MADISON, Wis. – Applications are now welcome from companies looking to tell their stories to investors at the annual Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium. This year’s event will be held in-person on Nov. 13-14 at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison.
The 2024 format includes two pitch opportunities – the Tech Council Investor Networks track (five-minute presentations) and the 90-second Elevator Pitch Olympics – as well as “Investor Intros,” which will allow pre-selected companies brief, one-on-one meetings with targeted angel and venture investors.
Stay tuned for an announcement in early September that will expand national and international reach for the conference and presenting companies.
Instructions for how to apply for all or a mix of the investor presentation opportunities can be found at wisearlystage.com on the “ESS Application” tab.
General registration is also now open by clicking here!
To enhance greater access for entrepreneurs, our registration fees are affordable. At least one representative from each applicant company is required to register in advance at the newly discounted rate of $129. Additional team members may register for $99 per person. Student discounts will continue to be offered for all students, including graduate students.
The registration fee includes two breakfasts, two lunches and a reception as well as getting your company summary and contact information in the investor-only conference booklets. Some young companies will be eligible for conference “scholarships” to help defray registration costs. Contact angela@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com after applying to learn about eligibility; early applicants will receive first consideration.
The deadline to apply online is 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4. Here are the three company forums; companies may apply for one, two or all three opportunities to be seen, heard and make a splash!
Tech Council Investor Networks Track – Wednesday, Nov. 13:
These tracks will feature more than 20 companies from the Midwest representing an array of industries, such as advanced manufacturing; biotechnology; health care therapeutics, diagnostics and devices; information technology; artificial intelligence; mobile application sectors.
Companies selected will have many opportunities to interest investors: a five-minute presentation as well as networking receptions. Selected companies will also be invited to participate in a pre-conference practice session with a group of mentors.
Elevator Pitch Olympics – Thursday, Nov. 14:
Companies or entrepreneurs selected for the Elevator Pitch Olympicswill give a 90-second pitch in front of conference attendees and a panel of investors. The investors will score the presenter on a scale of 1 to 5, focusing on whether the pitch was compelling enough to arrange a follow-up meeting, and will offer immediate feedback. About 15 companies in early, often pre-revenue stages will be selected to pitch. There are crystal awards for the top presenters!
Investor Intros – Thursday, Nov. 14:
Companies selected for the popular Investor Intros will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with investors from Wisconsin and beyond. These are pre-scheduled, strategic meetings between investors and emerging companies. This format will resemble a “speed dating” exercise, allowing both parties to learn more about each other and explore potential relationships.
The conference will also feature:
- National keynote speakers and targeted panel discussions featuring leading entrepreneurs, investors and others tied to the tech sector making an impact nationwide.
- The 11th annual “Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education” award presentation and luncheon.
- Exhibit hall showcasing innovative Wisconsin companies.
- A Nov. 13 conference reception, two luncheons, two breakfasts and other networking opportunities, including an investors-only dinner.
The Tech Council produces the conference. Sponsors thus far include: Advocate Aurora Health, American Transmission Co., ark data centers, AT&T, Baird Capital, Baker Tilly, City of Fitchburg, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), DeWitt, EUA, Exact Sciences, Findorff, gener8tor, Godfrey & Kahn, Google, HealthX Ventures, Husch Blackwell, In Business Magazine, KW2, Lost Boys Interactive, M3 Insurance, Madison Gas & Electric, Makin’ Hey! Communications, Marquette University, Michael Best, Neider & Boucher, One City Schools, Raven Software, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, RSM US, Ruder Ware, Sadoff E-Recycling & Data Destruction, State of Wisconsin Investment Board, Technology Innovation Center – Milwaukee, UMOS One Workforce – TechStars, University Research Park, UWM Research Foundation, UW-Madison Center for Dairy Research, UW-Madison Dept. of Computer Sciences, UW-Madison Office of Business Engagement, VC3, Venture Investors, von Briesen & Roper, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., WIPFLi, Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters, Wisconsin Dept. of Financial Institutions, Wisconsin Energy Institute and Wisconsin Historical Society.
To learn more about sponsorship information, please reach out to Angela Schlobohm at angela@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com.
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