Wisconsin Technology Council: Investor Intros offer face to face meetings for companies at Early Stage Symposium

Contact: Bram Daelemans or Tom Still at 608-442-7557

Or visit wisearlystage.com to learn more

MADISON – At least 20 early stage venture funds, angel networks and “super-angels” will meet with young companies during the new “Investor Intros” track at the annual Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium, to be held Nov. 7-8 at Madison’s Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.

Along with two other presentation tracks, Investor Intros is open to companies and entrepreneurs that register for the conference and apply for a chance to tell their stories to investors. It’s essentially a “speed-dating” session in which companies will spend five- to -seven minutes with interested investors.

The deadline to apply for the Tech Council Investor Network track, the Elevator Pitch Olympics and Investor Intros has been extended to noon Friday, Oct. 5. Instructions for how to apply for all or a mix of the investor presentation opportunities are here or found at wisearlystage.com.

Investor groups or “super-angels” who will meet with companies during Investor Intros include: CMFG VenturesBold Coast CapitalNorthwestern Mutual/Cream City CapitalBaird Capital,
Bascom Ventures, 30Ventures, Lewis & Clark VenturesRock RIver Capital PartnersMadison Development Corp.Idea Fund of La Crossegener8torInventure CapitalGolden Angels InvestorsWisconsin Investment Partners,  Silicon PasturesHealthX VenturesTASC Venture PartnersCapital Midwest FundVenture Investors and Winnow Fund.

“More investor groups are expected to take part as we draw closer to the conference,” said Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. “Those same investors will be among those who observe the main presentation track and who judge the Elevator Pitch Olympics.”

Here is more detail on the three company forums:

Tech Council Investor Networks Track – Wednesday, Nov. 7:

These tracks will feature more than 20 companies from the Midwest representing an array of industries, such as advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, health care, information technology, medical device and mobile application sectors.

 

Companies selected will have many opportunities to interest investors: a five-minute presentation, networking receptions, an executive summary published in the investor-only program and an opportunity to exhibit where investors may speak directly to presenting companies. Selected companies will also be invited to participate in a pre-conference practice session with a group of mentors.

 

Elevator Pitch Olympics – Thursday, Nov. 8:

Companies or entrepreneurs selected for the Elevator Pitch Olympics will give a 90-second pitch in front of conference attendees and a panel of six to eight investors. The investors will score the presenter on a scale of 1 to 5, focusing on whether the pitch was compelling enough to arrange a follow-up meeting, and will offer immediate feedback.

 

About 15 companies will be selected for the Elevator Pitch Olympics. In past years, these have been companies just forming, seeking a smaller investment round or planning to do so within the next year.

 

Investor Intros – Thursday, Nov. 8:

Returning this year are the Investor Intros. Companies selected for the Investor Intros will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with investors from Wisconsin and beyond. To foster this type of communication, the Investor Intros will feature pre-scheduled, 7-minute strategic meetings between investors and emerging companies. This format will resemble a “speed dating” exercise, allowing both parties to learn more about each other and explore potential relationships.

The conference will also feature:

  • Keynote speakers, panel discussions and workshops 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.
  • The 5th annual “Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education” award presentation and luncheon.
  • Exhibit hall showcasing more than 40 Wisconsin companies.
  • A Nov. 6 Wisconsin WOMEN reception (Women, Opportunities, Mentors, Networking, Entrepreneurs). This event is open to both men and women.
  • A Nov. 7 conference reception, two luncheons, two breakfasts and other networking opportunities, including an investors-only dinner.

 

The Tech Council produces the conference. Sponsors so far include: 100stateAberdean ConsultingAccurayACSAlliant Energy, American Transmission Co., AT&TAurora Health CareBaird Capital,Baker TillyBarb Luhring Graphic RecordingBDOBloodCenter of WisconsinBMO HarrisBoardman & ClarkCarroll UniversityCGICity of FitchburgConcordia UniversityCresa MadisonDane County Regional AirportDedicated ComputingDXC TechnologyEnbridgeEppstein Uhen ArchitectsExact SciencesFindorffFirst Business BankFluno CenterFoley & LardnerFunctional Biosciences,Godfrey & KahnHealthX VenturesHusch BlackwellJP CullenM3 InsuranceMadison CollegeMadison Gas & ElectricMakin’ HEY! CommunicationsMerchant & GouldMichael BestMidwest PrototypingTechnology Innovation Center – MKEN29 Capital PartnersNeider & BoucherNorthwestern MutualQuarles & Brady, Red Arrow Production, Reinhart Boerner Van DeurenRiver Valley BankSquare 1 Bank, Sun Mountain Kegonsa, Tech Council board member Susan Healy, State of Wisconsin Investment BoardUniversity Research ParkUW-Green BayUWM Research Foundation,Venture InvestorsWisconsin Alumni Research FoundationWisconsin Economic Development Corp.Wisconsin Health & Educational Facility AuthorityWhitewater University Technology ParkWIPFLi,Yahara Software and Ziegler.

 

Learn more and register at wisearlystage.com.