|
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.
Upcoming Events
Filter events by city and topic on our events page.
January 2025 - Happy New Year!
Startup Funding AMA & Founder Institute Info Session w/ Jonathan Greechan (CEO)
January 7, 7:00 pm [Virtual]
If you're interested in learning about startup funding and discovering how the Founder Institute can help, join this live and interactive online event featuring Jonathan Greechan, CEO and Co-Founder of the Founder Institute.
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Technical Co-Founder
January 8, 12:00 pm [Virtual]
Join us for this fun and interactive event where you will learn best practices for building an effective Co-Founder relationship. In addition, you will have the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs who are looking for a Co-Founder at virtual tables and speed networking sessions.
January Code and Brews
January 8, 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. The Explorium will be hosting us and nVisia will be providing pizza.
Project Work Night
January 8, 6:00 pm [Madison]
Designed for those who take their goals seriously and want to go further. It’s more than just a work session—it’s a space where motivated entrepreneurs can dedicate focused time to their projects while being surrounded by others who are equally committed.
MadPy Social: Mickey's Tavern
January 9, 6:30 pm [Madison]
The Madison Python meetup group is hosting a social gathering at Mickey's Tavern on Willy St. We won't have a speaker or slides. Just friendly conversation. Whether you're an experienced software developer, someone interested to learn about the field, or just looking to meet new people, please join us!
Learning AI: Empowering Minds in Education
January 10, 12:00 pm [Virtual]
Dive into the current landscape of AI in education, sharing diverse perspectives from women in the field, and inspiring attendees to consider AI’s impact on learning. What are your own opinions of how kids should learn and engage with AI at school?
Startup to Scale-Up: Mastering Sales & Branding with Mark Kosoglow
January 13, 12:00 pm [Virtual]
As the first sales hire at Outreach.io, Mark played a pivotal role in scaling the company to unicorn status by building and refining their sales development function. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the top leaders in SaaS sales. Come prepared with your questions and get direct answers in this interactive event!
MadJS Monthly Meetup: Roundtable Discussion
January 13, 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.
2025 Hiring Trends
January 14, 8:30 am [Virtual]
Want to have a leg up on the patterns and trends that will be the most prevalent in 2025? Join Amanda Daering, CEO of Newance, for an update on the latest hiring trends. This discussion will include information on this year’s trends.
StartingBlock Lunch & Learn: Tactical Skills Series - featuring Dan Fogarty
January 14, 12:00 pm [Madison]
The January program features Dan Fogarty, covering AI-enhanced LinkedIn Strategies. Dan Fogarty used to be an editor at two famous media companies. Now he is a ghostwriter who turns your expertise into content that drives inbound leads, improves deal flow, and generates goodwill.
Empowering Manufacturers with AI: A Workshop on Prompt Engineering
January 14, 4:30 pm [Milwaukee]
The Manufacturing Tech User Group is a grassroots initiative created to help local manufacturers discover new tools and techniques to improve efficiency and innovation—without the sales pitches. This event focuses on practical solutions manufacturers can use today.
Housing Shortage Workshop
January 21, 9:00 am [Madison]
We’re tackling the housing shortage in WI. Engineers, Architects, Builders, Developers are needed for the 2nd workshop in our series. We'll go through a problem set to identify bottlenecks and road blockages that lead to housing shortages. We'll discuss other nationwide initiatives and explore global solutions.
Madison's Geek Lunch
January 21, 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.
Madison's Geek Lunch
January 21, 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.
Doyenne Informational Session - January 2025
January 22, 12:00 pm [Virtual]
Curious to know more about Doyenne and how it can help you with your venture? These live informational sessions cover our educational events, workshops, programs, and membership benefits with casual Q&A to help you determine where to plug in to the community.
Solving Your Talent Attraction Woes at Stillmank Brewing
January 22, 5:00 pm [Green Bay]
Learn how to get on the Most Wanted List! Come find out why you don’t have applicants and why folks aren’t excited to work at your company. Walk away with a checklist to help you measure the effectiveness of your company’s recruiting efforts and tips for improvements.
FOUNDER/FEST (Madison)
January 22, 6:00 pm [Madison]
Join the Midwest Founders Community (MFC) for our first FOUNDER/FEST of 2025 at StartingBlock Madison! An experience that brings Midwest area startup founders together to build a community of support and celebration.
StartingBlock's Lunch with a Founder - featuring Matt Younkle
January 23, 12:00 pm [Madison]
Matt Younkle is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pythonics AI. Pythonic AI Precision-first AI™ solutions automate labor-intensive tasks in document workflows involving unstructured data, such as PDFs. Matt is a successful serial startup CEO with a background in engineering and software development.
How To: Make the Most Out of Media with Jay Kolbe
January 29, 3:00 pm [Virtual]
Join media expert Jay Kolbe as he shares insights on effectively leveraging media channels to enhance your brand's presence and engagement.
Revolutionizing App Development: Unlocking ROI with Low-Code, No-Code, and Generative AI
January 30, 12:00 pm [Virtual]
Join us for a high-level overview on how this is transforming how we can deliver solutions for customers using low-code/no-code and hybrid leveraging pro-code where it makes sense as well. We will walk through real-world case studies and answer questions around the topic.
"Lost in Transliteration": Hidden Passwords in a Multilingual World
January 30, 5:30 pm [Madison]
This talk explores how transliteration impacts password creation, focusing on how technical limitations and language backgrounds influence the way people choose passwords. It covers the challenges these factors create, making these passwords more complex to crack.
UW Entrepreneur Meetup #6
January 30, 7:00 pm [Madison]
If you are a UW student looking to begin your entrepreneurial journey, an experienced founder wanting to get tapped into the UW entrepreneurship ecosystem, or anything in between, you have come to the right place.
February
StartingBlock's Lunch with a Founder - featuring Ben Camp
February 4, 12:00 pm [Madison]
Recovery.com was founded to help those struggling with addiction and mental health issues find trustworthy treatment options. Ben Camp is the CEO & Co-Founder of Recovery.com.
MadJS Monthly Meetup: Roundtable Discussion
February 10, 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.
StartingBlock Lunch & Learn: Tactical Skills Series - featuring Amy Calder
February 11, 12:00 pm [Madison]
Amy Calder is the Founder of Golden Innovation Group. Amy's expertise is in business analysis, process optimization, project management, financial management, and communication. She looks at technology, workflows, expenses, staffing, and structure to make sure you've got the right fit for your business.
UW Entrepreneur Meetup #7
February 14, 7:00 pm [Madison]
This meetup is the official bi-weekly community meetup of the UW-Madison entrepreneurship community. If you are a UW student looking to begin your entrepreneurial journey, an experienced founder wanting to get tapped into the UW entrepreneurship ecosystem, or anything in between, you have come to the right place.
Taking AI Agents to Production
February 18, 10:39 am [Virtual]
In this session, attendees will hear from Heiko Zuerker, Enterprise Architect Principal at Northwestern Mutual (NM). NM has embraced generative AI since it went viral, immediately recognizing its value and the opportunities it provides. Learn how they took the next step forward by leveraging AI agents to create an advanced internal support bot.
Madison's Geek Lunch
February 18, 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.
Capital Entrepreneurs - February Meet Up
February 19, 6:00 pm [Madison]
Capital Entrepreneurs is dedicated to fostering a supportive, collaborative culture where growth and innovation lead the way. We host monthly meetups and an annual Founder Day!
UW Entrepreneur Meetup #8
February 27, 7:00 pm [Madison]
This meetup is the official bi-weekly community meetup of the UW-Madison entrepreneurship community. If you are a UW student looking to begin your entrepreneurial journey, an experienced founder wanting to get tapped into the UW entrepreneurship ecosystem, or anything in between, you have come to the right place.
Startup Accelerator Programs and Pitch Competitions
Level Set by StartingBlock
Enrollment for Winter, Spring, and Fall 2025 Cohorts Available!
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 Spring 2025 Incubator by MKE Tech
Application Deadline: TBD, Apply Now
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!
2025 Wisconsin Governor's Business Plan Competition
Application Deadline: January 31st, 2025
The mission of the Governor’s Business Plan Contest is to encourage entrepreneurs in the startup stage of tech-enabled businesses in Wisconsin. The contest links up-and-coming entrepreneurs with a statewide network of community resources, expert judges, mentors and possible sources of capital.
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.
gBETA Kenosha Spring 2025
Application Deadline: April 4th, 2025
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 2025
Application Deadline: TBD (Rolling Applications)
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.
Wisconsin Tech News
PhoenixAID on the rise
A unique bandage that blocks infections and accelerates healing caught the attention of Silicon Valley’s Pegasus Tech Ventures last month, earning Oshkosh-based PhoenixAID a chance to compete on the world stage.
Governor’s Business Plan Contest open for statewide entries through Jan. 31, 2025
The Wisconsin Technology Council produces the contest to encourage entrepreneurs statewide in the startup stages of tech-based businesses. It links up-and-coming entrepreneurs with a statewide network of community resources, expert advice and mentoring, management talent and possible sources of capital.
WisBusiness: the Podcast with Nick Myers, RedFox AI
Myers provides an update on the Madison-based software company, which has refocused its efforts in a new direction this year after getting industry feedback.
TitletownTech Invests in Realta Fusion
Led by co-founder and CEO Kieran Furlong and co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Cary Forest, Realta is revolutionizing the energy landscape with its modular compact magnetic mirror technology.
UW study shows potential for method to detect narcotics, other molecules
Scientists at UW-Madison have created a new method for quickly detecting small molecules, which has possible applications in military, environmental and health fields.
RadUnity gets FDA clearance for medical imaging platform
The startup company recently announced the federal agency approved its 510(k) Class II Medical Device application, which founder Tim Szczykutowicz says will help secure additional funding and expand the team.
Apps Open Jan. 6 for WEDC Entrepreneurship Partner Grant
According to a release, this round of funding will focus on prioritizing new partners and new programs and aims to enhance support for underrepresented entrepreneurs in underserved areas. The maximum grant amount is $200,000.
WARF Invests in Qolab Series A
According to a release, the funds will help expand Qolab’s team of quantum scientists and engineers, accelerate development cycles and scale its superconducting quantum processors.
EnsoData, BodiMetrics to Partner
The partnership will increase the affordability and accessibility of home sleep apnea testing and longitudinal sleep monitoring.
Forward BIOLABS Names Membership Recipients
“Forward Memberships exemplify our mission to accelerate innovation by providing promising startups with not only physical lab space but also a robust variety of state-of-the-art equipment as well as real-time technical, operational, and business support,” Forward BIOLABS Co-Founder and CEO Jessica Martin Eckerly said in a statement.
Punk Audio blends music personalization and hearing enhancement
Punk Audio, an emerging startup with plans to set roots in Milwaukee, is aiming to redefine how we experience sound.
A look back at 2024
It has been another exciting year for the Milwaukee startup ecosystem.
Tailored Remedy to launch beta product
Crocker describes Tailored Remedy as “AI software that democratizes medical information to present it in a clear and accessible manner for the patient. It would be marketed directly towards long-term care and home health care facilities. It works as a tool to help bridge that gap between the providers and the patients,” she said.
Streamline Flow redefines patient care management
The software as a service (SaaS) company was founded by nurses Dr. Kelly Ayala and Shannon Hattenhauer in 2020, as the result of their experience working with cancer patients.
Wisconsin VC Funding for November 2024
According to PitchBook, Wisconsin startups raised at least $18.33 million in November.
Have questions?
We've got you. Ask away!
jacob@startupwi.org
|