Wisconsin Technology Council: Software entrepreneur Halmstad joins speaker lineup for Nov. 4-5 Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium

Contact: Joy Sawatzki or Tom Still at 608-442-7557
Or visit www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com to learn more

MADISON – Zach Halmstad, the co-founder of JAMF Software, will share the story of the Eau Claire company’s growth Thursday, Nov. 5, the second day of the 2015 Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium at Madison’s Monona Terrace Convention Center. The session will be sponsored by DeWitt Ross & Stevens.

The annual symposium is designed to unlock Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial potential by providing the right combination of ideas, innovation, intellectual property and investment – as well as hands-on instruction and advice targeted to early stage companies ready to make the leap.

More than 40 companies will have an opportunity to make presentations and meet with investors, along with other entrepreneurs and business leaders. Learn more and register at www.wisearlystage.com. “Early bird” registration is open through Oct. 16. Hotel rooms are available at a discounted group rate through Oct. 13.

Halmstad is an Eau Claire native and a UW-Eau Claire graduate. He studied as a pianist and earned a degree in music, but it was his work in the campus information technology department that fueled his interest in streamlining IT platforms. The tools he created to efficiently set up and maintain campus computers later became the foundation to launch JAMF Software, which created the “Casper Suite” to manage Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads and Macs.

Thirteen years later the company has seven offices, more than 450 employees and more than 5,500 customers worldwide. Forbes reported in late 2014 the company earned more than $37 million in revenues. Halmstad recently started Pablo Properties, which has built a permanent home for JAMF Software and is involved in two hotel renovations in Eau Claire’s downtown.

Halmstad and JAMF co-CEO Chip Pearson were named the 2014 Ernst & Young “Entrepreneurs of the Year” for the Upper Midwest.

“The story of JAMF Software is one of innovation, hard work, bootstrapping and, of course, a bit of fun in the process,” said Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. “Along with Pearson, Halmstad took the JAMF idea on the road and focused early on sales … winning a lot of customers along the way. When people told Halmstad he couldn’t build a company like this in Eau Claire, he proved them wrong.”

Other speakers and highlights will be announced in coming weeks. The conference will also feature:

– Presentations by more than two dozen companies selected for the Wisconsin Angel Network investors’ track. Investors from across Wisconsin and beyond will attend.

– The 11th annual Elevator Pitch Olympics, which will provide 90-second presentation opportunities for additional companies. A panel of experienced investors will judge the pitches and offer feedback.

– A dozen panel discussions or seminars featuring leading entrepreneurs, investors and others tied to the tech sector.

– “Office Hours,” offering the opportunity to meet with subject experts on a variety of topics in small discussion groups or one-on-one.

– SBIR/STTR awards luncheon to recognize grant recipients from the past year.

– The 2nd annual “Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education” award presentation.

– The “First Look” forum featuring selected campus-based technologies.

– Exhibit hall showcasing more than 40 Wisconsin companies.

– A first-night reception, two luncheons, two breakfasts and other networking opportunities, including an investors-only dinner.

The Tech Council produces the conference. Sponsors so far include: Aberdean; American Transmission Co.; AT&T; Ascendancy Advisors; Aurora Health Care; Baird Capital; Baker Tilly; BDO; BloodCenter of Wisconsin; BMO Harris; Boardman & Clark; Carroll University; City of Fitchburg; Concordia University; Dedicated Computing; DeWitt Ross & Stevens; Eppstein Uhen Architects; Findorff; Functional Biosciences; Godfrey & Kahn; HealthX Ventures; HP Enterprise Services; Madison Gas & Electric; Makin’ HEY Communications; Marquette University; Marshfield Clinic Applied Sciences; Michael Best & Friedrich; Midwest Prototyping; MIOsoft; Morgridge Institute for Research; Murphy Desmond; Neider & Boucher; Nelson Schmidt; Quarles & Brady; RDC National Inc.; Red Arrow Production; Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren; Safenet Consulting; Smith & Gesteland; State of Wisconsin Investment Board; University Research Park; UW-Oshkosh Business Success Center; UW-Milwaukee Research Foundation; UW-Madison Office of Corporate Relations; Venture Investors; Whitewater University Technology Park; Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek; Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority; Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation; and Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.

Learn more at www.wisearlystage.com.