UPCOMING EVENTS
Let's Taco 'Bout Entrpreneurship
This is a night that you are NOT going to want to miss!
Visit @3sheepsbrewing for drinks, free tacos, a great opportunity to make connections, and a chance to win up to $500 for bringing your ideas! 💡
To pre-register your idea to pitch, click below.
FOUNDER/FEST
Join the Midwest Founders Community (MFC) for FOUNDER/FEST at Penrod!
An experience that brings Midwest area startup founders together to build a community of support and celebration. Founders come to network as well as to hear stories from those who have built, scaled, and lost businesses in an informal, party-like setting.
Thank you to our Founder Spotlights!
Thank you to this event's sponsors:
Complimentary beverages and pizza will be provided.
Please share on your social media and help us build up our community:
Summerfest Tech Pitch - Application Deadline
Applications are now being accepted to Summerfest Tech Pitch, presented by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation! The application is FREE and closes on Friday, April 18 at 11:59 PM Central time.
Summerfest Tech is the place for startups to showcase their technology and network with tech and business leaders.
Summerfest Tech Finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their product or service to our audience of 400+ investors, corporations, and ecosystem supporters.
When you are not busy pitching, you will have demo space at Summerfest Tech, where you will be able to network one-on-one with conference attendees, including investors and corporations. Summerfest Tech Finalists will receive free registration to all Summerfest Tech programming, plus free admission to the Summerfest music festival’s second weekend June 26-28, 2025. Not only that, but Finalists will have access to complimentary professional coaching, a chance to win 1:1 meetings with innovation leaders in your category, and a chance to win a $5,000 prize!
'How To' Give the Perfect Pitch: Lessons Learned from 300+ Presentations
Join us for an interview & AMA with Startup Hypeman Founder and Chief Pitch Artist Rajiv 'RajNATION' Nathan!
"Send me your pitch deck." 4 words that create initial excitement followed by existential dread.
Your deck's been created, edited, revised, torn down, rebuilt, redesigned, and revised some more. It had too few slides, then it had too many slides, then you got feedback that it was missing slides, and other feedback that it got too complicated.
Most founders think if they retweak a little bit more they'll have it figured out. In reality, they end up with version 14.2 of a deck they still don't like. All the tweaks in the world won't matter if you're not telling the right STORY.
RajNATION has built 300+ pitches -- from consumer tech, to biotech, to enterprise SaaS and everywhere in between, helping startups raise multiple millions of dollars and scale their customer base in the process. He's seen every kind of founder roadblock and built investor relationships to learn what plays and what doesn't (plus the 'trick plays' to help make your business case).
In this open format fireside chat, you'll learn:
The non-obvious mistakes founders make when pitching
The Funding Triangle and how to apply it to your pitch deck
Positioning techniques to get attention and hold interest in your startup
What works in pitch competitions versus closed-door meetings
Key lessons from 300+ pitches built through 3 different economic climates
You'll be able to submit your questions in the chat or raise your hand during the session and ask them live!
Founders Day
We're excited to have you join us on Wednesday, April 30th! 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!
Open Mic Night
Whether you’re launching, hiring, or just looking to plug into the community, this is your chance to be seen, be heard, and make an impact.
🎤 Spots fill fast! Sign up now and claim your 90 seconds.
Founder Day
Join us at Founder Day 2025! Learn about 20+ startups in your community with Open Mic Night. Learn from top founders and compete for $5,000+ at the pitch competition.Whether you’re looking to connect, learn, or pitch—this is where founders grow. Don’t miss it!
The event will include the following:
Coffee & Networking
Keynote from Greg Tracy
Headshots & Networking
Fireside by Marsha Lindsay
Pitch Competition
F(o)under Forum
For founders, planning an exit isn’t just about the finish line—it’s about making strategic decisions at every stage of the journey. In this F(o)under Forum, we bring together experts from TKO Miller and Idea Fund to share their insights on how founders can best position their companies for a successful exit, whether through acquisition, private equity, or other liquidity events.
Each of these firms works with startups at different stages, offering unique perspectives on when and how to prepare for an exit. We’ll explore key questions, including:
What do investors and acquirers look for at different stages?
How can founders build value today for an optimal exit tomorrow?
What common missteps derail potential deals—and how can they be avoided?
This session will feature a mix of expert insights, candid discussions, and peer learning, providing founders and funders alike with practical strategies for navigating one of the most critical phases of the startup lifecycle. It is graciously sponsored by both Godfry & Kahn as well as TKO Miller and presented by the Midwest Founders Community.
Founders Day
We're excited to have you join us on May 28th! 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!
Summerfest Tech 2025
Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF) is excited to announce the dates and content themes for the eighth annual Summerfest Tech, Milwaukee’s premiere tech event. The conference will take place in person Monday, June 23 - Thursday, June 26, 2025, and core programming will remain FREE of charge. To register, visit Summerfest Tech.
The 2024 edition recorded tremendous growth hosting over 2,000 people, including attendees from 37 states and 12 countries. Summerfest Tech, which began in 2018, provides a national platform for thousands of business and tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors to convene, enhancing the region’s reputation as a tech hub.
The 2025 conference will focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), along with the following content tracks:
Advanced Manufacturing
Healthcare/Biohealth
Fin/InsurTech
Energy & Sustainability
Popular programs returning for next year include the Summerfest Tech Pitch Competition and programming for entrepreneurs. New for 2025 - onsite technical skilling opportunities will be available, in partnership with MKE Tech Hub.
More details on speakers and agenda information, pitch competition application timelines, and accreditation and certification offerings will be forthcoming.
All Summerfest Tech attendees will receive FREE entrance to a networking luncheon on-site at Summerfest on Thursday, June 26, plus FREE admission to the music festival’s second weekend June 26-28, 2025.
Registration is now open - visit Summerfest Tech for the latest information.
Founders Day
We're excited to have you join us on July, 30th! 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!
Founders Day
We're excited to have you join us on Wednesday, August 27th! 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!
Founders Day
We're excited to have you join us on Wednesday, September 24th! 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!
Founders Day
We're excited to have you join us on October 29th! 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!
Founders Day
We're excited to have you join us on December 3rd! 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!
Founders Day
Founders Day is back! In 2024, Founders Day brought in over 400 founders and mentors, with a combined total of nearly 1,300 hours of networking, mentoring, and coworking. Join anytime 9am-5pm on Wednesday, March 26th for the next session! Come for part of the day or the entire thing!
FOR-M Tech Startup Incubator
The FOR-M Tech Startup Incubator is underway and seeking coaches to help guide the newest founders’ journeys! Coaching doesn’t require any level of experience or skill. It’s about asking questions, providing general guidance, and making new network connections. The first 60-minute virtual coaching session is on March 17th.
Midwest Founders Retreat
The Midwest Founders Retreat is an exclusive two-day experience nestled into the grounds of the wintery landscape of the Wingspread campus in Racine, Wisconsin. Our curated guest list is designed for the top Midwest startup founders, creating a haven for those who seek a reprieve from the daily grind of building their companies among a group of peers looking for growth, connection & a bit of relaxation. The programming is both inspiring and completely optional - allowing founders to take what they want from the experience & to create spaces for the exchange of ideas, strategies & visions for the future.
Location: Wingspread Retreat Center
Dates: February 20 - 21, 2025
Price: $175 - This is all-inclusive of meals & accommodations.
Why Founders Attend:
Exclusive Access: Join a select group of founders and investors in a setting that fosters intimate, high-level networking and collaboration.
Tailored Insights: Engage in meticulously crafted sessions that address the nuanced challenges of scaling and sustaining high-impact businesses.
Luxury at Every Turn: Experience the pinnacle of comfort with luxurious accommodations, world-class cuisine, and personalized service.
Strategic Reflection: Take a step back from the daily grind to focus on the bigger picture with the guidance of industry luminaries and peer feedback.
Legacy Building: Connect with a community of leaders who are not just shaping companies, but defining industries.
What to Expect:
Curated Experiences: The retreat offers a bespoke "choose your own adventure" format, allowing each participant to engage in sessions and activities that align with their personal and professional aspirations.
Mastermind Workshops: Dive deep into advanced strategies with workshops focused on scaling, market expansion, and leadership. Led by industry veterans, these sessions are designed for those ready to take their ventures to the next level.
Intimate Networking Events: Foster meaningful relationships through exclusive dinners, private receptions, and curated social events that encourage organic connections in an elevated setting.
Personalized Mentoring: Access one-on-one mentoring from seasoned entrepreneurs and investors, offering tailored advice and actionable insights for your unique journey.
Wellness & Renewal: Balance business with well-being through private yoga sessions, mindfulness workshops, and serene nature walks, designed to rejuvenate the body and mind.
Exclusive Pitch & Feedback Sessions: Present your business in a supportive yet challenging environment, receiving in-depth feedback from a panel of esteemed peers and mentors.
Fireside Dialogues: Join intimate discussions on the future of industries, leadership, and innovation, facilitated by thought leaders and pioneers in the entrepreneurial space.
This event is co-hosted by the Midwest Founders Community and the Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalitionand generously sponsored by The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread.
She Stands Tall Featuring Venice Williams
Join She Stands Tall for an inspiring evening with Venice Williams, the visionary Executive Director of Alice’s Garden Urban Farm. Venice is a cultural and spiritual midwife, dedicated to nurturing the good and whole in people and communities. With over 30 years of experience in Milwaukee, she has cultivated a deep legacy of food, family, and faith.
A native of Pittsburgh, Venice comes from a lineage steeped in working with food and soil. Her family’s grounding ethics of hospitality and nourishment inspire her passion for growing food and fostering community.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Venice as she shares her journey, insights, and wisdom about community building and the transformative power of cultivating both land and relationships.
How it Works: Arrive between 5:30-6 to enjoy snacks, drinks, and mingling. Tickets are just $6 and include light snacks and drinks. Stephanie Melnick will begin the Q&A at 6. If you’re a member of She Shines or WEW Crew your ticket is included in your membership fee. To access your members-only ticket, log in to our website here. If you can’t log in, email at info@shestandstallmke.com for assistance.
How To: Make the Most Out of Media with Jay Kolbe
Jay Kolbe, Co-Founder and Senior Managing Partner at Impact Partners presents his strategy on how to utilize the media landscape for your business.
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Not yet a Midwest Founders Community member? Join today! https://www.thefounder.community/membership
The 5th Annual Great Chicago Food Bash!
Startup Grind is hosting its 5th Annual Great Chicago Food Bash! Enjoy food and drinks from their featured Showcase Startups -- a lineup of our region's top up-and-comers in F&B, get a taste of Chicago's future in foodtech, and hear from a surprise guest in their featured fireside chat.
FOUNDER/FEST (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. Founders come to network as well as to hear stories from those who have built, scaled, and lost businesses in an informal, party-like setting.
Founder Spotlights include:
More to be announced!
Thank you to this event's sponsors:
2025 Hiring Trends
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, especially:
The recent presidential election and what might change from a policy perspective
AI: moving from clunky agent/great search engine to integrated coworker & how we'll work with it in 2025
How remote work is losing the war on in-person jobs
Milky Way Tech Hub's 7th Anniversary Brunch
The Milwaukee Tech Club is hosting a networking event at the Milwaukee Athletic Club on December 5th! This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow tech enthusiasts, enjoy delicious food, and mark this special milestone.
How To: Go from Bookkeeping to Strategic Finance
Is money on your mind? Join us to learn how to leverage financial data to support business strategy, manage risks, and drive profitability. This is the perfect opportunity to enhance your finance & accounting practices from tracking numbers to making key financial decisions.
This session will include:
Lessons learned from experts in the trenches of fundraising and scaling
Tools and technology to support your finance function
When/how to hire for finance and accounting leadership
We’ll conclude with Q&A so bring your questions for some $FREE advice!
Featured Speakers Include:
Moderator: Amanda Daering, CEO of Newance
Joe Alioto, CFO Services Manager of Founders CPA
Nick Tyson, VP, Finance at Nutriscience Innovations
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Not yet a Midwest Founders Community member? Join today! https://www.thefounder.community/membership
How to: Leverage the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Join us virtually for an insightful event where we will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and learn about its pivotal role and the support network available to startups and growing businesses in the state.
Whether you are looking to start a new venture, scale an existing business, or simply want to stay informed about the entrepreneurial landscape in Wisconsin, this 'how to' will provide valuable insights to maximize your potential to help you succeed while learning about its extensive network of programs and partners. Have your questions answered and receive personalized advice on how to best leverage the resources available.
Business Readiness Program (Wisconsin Connects)
Business Readiness Program (Hybrid)
The NAWBO Wisconsin Business Readiness Program in November will feature a dynamic panel of experts ready to equip you with actionable strategies for 2025 and beyond.
This event will be moderated by Sherri Jordan of Envision the Ladder.
The panelists include:
CeCe Renee Brown, of C Renee Consulting, who will focus on business operations.
Nydia Mauras-Jones, of Odvant Creative, who will focus on branding and design.
Stephanie Melnick, of Melnick & Melnick, S.C., who will focus on contracts and trademark basics.
Talaya Scott, of FIIT Perspective, who will focus on financial literacy and small business finance.
Whether you're looking to refine your branding, strengthen your financial foundation, ensure legal preparedness or enhance your business operations, this event offers practical insights, networking opportunities. Be there for a chance to win a special Business Readiness Gift Basket*.
UrbanTech Madison
Partnered with STARTUP WI WEEK, Next Gen MKE is bringing together Wisconsin’s top leaders in real estate innovation and sustainability for an afternoon of intricate discussions, networking, and designing a positive, prosperous future for our cities.
WHO: Founders, investors, real estate professionals (architecture, engineering, construction etc.)
WHY: Discover emerging companies bringing innovation to Property, Construction, and Sustainable practices
WHAT: Real estate policy discussion, startup showcase, networking hour, private dinner
WHEN: 2:30pm - 5:30pm for general admission and 5:30pm - 8:00pm for the private dinner
WHERE: Register to view venue address
You Have an Idea, Now What? Business and Product Development 101
Join us for a focused two-part session on turning physical product ideas into market-ready solutions. This event is designed to help entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs better evaluate, design, and build their ideas.
This is a two-part session on turning physical product ideas into market-ready solutions. It is designed to help entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Learn From First-Hand Experiences
This presentation features 2 experienced speakers who will share pearls of wisdom from evaluating and launching new products from the business and product development sides. Come for the first, second, or both sessions!
Part 1 – Business / Market Considerations for a Product Concept (1 Hour)
By Don Melnikoff
Customer-Driven Development
Sales/Marketing Focus
Streamlined Design Process
Leveraging Engineering Talent
Bringing Ideas to Market
Part 2 – Engineering Development and Manufacturing Readiness (1 Hour)
By Kyle Jansson
Idea to Production Examples
Product Specification
Typical Design and Development Cycle
Prototyping and Minimum Viable Products (MVP)
Types of Production and Fabrication
Founder Finder
Unlock new opportunities and fast-track your startup's success by meeting the right people who can make a real impact on your business. This event is designed to bring together founders, aspiring co-founders, and skilled professionals eager to collaborate and drive growth.
Discover your ideal co-founder or find the expertise your startup needs in areas like marketing, finance, and sales.
Engage in targeted one-on-one meetings tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Don’t miss this chance to build your ideal team and take your startup to the next level!
AND, make sure to fill out the Founder Finder Questionnaire here!
Unlocking Product-Market Fit: Practical Strategies for Startups
Did you know? Most startups fail not because they can't build a product, but because they build the wrong product for the wrong market. Kevin Ziegler is here to help in this upcoming virtual session.
Kevin brings 25+ years of hands-on experience scaling multiple startups to 8-figure revenue.
As a successful founder, CTO, and startup advisor, he'll share battle-tested strategies including:
→ Data-driven customer discovery techniques
→ Rapid prototyping and validation frameworks
→ Efficient feedback loops that save time and money
→ Key metrics that signal product-market fit
No fluff, no theory - just actionable insights from someone who's been in the trenches and knows what works.
Currently coaching at UW-M's Ignite Startup Accelerator, Kevin has guided countless founders through the challenging journey to product-market fit. His deep expertise in cloud technology, product roadmapping, and startup strategy has made him a trusted advisor for founders serious about scaling their ventures.
She Stands Tall Speaker Series: An Evening with the Founders of Hover Craft
Speakers:
Ashley Smith, Hover Craft
Cortney Heimerl, Hover Craft
Vanessa Andrew, Hover Craft
Description:
On November 12th, join She Stands Tall at Chase Tower from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for a speaker series event featuring the visionary founders of Hover Craft: Ashley Smith, Cortney Heimerl, and Vanessa Andrew. These creative entrepreneurs will talk about how they built Hover Craft into a staple for Milwaukee creatives and makers and those that support them.
Tickets are just $6 and include apps from Flour Girl & Flame. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired!
How it Works: Arrive between 5:30-6 to enjoy snacks, drinks, and mingling. Stephanie Melnick will begin the Q&A at 6.
Tickets: Join us for $6. If you’re a member of She Shines, WEW Crew, or All-In 2024 Plus, your ticket is included in your membership fee. To access your members-only ticket, log in to our website here. If you can’t log in, email us at info@shestandstallmke.com for assistance.
Lunch & Learn: PR for Startups
Getting press coverage for your startup can feel overwhelming! Not only are you working at warp speed, you also have to be extremely careful with your money. The good news? It's possible to launch an effective PR campaign while on a budget.
Don’t miss the upcoming Lunch & Learn event, lead by Christine Dunbeck for Startup Wisconsin Week. She will discuss PR for Startups and gaining media coverage on a limited budget.
This is the perfect chance to:
✅ Learn from industry experts
✅ Network with peers over lunch
✅ Ask Questions in a relaxed setting
Whether you're looking for fresh insights or just want to enjoy a great conversation, they’ve got you covered.
Unlocking the Power of Relationships for Entrepreneurial Growth
Entrepreneurship is hard, really hard. Intentionally surrounding yourself with a support system (aka personal board) is essential to helping you navigate through the high and lows you experience with your business.
We all know entrepreneurship can be lonely, but you don't have to do it alone. Where to start? You might be pleasantly surprised to discover that you’ve been cultivating relationships and are further along in your journey than you think. In this session, you will learn more about a personal board, understand how it starts with your "why", explore personal board roles, and determine how to hold yourself accountable and operationalize your personal board to effectively meet your needs. Join us for this interactive session as we learn together wherever we are on our personal board journey.
About the speaker:
Melanie Stuber is the founder and CEO of Cultivate and Thrive LLC. She partners with leaders to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals through business strategy and organizational culture guidance. She is a former executive with over 25 years of diverse business experience from three top tier organizations, Northwestern Mutual, CNA Insurance Company, and Pricewaterhouse Coopers.
Founders Day
We're excited to have you join us on Wednesday, October 30th! 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!
BONUS: We're hosting a special Lunch + Learn to understand how to create projections and calculate your total available market! This includes free lunch and an interactive discussion led by The Taureau Group.
She Stands Tall Networking Night at The New Fashioned
Join us on October 22nd for a fun evening of networking at NorthSouth Club from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This free event is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow women entrepreneurs, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships in a relaxed and playful setting. Whether you’re new to the community or a familiar face, come ready to mix, mingle, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of NorthSouth Club. Don’t miss out—RSVP today!
gBETA Madison Fall 2024
gBETA runs multiple times every year in cities across the United States. Up to five companies from a range of verticals are selected from a competitive applicant pool to participate in the free seven-week program. Participating companies receive:
Individualized coaching and mentorship from the team of nationally ranked accelerator gener8tor on company growth and investor readiness
Weekly "Lunch & Learns" and "Mentor Swarms"
Investor and accelerator pitches
$1M+ in deals and perks from vendors like IBM Cloud, Rackspace, Amazon, Paypal, Zendesk, Hubspot and Microsoft
Ongoing post-program support and gener8tor community involvement and offerings
gBETA's goal is that graduates will go on to participate in an investment accelerator or raise a seed round. You can see gBETA's progress against these goals here.
How To: Find What Fits for You - The Spectrum of Entrepreneurship
Are you an aspiring founder ready to explore the world of entrepreneurship but unsure of where you fit?
Join us for an insightful virtual event with Ayrton Bryan that dives deep into the spectrum of entrepreneurship—from side hustles and small businesses to scaling startups and more. Learn how to assess your skills, passions, and goals to discover which type of entrepreneurial path aligns with your lifestyle and aspirations. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a current founder looking to pivot, this 'How to' will equip you with the knowledge and tools to find the business model that best suits you.
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Not yet a Midwest Founders Community member? Join today! https://www.thefounder.community/membership
FOR-M Tech Startup
The FOR-M Tech Startup Incubator is seeking local pros to help coach our newest cohort of founders. It’s an easy and valuable way to lend your feedback, offer advice, and make connections for early-stage tech founders. Sessions are 7-8pm on Monday, October 14th and 28th via Zoom.
For more information, please reach out to: joe.poeschl@mketech.org
Founder/Fest XIV
Join the Midwest Founders Community (MFC) for our next FOUNDER/FEST in 2024 at Direct Supply Innovation & Technology Center!
An experience that brings Midwest area startup founders together to build a community of support and celebration. Founders come to network as well as to hear stories from those who have actually built, scaled, and lost businesses in an informal, party-like setting.
Founder Spotlights include:
Thank you to this event's sponsors:
Complimentary beverages and pizza will be provided.
2024 Equity in Tech Summit
Welcome to the 2024 Equity in Tech Summit!
This year's summit will focus on the theme of AI (artificial intelligence) and the future of work & education. Join us for a day filled with insightful discussions, innovative ideas, and an abundance of networking opportunities.
This in-person event brings together industry leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts to explore ways to promote equity and inclusion in the tech sector. Don't miss out on this chance to be part of a movement towards a more equitable tech industry!
Founder W(h)ine Night
Alcohol, food, and problem solving: meet with other founders in Wisconsin to talk about the issues facing your startup and the greater startup community. Connect with people who can help you over hurdles.
WHO: Founders from any industry, service providers focused on early-stage startups, investors
WHY: Discuss and resolve problems facing founders, like resources, talent, and capital
WHAT: Two hours of food, wine, and personal conversations with people in your situation and those with resources
WHEN: 5:30pm - 7:30pm (you are welcome to stay later)
WHERE: Register to see venue address
gALPHA Applied AI Labs Fall 2024
gALPHA is a free, four-week venture-creation workshop designed to help entrepreneurially minded students and technologists create high-growth startups. Get product ideas, mentorship and one-on-one coaching to develop a high-growth startup company. gALPHA is a program of a nationally ranked startup accelerator gener8tor.
gALPHA program looks like:
Product Development: Ideate, validate and build minimum viable products (MVPs).
Culture: Experience first-hand the challenges, but also tremendous benefit, of iterating quickly with minimal resources in solving business problems.
Methodology: Come away with a roadmap for testing new ideas through the design of an MVP.
Next Steps: Understand what you need to do to continue growing your company, and access other resources within gener8tor's network to help.
How to Become an Angel Investor, Presented by NVNG & Startup Wisconsin
Join us for an intimate and educational event designed to discover the "Why" of Angel investing and motivate you to take the next step.
Founder/Fest
An experience that brings Midwest startup founders together to build a community of support and celebration. Founders come to network as well as to hear stories from those who have actually built, scaled, and lost businesses, all in an informal, party-like setting.
Our event series
We're all about connecting, collaborating, and celebrating outside of the work.
How To
A virtual event series that showcases our partners and provides them with a platform to share their areas of expertise amongst other founders and entrepreneurs.
Launchpad
A pitch competition for innovative ideas in Wisconsin, offering monetary prizes. The event aims to showcase ideas, gain exposure, and help founders secure funding.
founder funder forum
An exclusive event for founders to learn about venture capital and network with investors. It provides education, connections, and valuable guidance for fundraising, while building a bridge between startups and capital.
Les Femmes
An intimate gathering of the Midwest’s female startup founders and entrepreneurs. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive space for female founders to have candid discussions around the challenges they face within entrepreneurship.
Product/market riff
An open space for stalled founders to talk to people who really understand the highs and lows of being in the startup industry. This program opens the door to venting, connecting, discovering a market fit, workshopping new ideas, and testing products among like-minded founders.
MILWAUKEE GPT / HACKATHON
A meetup group that brings together no & low-code founders & aspiring founders to build MVPs, products, plugins, etc. using artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT.
Saas Club
A coalition designed to facilitate partnerships between B2B SaaS startups and Chief Information Officers (CIOs), Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), and Chief Innovation Officers (CIOs) of mid-to-large corporations. We aim to enable B2B SaaS startups to build successful pilot projects with established enterprises, fostering innovation and driving business growth.