Wisconsin Technology Council: TechStars co-founder Feld to speak via live link Nov. 5 to open Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium

Contact: Joy Sawatzki or Tom Still at 608-442-7557

Or visit www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com to learn more

TechStars co-founder Feld to speak via live link
Nov. 5 to open Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium

MADISON – Brad Feld, an entrepreneur, investor and co-founder of the successful TechStars accelerators, will speak live via telepresence to open the Nov. 5 Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium in Madison.

Attendees who are present for the 8:30 a.m. presentation will receive a copy of Feld’s book, “Startup Communities,” courtesy of conference producers and a personal contribution from Mark Bakken, co-founder and CEO of Nordic Consulting.

To register, go to www.wisearlystage.com. “Early bird” registration is open through Oct. 7. Hotel rooms are available at a discounted group rate through Oct. 5.

Feld has been an early stage investor and entrepreneur since 1987. Prior to co-founding Foundry Group, he helped start Mobius Venture Capital and previously co-founded Intensity Ventures. Feld’s role in TechStars began in Boulder, Colo., and has since spread to six other locations while helping to spark the growth of tech business accelerators nationally.

In addition to his investing efforts, Feld has been active with several non-profit organizations and is chair of the National Center for Women & Information Technology, co-chair of Startup Colorado, and on the board of UP Global. Feld writes the widely read blogs Feld Thoughts, Startup Revolution, and Ask the VC.

Feld holds degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is an avid art collector and long-distance runner. His firm, Foundry Group, recently announced it will donate $100,000 to Entrepreneurs Foundation of Colorado to aid with that state’s flood relief efforts.

“We’re excited to have Brad Feld address this year’s symposium and to help set the tone for a continued conversation about Wisconsin’s evolving startup scene,” said Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council, which produces the two-day conference.

Other speakers and highlights will be announced in coming weeks. The conference will also feature:

  • Presentations by more than 20 companies selected for the Wisconsin Angel Network investors’ track. Investors from across Wisconsin and beyond will attend.
  • The annual Elevator Pitch Olympics, which provide 90-second presentation opportunities for 15 or more additional companies. A panel of investors will judge the contest.
  • 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 or one-on-one.
  • SBIR/STTR awards luncheon to recognize grant recipients from the past year.
  • 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.
  • To learn more and to register at the “early bird” rate by Oct. 7, visit www.wisearlystage.com. Discounted hotel rates are available for conference attendees until Oct. 5.

    Gina Leahy

    Wisconsin Technology Council

    (608) 442-7557

    gleahy@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com