Wisconsin Startup Coalition
Press Release

Wisconsin Startup Coalition to advance the State’s Innovation Ecosystem

 

By - Nov 12th, 2020 10:19 am

Madison, WI — Startup founders and investors from around the State have united to form the Wisconsin Startup Coalition, an advocacy voice for Wisconsin’s startup founders. The first advocacy organization dedicated solely to advocating for the startup founder, WSC’s vision is to double the number of first-fundings of early stage high-growth ventures in the state over the next five years by advocating for policies that support the growth of the innovation ecosystem. WIsconsin has historically lagged behind other Midwestern states such as Minnesota and Ohio in terms of venture capital and startup activity.

The Wisconsin Startup Coalition will focus on the following goals:

  • Incentivizing increased investment in early stage startup companies in Wisconsin
  • Simplifying the tech transfer from universities to commercial enterprises
  • Focus on attracting and upskilling tech talent
  • Building a deep talent pipeline starting in the K12 environment

“Fostering an environment that enables entrepreneurs to start and scale new ventures is critical” said Erin Clausen, Investment Manager at Irontek Beloit and a Coalition board member “The Wisconsin Startup Coalition will advocate for policies that will create new jobs in Wisconsin and continue to move the state’s economy forward.”

The board of directors includes startup founders such as Kyle Weatherly, Co-founder & CEO of Frontdesk, Taralinda Willis, Co-founder & CEO of Curate, Amanda DoAmaral, Founder & CEO of Fiveable and Lydia Zeller CEO of Kiio. As well as startup investors including Raisa Koltun, Managing Director at CSA Partners, Erin Clausen, Investment Manager at Hendricks Commercial Properties and Troy Vosseller, Co-founder of gener8tor.

The organization was co-founded and led by Peter Welch and Matt Cordio who will serve as Co-Executive Directors.  Godfrey & Kahn has provided special support to the organization as a Founding Partner.  Other early members include Midwest Perks, The Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition, and Fine Point Consulting.

Go to www.wistartup.org

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

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