MADISON, Wis. – Companies of all stages are invited to apply to pitch their stories to investors at the in-person Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium, set for Nov. 5-6 at Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison.
The 2025 conference will feature four pitch opportunities: the two-minute “Open Mic” Quick Pitches, five-minute Tech Council Investor Networks presentations, the 90-second Elevator Pitch Olympics and “Investor Intros,” which pair pre-selected companies with angel and venture investors for brief one-on-one meetings.
Instructions for how to apply for all or a mix of the investor presentation opportunities can be found at wisearlystage.com on the “ESS Application” tab.
General registration is also now open by clicking here!
To enhance greater access for entrepreneurs, our registration fees are affordable. At least one representative from each applicant company is required to register in advance at the discounted rate of $79. The registration fee includes two breakfasts, two lunches and a reception as well as getting your company summary and contact information in the investor-only conference booklets.
Participating entrepreneurs can reserve free table space during networking sessions to showcase their businesses, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited and applicants must complete both the application and event registration to qualify.
The deadline to apply online is 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9. Remember to register first AND to apply for a chance to present in a company forum. Here are the four company forums; companies may apply for one, two or all opportunities to be seen, heard and make a splash!
‘Open Mic’ Quick Pitches – Wednesday, Nov. 5:
Each founder will have two minutes to pitch, with no Q&A afterward, to get as many founders in front of the group as possible. Don’t yet have a formal company? No problem. Tell us what you’re thinking of launching.
Tech Council Investor Networks Track – Wednesday, Nov. 5:
More than 20 Midwest companies spanning industries such as advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, health care, IT, artificial intelligence and mobile applications will be featured, each with the chance to showcase their innovations through five-minute presentations.
Elevator Pitch Olympics – Thursday, Nov. 6:
About 15 early-stage, often pre-revenue companies will be selected for the Elevator Pitch Olympics, where entrepreneurs deliver 90-second pitches to conference attendees and a panel of investors. Judges will score presentations on a 1-to-5 scale based on whether they merit a follow-up meeting, offering immediate feedback. Top presenters will receive crystal awards.
Investor Intros – Thursday, Nov. 6:
Companies chosen for the popular Investor Intros will take part in pre-scheduled, one-on-one meetings with investors from Wisconsin and beyond. The format, similar to speed dating, gives both sides a chance to learn about each other and explore potential partnerships.
The conference will also feature:
- Keynote speakers, targeted panel discussions and workshops featuring leading entrepreneurs, investors and others tied to the tech sector making an impact nationwide.
- Exhibit hall showcasing innovative Wisconsin companies.
- A Nov. 5 conference reception, two luncheons, two breakfasts and other networking opportunities, including an investors-only dinner.
The Tech Council produces the conference. Sponsors thus far include: Advocate Aurora Health, Amazon, Apple, ATC, Baird Capital, Baker Tilly, BDO, City of Fitchburg, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), Dairyland Power Cooperative, DeWitt, EUA, Exact Sciences, Findorff, Fine Point Consulting, First Business Bank, gener8tor, Godfrey & Kahn, HealthX Ventures, Husch Blackwell, Kimberly-Clark, KW2, M3 Insurance, Madison Development Corp., Madison Gas & Electric, Makin’ Hey! Communications, Michael Best, Neider & Boucher, One City Schools, Raven Software, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, RSM US, Silver Lining Foundation, State of Wisconsin Investment Board, SustainableHR PEO, Technology Entrepreneurship Office at UW-Madison, Technology Innovation Center – Milwaukee, University Research Park, UWM Research Foundation, UW-Madison Center for Dairy Research, UW-Madison Dept. of Computer Sciences, UW-Madison Office of Business Engagement, VC3, Venture Investors, Versiti, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., WIPFLi, Wisconsin Dept. of Financial Institutions, Wisconsin Energy Institute and Wisconsin Historical Society.
To learn more about sponsorship information, please reach out to Angela Schlobohm at angela@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com.
