​
Since launching in 2018, Renaissant has been developing a data analytics and workflow platform for its customers’ logistics operations.

​UW-Madison scientists testing new soil nutrient sensor this summer​
The sensor technology created by engineers at the university can be used for real-time monitoring of nitrates in soil, which are essential for growing crops.

​MCW leading health screening effort through Tech Hub initiative​
The Medical College of Wisconsin will lead a health screening initiative as part of the Wisconsin BioHealth Tech Hub effort thanks to newly announced federal funding.

​Wisconsin BioHealth Tech Hub set to receive additional $49 million investment​
The latest investment is part of $504 million in implementation grant funding for distribution to 12 tech hubs across the United States.

​EnsoData Acquires Technology from Resonea​
EnsoData acquired a sleep testing diagnostic technology from Resonea aimed at reducing the cost of systematically addressing sleep apnea across large patient populations, the company announced.

​Forward BIOLABS Receives WEDC Grant​
Forward BIOLABS is one of seven organizations receiving Entrepreneurship Partner Grants from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the organizations announced.

​WIA Announces 2024 Finalists​
Thirty-one companies and nonprofit organizations have been named the finalists for the 2024 Wisconsin Innovation Awards, organizers announced.

​And the winners are- Summerfest Tech Pitch Competition Edition​
The Summerfest Tech Pitch Competition returned on June 26 with eight startups competing for a chance to win a share of $50,000 in prize money.

​CORNCOB strives toward commercialization​
Founded in 2014, the company developed a membrane-based water-filtration system that is more energy efficient than what is currently being used to clean contaminated water.

​Tailored Remedy part of gBETA’s latest cohort​
Tailored Remedy aims to bridge the gap between providers and patients by using a chatbot to answer healthcare questions in commonly used language.

​A second look at Q2 VC funding in Wisconsin​
According to PitchBook data, 31 Wisconsin-based startup companies raised at least $72.6 million in venture capital in the second quarter of 2024.

​Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District plans $13M lab to pilot wastewater innovations​
The pilot programs could save taxpayer money and attract other investment.

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Have questions?
​We've got you. Ask away!
jacob@startupwi.org

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