| Nearly 70 judges have volunteered so far to judge entries and provide feedback for Launch Wisconsin, which includes a cross-section of industry verticals that help define Wisconsin’s startup ecosystem. This year’s judging panel includes investors from many of the Upper Midwest’s leading angel and venture capital organizations, reflecting the contest’s role in helping entrepreneurs refine business ideas and connect with potential sources of capital. Participating groups include Bascom Ventures, Chippewa Valley Angel Investor Network, Clarevia Ventures, Golden Angels, Inventure Capital, Madison Development Corp., Milwaukee Venture Partners, NEW Capital Management, Rock River Capital Partners, Idea Fund of La Crosse, Valency Fund, Venture Management, WARF Ventures, Wisconsin Investment Partners and Wisconsin River Business Angels.Contestants have until 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 15, to submit their executive summary at launchwisconsin.biz. Judges provide feedback to contestants throughout the contest’s three phases. A separate group of contest mentors includes experts from the UW-Extension’s Center for Technology Commercialization and SCORE. Mentors are available for questions from contestants throughout the contest.“The expertise our investors and judges bring to Launch Wisconsin is one of the program’s greatest strengths. Their experience evaluating investments and growing businesses helps entrepreneurs refine their ideas and opens doors to relationships that can benefit their companies well beyond the competition,” said Maggie Brickerman, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council.The contest leads to valuable public and media exposure for the top business plans and helps spur economic growth in the state. Finalists will share about $180,000 in cash and in-kind prizes.Since the contest’s inception in 2004, more than 5,000 entries have been received from across Wisconsin. Finalists have shared in more than $3.1 million in cash and service prizes (such as legal, accounting, office space and marketing). Past finalists have launched companies that have raised $320 million in grants, loans and private equity financing – all while creating jobs and economic value for Wisconsin. The contest’s major sponsor is the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. To enter or become a sponsor, visit launchwisconsin.biz. |
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