Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I enter the competition?

• Launch Wisconsin judges, mentors and other resources will help you gain the basic skills necessary to create a business plan.
• Launch Wisconsin is tailored to and targeted at entrepreneurs with limited independent business experience. Judges look for important factors such as innovation, relevant expertise, competitive advantage and market opportunity.
• It doesn’t cost you anything. It is free to enter.
• Contestants will meet some interesting people: mentors, potential investors, successful entrepreneurs and others with startup experience.
• The 50 semi-finalists will be invited to attend a half-day “boot camp” in late July or Early August.
• There is a lot of exposure that comes with doing well in the contest. News media, investors and others pay attention to those who do well in Launch Wisconsin.

Am I eligible to participate?

Individuals, teams or companies are eligible if they:

• Are Wisconsin residents 18 years old or older, and who have a business plan that employs or leverages technology. Examples of technology include an eCommerce platform for a traditional business, a mobile application, a life sciences innovation or an advanced manufacturing process or system.
• Are based in Wisconsin and/or plan to locate a business in Wisconsin.
• Have not received more than $50,000 in private equity funding as of Jan. 31 for an idea in its current form. For the purposes of this contest, private equity funding is generally angel or venture funding but also includes equity investments by accelerators. It does not include SBIR/STTR, bank loans, non-dilutive accelerator program grants or funding from friends or family. Questions? Email our contest administrator, info@launchwisconsin.biz

Can I use Intellectual Property in my business?

All intellectual property used in business ideas and/or plans must be owned, controlled or licensed by the Launch Wisconsin entrant. For Launch Wisconsin purposes, examples of intellectual property include but are not limited to trademarks, copyrights, patent-pending status or an issued patent.

Can I enter more than one idea?

There is no upper limit to the number of unique ideas or plans a contestant may submit. For example, one contestant may submit an idea for a new paper pulping process to the Advanced Manufacturing category and an idea for new paper-making software to the Information Technology category. The same contestant may have more than one idea advance though the competition in one or more categories. Be careful, however: Multiple entries also mean divided time.

Contestants need to create a new account for each entry. Each account will require a different email address. If you do not have more than one email address and would like to submit multiple entries, please contact the contest administrator at info@launchwisconsin.biz

Can I enter this year’s contest if I competed last year?

Past Launch Wisconsin participants are eligible to enter the contest again. Please note:

• Previous category winners are NOT eligible to compete with the same plan.
• Second and third place winners are eligible to compete with the same plan if they still meet the equity requirement.

Do I need a full business plan to enter?

No, you can walk before you run. The first phase entry is an executive summary, up to 1,500 words. There will be eight questions to answer if you do not have an executive summary already. Those questions are: company overview; team; product; revenue model; market; competition; comparables; financing & milestones.

How do I know which contest category is the best fit for my idea?

The four contest categories are deliberately broad – advanced manufacturing, business services, information technology and life sciences. It’s rare that an entry cannot find a logical home. Contest administrators and judges will move entries between categories if necessary, but it seldom is.

How do I submit my entry?

All entries are accepted through the online portal – which you can access by clicking “MY ACCOUNT” above. Both fist and second stages of the contest take place through that website, culminating in a 7-minute narrated pitch deck.  Up to 12 finalists will present at the Early Stage Symposium. That’s our “Diligent Dozen” phase.

Geez, sounds like a longshot to survive three online phases. What are my chances on getting to the Diligent Dozen?

Your chances of winning are a lot better than Powerball! If past contests are any indicator, roughly one in 14 entrants will reach the top 25. About 4,958 entries have been received over time and $3.1 million in cash and service prizes awarded.

Who are the judges and mentors?

The judges and mentors offer years of valuable experience. About 70 judges drawn from the finance, sales, marketing, research and technology sectors across Wisconsin will score the entries and provide feedback. Most of these judges are investors. The mentoring corps will include members of SCORE and the Center for Technology Commercialization.

QNBV information and a sample term sheet

As you continue to grow your start-up you will inevitably start thinking about the future and next steps. One important question you may ask yourself: how do I continue to fund this company?

If you plan to raise capital from investors there are two important next steps: