Shantanu Singh didn't follow a straight path to becoming a founder. Cell biology researcher → prosecutor → AI startup co-founder. But every "dot" he dropped along the way prepared him for this moment. When ChatGPT launched, it felt like discovering fire.
In this episode of the Startup Wisconsin Podcast, Shantanu breaks down what makes Obviate.ai different from typical AI wrappers, why most AI products are automated rather than truly autonomous, and how Milwaukee's small but mighty AI founder community creates disproportionate impact.
Episode Topics
The founding story of Obviate.ai
How autonomous AI agents differ from traditional Gen AI
Patent-pending legal reasoning technology
The "Guided Autonomy™" approach to contract management
Challenges of building AI for the legal industry
Enterprise security and data privacy in legal tech
The future of AI in contract negotiation
Lessons for founders building specialized AI tools
There is plenty in store before and after Startup Wisconsin Week.
Filter these events by city and topic on our events page.
December Events
Global AI Community Milwaukee AgentConf 2025 December 2, 9:00 AM [Milwaukee] From San Francisco to Singapore, we’re bringing together leading engineers, researchers, and creators to explore the cutting edge of AI agent design, deployment, and integration. Whether you’re building intelligent assistants, autonomous systems, or next-gen developer tools, this event is your fast track to practical knowledge, hands-on demos.
Sip & Sync in Madison December 3, 8:00 AM [Madison] Join us for Sip & Sync - your casual networking meetup where meaningful connections happen over complimentary coffee. Drop in for relaxed conversations, share insights, or simply enjoy meeting fellow WIT members and friends in a laid-back atmosphere.
1 Million Cups Madison - December 2025 December 3, 9:00 AM [Madison] 1MC provides a supportive, inclusive space for entrepreneurs and their communities to gather and connect. December's lineup includes Aaron Colcord with Voyager AI, and Chao Xiong with RoadCloudX.
1 Million Cups with Voyager AI, Inc. and ROADCLOUDX December 3, 9:00 AM [Madison] December features Aaron Colcord with Voyager AI (bank-grade platform for intelligent collaboration in Financial Institutions) and Chao Xiong with RoadCloudX (turns dashcam data into real-time driver insights for coaching & insurance).
Embrace A Byte of the Holidays | Southeast Region December 3, 4:30 PM [Milwaukee] Celebrate the Season with Women in Tech Wisconsin SE Chapter! One of the most anticipated events of the year, our Annual Holiday Party is back! Known for its unforgettable White Elephant Gift Exchange, this evening is all about reflecting, reconnecting, and celebrating the incredible accomplishments of women in tech.
ProdCon Wisconsin 2025 December 4, 8:30 AM [Milwaukee] ProdCon- a one‑day, multi-track tech conference centered around the entire product development lifecycle.ProdCon provides invaluable insights to tech lovers from CxO to Sr. Software Architects, UX Leaders and Product Managers.
December Code and Coffee December 6, 9:00 AM [Milwaukee] This gathering is designed to foster connections within our local tech community. Whether you are a seasoned professional, a hobbyist, or just getting your feet wet in the world of coding, there's a place for you here.
Artificial Intelligence and MS Copilot December 8, 1:00 PM [Appleton] Discover how Artificial Intelligence and Microsoft Copilot can transform the way you work. In this beginner-friendly session, you’ll learn how AI can help you work more efficiently, improve productivity, and support better decision-making.
MadAI/IEEE Year-End Celebration - Pitch Your Work December 8, 6:00 PM [Madison] Hi MadAI and IEEE community! Join us for our annual year-end celebration on Monday, December 8th to showcase member projects and kick off the holidays!
MadJS Monthly Meetup: Roundtable Discussion December 8, 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.
December Code + Brews December 10, 5:00 PM [Milwaukee] This gathering is designed to foster connections within our local tech community. Whether you are a seasoned professional, a hobbyist, or just getting your feet wet in the world of coding, there's a place for you here.
Remote mentor: Strategies for problem-solving December 10, 6:00 PM [Virtual] Remember learning problem-solving just by being in the room? That "osmosis effect" is gone in a remote world. Join this session to explore clear ideas and strategies for developing and mastering critical self-learning and problem-solving skills.
TechBloom: Holiday Soiree | Northeast Region December 11, 4:30 PM [Appleton] Whether you're a seasoned floral enthusiast or trying something new, this workshop is a chance to unwind, explore your creativity, and strengthen bonds with an incredible community of women in technology.
Founder & Entrepreneur Holiday Party December 11, 6:00 PM [Madison] We are founders, entrepreneurs, and remote workers. The only thing we don’t get is a company holiday party…. UNTIL NOW!
MadPy Lightning Talks December 11, 6:30 PM [Madison] We’re gathering at the Downtown Madison Public Library for a fast-paced night of Python ideas and community conversation. We’ve got a full lineup of talks from local members, covering everything from tiny hardware to big-picture tech culture.
Sip & Sync in Milwaukee December 12, 8:30 AM [Milwaukee] Join us for Sip & Sync - your casual networking meetup where meaningful connections happen over complimentary coffee. Drop in for relaxed conversations, share insights, or simply enjoy meeting fellow WIT members and friends in a laid-back atmosphere.
Leading from Within | WiT Virtual Series: Fuel Your Friday December 12, 12:00 PM [Virtual] Leadership isn’t reserved for titles—it’s a mindset rooted in self-awareness, values, and intentional action. Together we will explore how personal reflection and clarity around non-negotiables can transform everyday interactions into moments of leadership.
Startup Hub 20-Year Celebration December 16, 10:00 AM [Green Bay] Join us as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Greater Green Bay Chamber Startup Hub! More than just a physical or virtual space, the Startup Hub is a vibrant community where entrepreneurs at every stage come together to meet, create and collaborate.
Madison's Geek Lunch December 16, 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.
StartingBlock's Her Network December 17, 9:00 AM [Madison] Join us for Her Network 2.0! Happening every 3rd Wednesday of the month, our mission is to equip women in business with resources, community, and learning opportunities to further their personal and professional development.
Accountability Group at StartingBlock December 24, 9:00 AM [Madison] Join us every 4th Wednesday to review goals and progress, set and measure the right metrics, and problem solve hurdles with a group of like minded entrepreneurs. Come once, or every month.
January 2026 Events
MadJS Monthly Meetup: Roundtable Discussion January 12, 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.
Madison's Geek Lunch January 20, 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.
StartingBlock's Her Network January 21, 9:00 AM [Madison] Join us every 3rd Wednesday to connect with other women founders and entrepreneurs!
Accountability Group at StartingBlock January 28, 9:00 AM [Madison] Join us for Accountability Group! Happening every 4th Wednesday of the month, we'll gather on the 3rd floor in the Cafe to share our goals for the upcoming month, check in on KPIs and review monthly progress, problem solve hurdles that may arise, and hold each other accountable.
Just as U.S. Venture’s mission is to find a better way by being the very best provider of transportation products, sustainability solutions, and insights driving the world forward, the U.S. Venture Accelerator mirrors these promises by investing into five sustainability- and mobility-related startups. Selected teams will receive a $100,000 investment directly into the current round (if raising) or uncapped convertible bridge note to be converted into the next round (if not currently raising).
The Northwestern Mutual Accelerator™ Powered by gener8tor invests in five high-growth startups per cohort, focusing on those innovating in financial products, client experience, digital health, or transformational technologies. Selected teams will receive a $100,000 investment directly into the current round (if raising) or uncapped convertible bridge note to be converted into the next round (if not currently raising).
StartingBlock's Level Set program is an intense 6 week program designed to help you build and validate a business model. Offered 6x per year, we help you explore the pros and cons of different business models, model revenue and get real world feedback on your ideas.
FOR-M is your first step to creating a tech startup company in Milwaukee. Solidify the startup idea that’s been bouncing around in your head and understand your next steps. This program is limited to 25 founders and will begin accepting folks immediately…so apply soon!
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 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.
The Ignite Startup Accelerator is an 11-month collaborative startup accelerator to assist founders and entrepreneurs in commercializing their new venture. Ignite’s goal is to provide passionate entrepreneurs who have a strong business idea and have completed customer discovery, with the tools, resources, and connections to accelerate the commercialization of their ventures and get to revenue growth.
gener8tor Madison invests in six 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.
Promega's OncoMate Receives FDA Approval The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Promega OncoMate MSI Dx Analysis System as a companion diagnostic designed to identify patients.
FOR-M Awards $50,000 in New Founder Grants Five startups have been awarded a total of $50,000 in non-dilutive grants through the FOR-M program, presented by the MKE Tech Hub Coalition.
WIA Announces 2025 Winners The Wisconsin Innovation Awards, an annual event that celebrates Wisconsin's most innovative products and services, revealed its seven winners.
Wisconsin VC Funding for October 2025 According to PitchBook, Wisconsin startups raised at least $36.17 million in disclosed startup funding in October.
Doyenne Group Seeking New Executive Director Doyenne Group Co-Founder Heather Wentler announced today that she will be stepping down as executive director after nearly 14 years of leadership.
Abbott to Acquire Exact Sciences Exact Sciences is being acquired by Abbott, a global healthcare leader, at a total equity value of approximately $21 billion.
StartingBlock Awarded $75K by SBA StartingBlock has received $75,000 through the 2025 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, awarded by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
UW Launches Badger Tech Foundry The University of Wisconsin announced that its College of Engineering has launched the Badger Tech Foundry, the first founder development program of its kind.
Have questions? We've got you. Ask away! jacob@startupwi.org
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Episode 10 now available! Ep 10 - Building Autonomous AI for Legal Contract Review Shantanu Singh, Co-Founder, CEO of Obviate.ai Building Autonomous AI for Legal Contract Review Shantanu Singh didn't follow a straight path to becoming a founder. Cell biology researcher → prosecutor → AI startup co-founder. But every "dot" he dropped along the way prepared him for this moment. When ChatGPT launched, it felt like discovering fire. In this episode of the Startup Wisconsin Podcast, Shantanu...
Startup Wisconsin Week 2025 starts Monday! We are can't wait to get people together, learn together, celebrate entrepreneurs, and inspire people to start something new (or keep going)! On the calendar you can filter by city, virtual, and topic. → See the 40+ events on the calendarSupport the week by forwarding this email to a friend! Startup Wisconsin Week Calendar Events on the Calendar Lunch 'n Learn: Social Media Marketing 101 November 10, 11:30 AM [Chippewa-Valley] This workshop is for...
Startup Wisconsin is organized by Headway, a digital product agency based in Green Bay, WI. Powered by our state sponsors, Nicolet National Bank and gener8tor. 40+ events. 10+ Cities. 1 Week. 🎯 Pitch competitions and demo nights across multiple cities💡 Hands-on workshops on AI tools, marketing, design, and development🤝 Networking events connecting founders, investors, and tech talent👥 Founder panels and story-sharing sessions💼 Startup career fair for those looking to join high-growth teams📈...