MILWAUKEE, Wis. – To succeed over time, young companies must find revenue sources that range from sales to strategic debt to rounds of investment. Learn about diverse fundraising paths and from seasoned entrepreneurs in the “Succeed” panel track at the June 2 Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference.
The May 31-June 1 conference at the Italian Community Center returns to the “Cream City” to celebrate the region’s rise as a startup and scale-up hub within the Midwest. Registration is open at witrepsconference.com or linked here.
The “Succeed” track is one of three conference tracks open to all attendees at the 21st annual conference. Panel discussions in the “Succeed” track are:
10 a.m. June 1 – How we funded our companies: Hear from entrepreneurs on their funding strategies
What funding path works best for you? How much capital do you need? How much equity are you willing to give up? Those are among questions entrepreneurs should ask themselves as they consider where and how they find sources of capital. We will hear how some young companies pulled it off … their own way.
Moderated by Dan Gawronski, Michael Best. Panelists: Laura King, Accure Medical; Thomas “Rock” Mackie; and Raymond Seaver, zizzl
2 p.m. June 1 – Other ways to raise money: Crowdfunding, grants, accelerators and more
Young companies can raise money in a variety of ways, from loans, grants, crowdfunding, in-kind trades, accelerators, lines of credit, venture debt and, of course, selling a product … perhaps the most overlooked strategy of all.
Moderated by Spencer X. Smith, AmpliPhi Digital. Panelists: Melinda Caughill, i65 and Steven Visuri, Stem Pharm
The “Launch” and “Grow” tracks were announced recently. Attendees may attend all or parts of any track.
“Crossroads of innovation” is the theme of the 21st annual conference, where entrepreneurs from around the state will showcase their ideas, services and technologies. Seven panel tracks formed under three unique stages of “launch,” “grow” and “succeed” will appeal to entrepreneurs in all stages. Detailed panel information is posted at witrepsconference.com.
Produced by the Tech Council, the Entrepreneurs’ Conference is among the largest and affordable events for entrepreneurs and early stage investors in the Upper Midwest. Other highlights will include:
- “Diligent (Baker’s) Dozen: Top 13 finalists from the Governor’s Business Plan Contest square off on the afternoon of May 31
- Charles Ross, Milwaukee native and chief executive officerof International Business Innovation Accelerator, to keynote morning of June 1
- Plenary panel including angels and venture capitalists on how to pitch to investors when the industry is puckering up, mid-morning June 1
- Deb Carey, co-founder of New Glarus Brewing Co. to accept 2023 ‘Seize the Day’ award over lunch on June 1
- Governor’s Business Plan Contest “Diligent (Baker’s) Dozen” awards announcements June 1
- Innovation Showcase featuring exhibits from Wisconsin companies
- Plenty of chances to network with seasoned entrepreneurs and investors over food and refreshments, including a May 31 reception at the Italian Community Center
Sponsors thus far are: Aberdean Consulting, Affiliated Engineers, Alliant Energy, Amazon, American Family Insurance, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, AT&T, Baird Capital, Baker Tilly, BDO, Business Fitness, Center for Technology Commercialization, City of Fitchburg, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), DeWitt, Findorff, First Business Bank, Foley & Lardner, Godfrey & Kahn, HealthX Ventures, Husch Blackwell, Insperity, J.P. Morgan, Lost Boys Interactive, Madison College, Madison Development Corp., Madison Gas & Electric, Makin’ HEY! Communications, MalamaDoe, Marquette University, Microsoft, N29 Capital Partners, Neider & Boucher, Perkins Coie, Quarles & Brady, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, Ruder Ware, Sadoff E-Recycling & Data Destruction, Technology Entrepreneurship Office at UW-Madison, Technology Innovation Center – Milwaukee, UMOS One Workforce – TechStars, University Research Park, U.S. Bank, UWM Research Foundation, UW-Madison Innovate Network, UW-Madison Office of Business Engagement, UW-Madison Office of University Relations, Venture Investors, Versiti, WE Energies, Whitewater University Innovation Center/Fiscal Economical Research Center, WIPFLi, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., Wisconsin Dept. of Financial Institutions, Wisconsin Technical College System, WiSys and Yahara Software.
To become a sponsor, contact Angela Schlobohm at angela@
