Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium
Presented by: Wisconsin Technology Council
Location: Monona Terrace (One John Nolen Drive, Madison)
Time: Nov 4-5, 2015
The Early Stage 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 45 companies will have an opportunity to make presentations and meet with investors, along with other entrepreneurs and business leaders. Many firms have cited participation in the conference as a key factor for significant business growth. Nearly 500 companies have presented during the conferences in one format or another since 2004, including some of the largest technology companies that call Wisconsin home.
Mike Splinter, former CEO and chairman of Applied Materials, will speak during the annual SBIR/STTR Awards Luncheon on Nov. 4. Splinter currently serves as general partner of WISC Partners, a strategic operating capital fund focused on building wealth and entrepreneurship in Wisconsin.
Zach Halmstad, founder of JAMF Software and UW-Eau Claire graduate, will speak at 9 a.m. on Nov. 5. The company currently has 7 offices, more than 450 employees and more than 5,500 customers worldwide. Halmstad, along with JAMF co-CEO Chip Pearson, was named 2014 EY “Entrepreneur of the Year” from the Upper Midwest.
The two-day event also features:
- Nationally known speakers.
- 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.
- More than a dozen panel discussions or plenary sessions 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.
- SBIR/STTR awards luncheon to recognize grant recipients from the past year.
- The 2nd annual “Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education” award presentation.
- The annual “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.
Learn more and register today.
