19 May ‘Grow’ panels at virtual Entrepreneurs’ Conference to focus on regional progress, early stage investor
People engaged in all sizes and stages of companies can learn about regional innovation trends and a statewide, early stage investing fund by attending the virtual June 3 Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference, where this year’s theme is “Building blocks for young companies.”
Register today by clicking here!
A bonus: all sessions will be recorded, so you can watch the ones you missed later for up to 90 days after the conference! The “Grow” lineup includes:
11 a.m. The Badger Fund of Funds: How it’s investing in young companies
The Badger Fund of Funds was Wisconsin’s first step into a public-private fund of funds, and it has been an impressive leap for many young companies. Hear about Badger’s recipient funds, their portfolio companies and how to get in touch with the investment managers … and what they want to hear from you.
Moderated by: Jessica Silvaggi, UWM Research Foundation with panelists: Dan Brooks, Sun Mountain Capital; Jonathon Horne, Idea Fund of La Crosse and Sam Rikkers, deputy secretary, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
11 a.m. A virtual tour: Regional growth strategies around Wisconsin
The last year or so has meant less physical travel for many of us … but life goes on across Wisconsin’s economic regions, seen or unseen We’ll take a virtual tour of three regions and see their progress through the eyes of economic development experts who are on the ground. Best practices? They’ve got ’em.
Moderated by: John McDonald, Godfrey & Kahn with panelists: Jason Fields, Madison Region Economic Partnership; Julie Huls, The Waymaker Group (consulting in Kenosha area) and Steve Jahn, Momentum West
Produced by the Tech Council, the Entrepreneurs’ Conference has been a signature event for entrepreneurs, investors and others in the early stage sector since launched by the Tech Council in 2003. Detailed panel information will be posted soon at www.witrepsconference.com. Other highlights will include:
- Diligent Dozen: Top 12 finalists from the Governor’s Business Plan Contest will present live, via Zoom on June 2
- Keynote presentation from Wes Schroll of Fetch Rewards, sponsored by RSM
- Ken Hendricks ‘Seize the Day’ award presentation with 2021 honoree, Don Zietlow, Kwik Trip
- Governor’s Business Plan Contest awards ceremony with category winners, a grand prize winner, a “Bright New Idea” award and a new “People’s Choice” award this year
- Virtual interactive exhibitor booths from 30 Wisconsin companies
- A presentation by the winner of the Wisconsin YES! youth business plan contest, and;
- Plenty of chances to network 1:1 virtually, a variety of discussions under the “Launch, Grow, Succeed” theme and much more!
Sponsors thus far include: PLATINUM: American Transmission Co., AT&T, Godfrey & Kahn, Husch Blackwell, Michael Best, University Research Park, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. GOLD: Aberdean Consulting, Makin’ HEY! Communications. SILVER: Affiliated Engineers, American Family Insurance, Alliant Energy, Baird Capital, Baker Tilly, BDO, Center for Technology Commercialization, City of Fitchburg, Dedicated Computing, DeWitt, Findorff, First Business Bank, HealthX Ventures, J.P. Morgan Chase, Madison College, Madison Gas & Electric, Marquette University, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Microsoft, Mobile22, Neider & Boucher, Ogden Glazer + Schaefer, PDS, Perkins Coie, Quarles & Brady, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, Shive-Hattery, UWM Research Foundation, UW-Madison D2P, UW-Madison Office of Business Engagement, Venture Investors, Versiti, WEA Trust, WIPFLi, Wisconsin Technical College System. SPECIAL SUPPORT: Madison Development Corp. and RSM.