EARLY STAGE SYMPOSIUM

Nov. 8-9, 2023 - Monona Terrace in Madison

2023 Early Stage Symposium – It’s a Wrap!

The Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium was held Nov. 8-9, 2023, at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison. More than 400 people attended the conference from across the state and beyond.

In addition to the Tech Council Investor Networks presentation tracks on Nov. 8, we again staged the ever-popular Elevator Pitch Olympics and “Investor Intros” – allowing entrepreneurs to introduce themselves and their ideas to investors – on Nov. 9. Congratulations to Dirac Labs of Madison, Sygmatic of Washington, D.C., (by way of Fort Atkinson, Wis.) and Spectacle Health of Madison on their EPO wins!

ESS Speakers and Plenary

The Early Stage Symposium featured informative and inspiring speakers: This year, veteran video game designers Brian Raffel of Raven Software, Tim Gerritsen of Lost Boys Interactive and Ben Kvalo of Midwest Games described how Wisconsin is poised to become a leader in that industry in the morning plenary panel session on Nov. 8. Michael Knetter, who has advised presidents of both parties and heads the UW Foundation, talked about trends in the macro-economy that could touch the early-stage world over lunch on Nov. 8. Susan Healy, who has been a CFO for major companies, a Goldman Sachs investment banker and an advisor to young firms, was the keynote speaker on Nov. 9 and discussed getting “back to basics” for startups in an uncertain time.

The conference featured panel discussions on Day One; ‘Office Hours’ sessions on both days; networking and many more opportunities to make presentations, formal and informal, and to meet with investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders. The winner of the Tech Council’s “Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education” award were Susie and Matt Younkle, and the latest inductee into our “Investor Hall of Fame” was Andy Nunemaker of Milwaukee.

Members of the Tech Council’s Investor Hall of Fame

Many firms have cited participation in the conference as a key factor for significant business growth. Nearly 800 companies have presented during this fall conference in one format or another over the years, including some of the largest technology companies that call Wisconsin home.

Other 2023 highlights included:

  • Our exhibit hall in the Grand Terrace showcasing more than 35 Wisconsin companies and emerging companies.
  • A first-night reception, two luncheons, two breakfasts and other networking opportunities.

The conference is produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council and its partners and sponsors. Click here to read news coverage on the conference. We are looking forward to next year’s conference, which will be Nov. 13-14 at the Monona Terrace in Madison!

2022 Early Stage Symposium

It’s a wrap!

The Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium was held Nov. 9-10, 2022, at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison. More than 400 people attended the conference from across the state and beyond.

In addition to the Tech Council Investor Networks presentation tracks on Nov. 9, we again staged the ever-popular Elevator Pitch Olympics and “Investor Intros” – allowing entrepreneurs to introduce themselves and their ideas to investors – on Nov. 10. Congratulations to Sativa Building Systems of Wittenburg, Rex Academy of Milwaukee and VocaTone Studio of Kenosha on their EPO wins!

The Early Stage Symposium featured informative and inspiring speakers: This year, Bobby Franklin, president and CEO of the National Venture Capital Association, was the keynote speaker on Nov. 9. Dean Amhaus, Andrew Graettinger and Arjun Sanga, leaders of three Wisconsin coalitions competing for Regional Innovation Engine grants from the National Science Foundation, were the morning plenary panel speakers on Nov. 10. Margie Bacheler of the Angel Capital Association discussed the creation of a more diverse pool of early stage investors with Kelli Jones of Sixty8 Capital and Cordero Barkley of TitletownTech for the Nov. 10 afternoon plenary panel.

The conference featured panel discussions on Day One; ‘Office Hours’ sessions on both days; networking and many more opportunities to make presentations, formal and informal, and to meet with investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders. The winner of the Tech Council’s Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education award were Joe Kirgues and Troy Vosseller of gener8tor, and the latest inductee into our Investor Hall of Fame was Joe Hildebrandt.

Many firms have cited participation in the conference as a key factor for significant business growth. Nearly 990 companies have presented during this fall conference in one format or another over the years, including some of the largest technology companies that call Wisconsin home.

Other 2022 highlights included:

  • Our exhibit hall in the Grand Terrace showcasing more than 30 Wisconsin companies and emerging companies, as well as an exhibit of “Wisconsin tech artifacts” from the Wisconsin Historical Society.
  • A first-night reception, two luncheons, two breakfasts and other networking opportunities.

The conference is produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council and its partners and sponsors. Click here to read news coverage on the conference and click here to see conference photos. We are looking forward to next year’s conference, which will be Nov. 8-9 at the Monona Terrace in Madison!

2021 Early Stage Symposium

The Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium was held Nov. 3-4, 2021 at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison. More than 350 people attended the conference from across the state and beyond.

Read the It’s a wrap coverage, photo albums, links to tweets, news and more!

In addition to the Tech Council Investor Networks presentation tracks on Nov. 3, we again had the ever popular Elevator Pitch Olympics and “Investor Intros” – allowing entrepreneurs to introduce themselves and their ideas to investors – on Nov. 4. Congratulations to Clock’d Staffing, Internship on Demand and XYLOME on their EPO wins!

The Early Stage Symposium featured informative and inspiring speakers: This year, the CEO Nathan Herbst and CFO Joel Fields of Paradigm, which was recently sold for $450 million, were the keynote speakers on Nov. 3 with brothers Khalif El-Amin and Que El-Amin, founders of Young Enterprising Society were the keynote speakers on Nov. 4.

The conference featured panel discussions on Day One, ‘Office Hours’ sessions on both days, networking and many more opportunities to make presentations, formal and informal, and to meet with investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders. The winner of the Tech Council’s “Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education” award was Joe Boucher of Neider & Boucher, and the latest inductee into our “Investor Hall of Fame” was Bob Wood of Wisconsin Investment Partners.

Many firms have cited participation in the conference as a key factor for significant business growth. Nearly 950 companies have presented during this fall conference in one format or another over the years, including some of the largest technology companies that call Wisconsin home.

Our 2021 highlights included:

  • Our exhibit hall in the Grand Terrace showcasing more than 20 Wisconsin companies and emerging companies.
  • A first-night reception, two luncheons, two breakfasts and other networking opportunities.

The conference is produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council, the Wisconsin Healthcare Business Forum and its partners and sponsors.

2020 Early Stage Symposium

Our first virtual Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium featured a multi-day format on Nov. 9-11 which allowed attendees time to network, interact with sponsors, exhibitors and other attendees. Click here to view the program.

More than 500 “Investor Intros” meetings were held on the afternoon of Monday, Nov. 9, between early stage founders and interested investors. The George Mosher Investor Hall of Fame award and ceremony followed, with the 2020 honors going to long-time investor and mentor TIm Keane.

Twenty Tech Council Investor Networks presentations utilized a virtual presentation platform to highlight their individual decks, and we added a new TCIN People’s Choice awards, which went to AirDeck. Congrats!

Viral social media expert Jon Jacques kicked off the Tuesday, Nov. 10 show, followed by a panel discussion with Dr. Nicky Quick and Matt Doyle of Epic Systems talking about the new Epic Health Research Network. Jason Franklin of WV Ventures and Craig Schedler, Northwestern Mutual, then discussed the future of corporate investing. Tom Erickson, Jignesh Patel, Kristjan Sigurdson of the Wisconsin CDL (Creative Destruction Lab) talked with Jessica Silvaggi of UWM Research Foundation about the new program’s competitive opportunities for startups.

The Triple E Awards (Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education) wrapped up the day, with angel investor Lorrie Heinemann taking the 2020 honors. A new video segment was added this year: ‘Trep Teachers to Watch, which featured highlights from across the state: Dr. Tim Nelson, Mayo Clinic and Eau Claire; Erin Clausen, Irontek; Que and Khalif El-Amin, Young Enterprising Society and Jill Enos, TitletownTech. Watch it here

The morning of Wednesday, Nov. 11 opened with a panel of out-of-state investors: Candice Matthews Brackeen, Lighthouse Capital; Jonathan Ellis, Sandalphon Capital; and Ron Watson, Dundee Venture Capital, discussed why they are following Wisconsin startups with John McDonald, Godfrey & Kahn. A panel followed that focused on bioindustry and sustainability with Mary Blanchard, Wisconsin Energy Institute; Michael Koeris, serial entrepreneur and National Institutes of Health; Kevin Barnett, Pyran and Karen Timberlake of Michael Best. Our final panel of the day featured Kristi Ebong of Orbita, who discussed healthcare AI trends with Jed Roher of Husch Blackwell.

Our Elevator Pitch Olympics were still live, albeit virtual, and focused on the 90-second pitches of 17 different early stage startups being scored and offered immediate feedback by our investor judges: Erin Henry, Northwestern Mutual; Sarah Bain, Techstars; and Michael Thorson, Inventure Capital.

Rising Star awards (top judges scores) went to Nobbits USA – a unique shoelace innovation, Otrafy – a farm-to-table SaaS platform. The People’s Choice award, as voted by attendees, went to Mappix – a social network for drone photography.  Congrats and great job to all!

2019 Early Stage Symposium

The Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium was held Nov. 6-7, 2019, at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison. More than 500 people attended the conference from across the state and beyond.

WOMEN reception 2019

Our Wisconsin WOMEN event took place on Nov. 5, in concert with WARF following their Innovation Day event this year.

There were more opportunities than ever before for companies to interact with angel and venture investors from Wisconsin and more.

 

2019 EPO winners

In addition to the Tech Council Investor Network’s presentation tracks on Nov. 6, we again had the ever-popular Elevator Pitch Olympics and “Investor Intros” — allowing entrepreneurs to introduce themselves and their ideas to investors – on Nov. 7. Congratulations to LetsTHRIVE360, Colorful Connections and Mistifeye 2010 EPO wins!

The Early Stage Symposium featured informative and inspiring speakers: This year, veteran tech entrepreneur Jeff Schumacher will keynote on Day 2, while former NFL player and entrepreneur Marcus Ogden will keynote on Day 1.
Click to watch his keynote below.

The conference featured panel discussions on Day One, ‘Office Hours’ sessions on both days, networking and many more opportunities to make presentations, formal and informal, and to meet with investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders. The winner of the Tech Council’s “Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education” award was Anne Smith of UW Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic, and the latest inductee into our “Investor Hall of Fame” was Jan Eddy of BELLE Capital. She’s the first “Triple Crown” winner of three of our prestigous awards: Seize the Day, Triple E and now Investor Hall of Fame.  Congrats Jan!

Many firms have cited participation in the conference as a key factor for significant business growth. Nearly 950 companies have presented during this fall conference in one format or another over the years, including some of the largest technology companies that call Wisconsin home.

Our 2019 highlights included:

  • Our exhibit hall in the Grand Terrace showcasing more than 40 Wisconsin companies with a new emerging company exhibit area.
  • A first-night reception, two luncheons, two breakfasts and other networking opportunities, with a Nov. 6 reception.

The conference is produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council
and its partners and sponsors.
2017 Early Stage Symposium

The Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium was held Nov. 15-16, 2017 at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center in Madison. We had nearly 600 people attend the conference from across the state (and both coasts) and offered more opportunities than ever before for companies to interact with angel and venture investors from Wisconsin and beyond. 

In addition to the Tech Council Investor Network’s presentation tracks and the ever-popular Elevator Pitch Olympics, we expanded our speed-dating segment — “Investor Intros” — allowing entrepreneurs to introduce themselves and their ideas to investors.

Please visit the “Presenting Companies” page to find the 2018 applications with instructions, to be released soon.

Tamara Kleinberg, LaunchStreet

As always, the Early Stage Symposium featured informative and inspiring speakers, panel discussions, networking and much more.

Companies had opportunities to make presentations and met with investors, along with other entrepreneurs and business leaders. Many firms have cited participation in the conference as a key factor for significant business growth. Nearly 600 companies have presented during this fall conference in one format or another over the years, including some of the largest technology companies that call Wisconsin home.

The 3rd annual Wisconsin WOMEN Reception was held on Nov. 14, 2017, kicking off the full Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium, which began Nov. 15, 2017.  The two-day conference wrapped up mid-afternoon on Nov. 16, 2018.

The annual event featured:

  • Unkeynote by Tamara Kleinberg of Launchstreet and a plenary panel featuring accomplished Midwest investors.
  • Presentations by more than two dozen companies selected for the Tech Council Investor Networks’ track. Investors from across Wisconsin and beyond will attend.
  • A very popular speed-dating style event called Investor Intros.
  • The 4th annual “Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education” award luncheon.
  • The 13th annual Elevator Pitch Olympics luncheon: 90-second presentation opportunities for selected companies. A panel of experienced investors judge the pitches and offer immediate feedback.
  • Panel discussions + educational seminars featured leading entrepreneurs, investors and others tied to the tech sector.
  • “Office hours,” offered the opportunity to meet with subject experts on a variety of topics in small discussion groups.
  • SBIR/STTR luncheon to recognize grant recipients from the past year.
  • Exhibit hall showcasing more than 40 Wisconsin companies.
  • A first-night reception, two luncheons, two breakfasts and other networking opportunities, including an investors-only dinner.

See below for highlights from previous editions of the #ESSWI.

The conference is produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council and its partners and sponsors.

Watch the video below which showcases why the Early Stage Symposium is a can’t miss event!

2018 Early Stage Symosium

The Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium was held Nov. 7-8, 2018, at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison. About 525 people attended the conference from across the state; another 90 attended the Wisconsin WOMEN event the evening of Nov. 6 There were more opportunities than ever before for companies to interact with angel and venture investors from Wisconsin and beyond. 

EPO winners SourcingUSA, Blexx, UCHardChip

In addition to the Tech Council Investor Network’s presentation tracks on Nov. 7, we offered the ever-popular Elevator Pitch Olympics and “Investor Intros” — allowing entrepreneurs to introduce themselves and their ideas to investors – on Nov. 8. Congratulations to Blexx, UCHardChip and SourcingUSA on their EPO wins!

Kelly Fitzsimmons

The Early Stage Symposium featured informative and inspiring speakers: Kelly Fitzsimmons, serial entrepreneur, and Aaron Kennedy, founder of Noodles & Company and later the chief marketing officer for the state of Colorado. The conference featured six panel discussions on Day One, ‘Office Hours’ sessions on both days, networking and much more.

Aaron Kennedy

Companies had opportunities to make presentations, formal and informal, and to meet with investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders. The winner of the Tech Council’s “Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education” award was Terry Sivesind of MERLIN Mentors, and the latest inductee into our “Investor Hall of Fame” was John Neis of Venture Investors LLC.

Many firms have cited participation in the conference as a key factor for significant business growth. Nearly 700 companies have presented during this fall conference in one format or another over the years, including some of the largest technology companies that call Wisconsin home.

Demetria Menard and Tom Still

The 5th annual Wisconsin WOMEN Reception was held on Nov. 6, 2018, kicking off the full Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium, which began bright and early Nov. 7, 2018.  The two-day conference wrapped mid-afternoon on Nov. 8, 2018. Thanks to Demetria Menard for speaking and offering her thoughts on tech-based careers!

Other highlights included:

  • Our exhibit hallshowcasing more than 40 Wisconsin companies.
  • A first-night reception, two luncheons, two breakfasts and other networking opportunities, with the Nov. 7 reception sponsored by WARF and Perkins Coie..

ESS attendees mingled over food and drink during the 2018 conference.

The conference is produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council and its partners and sponsors.

2016 Early Stage Symposium

The 2016 Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium was held Nov 16-17 at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center in Madison. We had over 600 people attend the conference from across the state and beyond and offered more opportunities than ever before for companies to interact with angel and venture investors from Wisconsin and well beyond.

In addition to the Tech Council Investor Network’s (Wisconsin Angel Network) presentation tracks and the ever-popular Elevator Pitch Olympics, this year’s conference debuted a speed-dating segment — “Investor Intros” — allowed entrepreneurs to introduce themselves and their ideas to investors. For next year, don’t delay, however, in applying for one or all three opportunities to make yourself known to investors! In order for our steering committee to make selections, we needed applications by 12 pm Monday, October 3rd.

With questions about how to apply for 2017; please contact Bram Daelemans at bram@wisconstechnologycouncil.com.

As always, the Early Stage Symposium featured plenty of informative and inspiring speakers, panel discussions, networking and much more.

More than 45 companies had an opportunity to make presentations and meet with investors, along with other entrepreneurs and business leaders. Many firms have cited participation in the conference as a key factor for significant business growth. Nearly 500 companies have presented during this fall conference in one format or another over the years, including some of the largest technology companies that call Wisconsin home. Information on presenting companies coming soon…

The 2nd annual Wisconsin WOMEN Reception was held on Nov 15, and kicked off the full Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium, which began on the morning of Nov 16th.

The two-day event also featured:

  • Presentations by more than two dozen companies selected for the Wisconsin Angel Network investors’ track. Investors from across Wisconsin and beyond attended.
  • NEW this year – a speed-dating style event called Investor Intros.
  • The 12th annual Elevator Pitch Olympics, which provided 90-second presentation opportunities for additional companies. A panel of experienced investors judged the pitches and offer feedback.
  • More than a dozen panel discussions + educational seminars featuring leading entrepreneurs, investors and others tied to the tech sector.
  • “Office hours,” offering the opportunity to meet with subject experts on a variety of topics in small discussion groups.
  • SBIR/STTR awards luncheon to recognize grant recipients from the past year.
  • The 3rd annual “Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education” award presentation.
  • The annual “First Look” Forum featuring selected campus-based technologies.
  • Exhibit hall showcasing more than 40 Wisconsin companies.
  • A first-night reception, two luncheons, two breakfasts and other networking opportunities, including an investors-only dinner.

See below for highlights from previous editions of the ESS.

The conference is produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council and its partners and sponsors.

2015 Early Stage Symposium

The 2015 Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium was held Nov. 4-5 at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center in Madison. More than 570 people attended the conference from across the state and beyond.

–  Read news coverage of the event
–  View event photos

The symposium is designed to unlock Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial potential by providing the right combination of ideas, innovation, intellectual property and investment – as well as hands-on instruction and advice targeted to early stage companies ready to make the leap.

More than 40 companies had an opportunity to make presentations and meet with investors, along with other entrepreneurs and business leaders. Many firms have cited participation in the conference as a key factor for significant business growth. Nearly 500 companies have presented during this fall conference in one format or another over the years, including some of the largest technology companies that call Wisconsin home. For descriptions of all presenting companies, see the Presentations tab above.

Serial entrepreneur Sue Marks, the founder and chief executive officer of Cielo, spoke on the evening of Nov. 3 at the inauguralWisconsin WOMEN Reception in Madison, as well as kicked off the full Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium the following morning.

Mike Splinter, former CEO and chairman of Applied Materials, addressed attendees during the annual SBIR/STTR Awards Luncheon on Nov. 4. Splinter currently serves as general partner of WISC Partners, a strategic operating capital fund focused on building wealth and entrepreneurship in Wisconsin.

Zach Halmstad, founder of JAMF Software and UW-Eau Claire graduate, shared his story on the morning of Nov. 5. The company currently has 7 offices, more than 450 employees and more than 5,500 customers worldwide. Halmstad, along with JAMF co-CEO Chip Pearson, was named 2014 EY “Entrepreneur of the Year” from the Upper Midwest.

The two-day event also featured:

  • Presentations by more than two dozen companies selected for the Wisconsin Angel Network investors’ track. Investors from across Wisconsin and beyond attended.
  • The 11th annual Elevator Pitch Olympics, which provided 90-second presentation opportunities for additional companies. A panel of experienced investors judged the pitches and offer feedback.
  • More than a dozen panel discussions or educational seminars featuring leading entrepreneurs, investors and others tied to the tech sector.
  • “Office hours,” offering the opportunity to meet with subject experts on a variety of topics in small discussion groups.
  • SBIR/STTR awards luncheon to recognize grant recipients from the past year.
  • The 2nd annual “Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education” award presentation to Rock Mackie.
  • The annual “First Look” forum featuring selected campus-based technologies.
  • Exhibit hall showcasing more than 40 Wisconsin companies.
  • A first-night reception, two luncheons, two breakfasts and other networking opportunities, including aninvestors-only dinner.

The conference is produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council and its partners and sponsors.

2014 Early Stage Symposium

The 2014 Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium was held Nov. 12-13 at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center in Madison.

What is the Early Stage Symposium?
The symposium is designed to unlock Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial potential by providing the right combination of ideas, innovation, intellectual property and investment – as well as hands-on instruction and advice targeted to early stage companies ready to make the leap.

This year’s conference, with a theme of “30X10,” celebrated a rich history that goes back to 1984. That year, Wisconsin’s first annual venture conference was held in Madison, pairing high-growth companies with investors and other business leaders from across the state. Originally the Madison Venture Fair, the event has been called the Wisconsin Venture Conference, the Wisconsin Life Sciences & Venture Conference – and for the past 10 years – the Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium. Nearly 500 companies have presented during the conferences in one format or another, including some of the largest technology companies that call Wisconsin home.

To view full interviews with past presenters, click on the links below:
Bill Linton, Promega (’84)

Jan Eddy, Office Solutions & Wingra Software (’84)

Ralph Kauten, Quintessence Biosciences & Mirus Corp. (‘
96, ’98, ’02, ’04, ’07)
Carl Gulbrandsen, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (video sponsor)

What did the Early Stage Symposium include?
More than 45 companies had the opportunity to make presentations and meet with investors, along with other entrepreneurs and business leaders. Many firms have cited participation in the conference as a key factor for significant business growth.

Featured speakers included Kevin Conroy and Graham Lidgard, who shared the story of Exact Sciences, a Madison company developing a home colon cancer test kit. The conference also featured Francois Ortalo-Magne, dean of the Wisconsin School of Business.

The two-day event also featured:

  • Plenary session on how research partnerships are driving innovation and economic growth with UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank, UW-Milwaukee Interim Chancellor Mark Mone and Jacqueline Fredrick, president and CEO of the BloodCenter of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
  • Presentations by 28 companies selected for the Wisconsin Angel Network investors’ track. Investors from across Wisconsin and beyond attended.
  • The 10th annual Elevator Pitch Olympics, which provided 90-second presentation opportunities for 18 additional companies. A panel of experienced investors judged the pitches and offered feedback.
  • More than a dozen panel discussions or plenary sessions featuring leading entrepreneurs, investors and others tied to the tech sector.
  • “Office hours,” offering the opportunity to meet with subject experts on a variety of topics in small discussion groups.
  • SBIR/STTR awards luncheon to recognize grant recipients from the past year.
  • The inaugural “Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education” award presentation to Tim Keane.
  • The annual “First Look” forum featuring selected campus-based technologies.
  • Exhibit hall showcasing more than 40 Wisconsin companies.
  • A first-night reception, two luncheons, two breakfasts and other networking opportunities, including an investors-only dinner.


Post conference materials

  • “30X10” opening video – highlighting history of the conference and past presenters
  • Footage of keynote presentation – Kevin Conroy and Graham Lidgard, Exact Sciences
  • Remarks by Tim Keane – 2014 recipient of the “Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education” award
  • Summary of media coverage
  • View photos of the event
  • Final registration list – by company and by last name

The conference is produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council and its partners and sponsors.

2013 Early Stage Symposium

The 2013 Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium was held Nov. 5-6 at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center in Madison, Wis.

The Early Stage Symposium is designed to unlock Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial potential by providing the right combination of ideas, innovation, intellectual property and investment – as well as hands-on instruction and advice targeted to early stage companies ready to make the leap.

We had record attendance this year with more than 550 registrants over the two-day event. Attendees traveled to Madison from all over Wisconsin, the Midwest, and beyond. We introducedtwo new elements to the symposium – the “Office Hours” sessions and the “Reverse Elevator Pitch” panel – both earned rave reviews! Forty-four companies had the opportunity to present to investors during the WAN Tracks and the Elevator Pitch Olympics. Sixteen panel discussionscovered a wide variety of topics and engaged some of the region’s leading investors and entrepreneurs. Our featured speakers – Brad Feld and Mark Schmitz – filled the ballrooms to capacity and sparked some exciting conversations about reaching beyond conventional boundaries.


2013 Post-conference materials:

  • View photos of presenters, exhibitors and speakers here.
  • Read a comprehensive list of media coverage here.
2012 Early Stage Symposium

The 2012 Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium attracted 488 attendees over two days. Thanks to all who participated! Click on the “Post-conference materials” tab above for the attendee list, speaker presentations and photos. To read and watch all the coverage of the conference, including interviews with conference speakers, stories on the prospects for a state-leveraged early stage investment program, and columns and features on presenting companies, click on the “In the News” tab above.

The symposium helps entrepreneurs learn how to pursue private equity and offers investor pitch opportunities. Early stage companies from Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest were professionally “coached” by venture and service professionals, as well as veteran company executives with stories to tell. In addition to hands-on instruction, the symposium provided platforms for selected early stage companies to present to investors, including the annual “Elevator Pitch Olympics.”

2012 highlights included:

  • Nationally known speakers: Larry Landweber and Greg Milman
  • Remarks from Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch
  • 26 company presentations to angel and venture investors
  • Eighth annual Elevator Pitch Olympics
  • Investors-only dinner hosted by the Wisconsin Angel Network
  • 16 panel discussions
  • “First Look” forum for university-based discoveries
  • Exhibit hall featuring 47 companies
  • First annual Tweet Pitch Contest
  • Receptions, lunches and other networking events

Click here to view the presentation by Larry Landweber, the keynote speaker on Nov. 13.

Click here to view the presentation by Greg Milman, the featured speaker during the 2012 SBIR Awards Lunch on Nov. 14.

Download a list of the 2012 attendees here.