Some of the most active entrepreneurs, investors and service experts from Wisconsin and beyond will engage in uplifting discussions during the first day of the Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium in Madison.
The in-person conference, which continues Thursday, Nov. 14, at the Monona Terrace Convention Center, will also feature speakers, workshops, company pitches and an “Investor Intros” segment to connect emerging companies with angel and venture capitalists.
Learn more and check out our sponsors at wisearlystage.com. Here are topics to be covered Wednesday, Nov. 13:
The financial returns investors need: What that means for entrepreneurs – 9:35 a.m.
Investors evaluate your company based on the potential return you may provide in the context of their entire investment portfolio. In today’s investing environment, learn how you can persuade them to invest in you, based on factors such as investment stage, investor types and fund objectives. Experienced panelists with backgrounds in angel, seed and venture funds will discuss how they view return potential; opportunities in the context of an overall portfolio; today’s start-up economy; and how your valuations and key metrics affect their investment decisions.
Moderated by Mike Thorson, Inventure Capital, with panelists Jeff Ebel, Wisconsin River Business Angels; Laurence Hayward, ATOMS VC; and Richelle Martin, Winnow Fund
Innovation around the state: What’s happening beyond the big hubs – 9:35 a.m.
Anyone who has driven the 430 miles from Kenosha to Superior can testify to the fact Wisconsin is a big state – with lots of innovation within its borders, not just in the major cities that make up the I-Q Corridor that connects Milwaukee and Madison. We’ll hear from leaders of tech-based and start-up development whose expertise extends to all corners of the state.
Moderated by Nora Roughen-Schmidt, Universities of Wisconsin, with panelists Kelly Armstrong, Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood; Wilson Fay, WiSys; and Barb LaMue, New North
Successful ‘treps tell all: What I should have done a lot better – 9:35 a.m.
Sometimes the most successful entrepreneurs are those who emulate what worked for them over time … and who admit what didn’t work and eliminate it the next time around. We’ll hear from veteran tech entrepreneurs Brian Wiegand, who started six tech-based companies and successfully sold four of them; Mark Gehring, whose companies have included Geometrics, UltraVisual, Propeller Health and ImageMover; and Ralph Kauten, who has been an executive at Mirus Bio, Promega Corp., PanVera Corp., Quintessence Biosciences and Lucigen Corp. among others. Learn from folks who were good enough to get it right … yet humble enough to acknowledge they could have been even better.
How we funded our companies: Entrepreneurs describe what works for them – 2:35 p.m.
What funding path works best for you? How much capital do you need? How much equity are you willing to give up? Those are among questions entrepreneurs should ask themselves as they consider where and how they find sources of capital. We will hear how some young companies pulled it off … their own way.
Moderated by Maggie Brickerman, gener8tor, with panelists Abigail Barnes, Amulet; Jack Koziol, Infosec; and Thomas “Rock” Mackie, Leo Cancer Center
I think I need money: Now what? – 2:35 p.m.
Young companies can raise money in a variety of ways, from angel and venture capital to loans, grants, crowdfunding, in-kind trades, accelerators, lines of credit, venture debt and, of course, selling a product. This panel will explore the ins and outs of these various sources.
Moderated by Cat Johnson, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., with panelists Rob Baranowski, Center for Technology Commercialization; Scott Mosley, StartingBlock Madison; and Alton Multhauf, First Business Bank
How to determine if a problem is worth solving in your business – 2:35 p.m.
Entrepreneurs usually encounter more problems than solutions as they go down the path of building a company. But are all problems created equally? Can some challenges be put aside in favor of working on what appears to be the most pressing issues? Find out how some ‘treps have prioritized their problems when it was possible to do so (and not be overwhelmed!)
Moderated by Nick Myers, RedFox AI, with panelists Rianne Lund, 1Director; and Justin Reed, C-Motive Technologies
The conference will feature many opportunities for young companies to learn:
- About 40 company presentations in two different segments and the “Investor Intros” speed-dating segment.
- Keynote speakers and targeted panel discussions featuring leading entrepreneurs, investors and others tied to the tech sector making an impact nationwide.
- The 11th annual Triple E award presentation from Dan Olszewski
- Exhibit hall showcasing more than 30 innovative Wisconsin companies.
- A Nov. 13 conference reception, two luncheons, two breakfasts and other networking opportunities, including an investors-only dinner.
Wisconsin Technology Council | 455 Science Drive, Suite 240 | Madison | WI | 53711 | US | 608-442-7557
