Startup Wisconsin Podcast

“If nobody else is going to do this, I'm gonna jump in with both feet and I'm gonna make it happen.” In this episode, I sit down with Justin Byers, founder and CEO of Axio BioPharma, to explore how his company is solving one of biotech's most overlooked bottlenecks: the broken flow of data between early-stage research and large-scale manufacturing. Through AI-powered data pipelines, Axio is helping get life-saving therapies to patients faster and more reliably. Justin traces his path from bench scientist to biotech founder, sharing hard-won lessons from building a company in one of the most regulated industries in the world. He also makes the case for why high-throughput domestic drug manufacturing is more than a business opportunity. It's a national priority. We also dig into Midwest BioCapital, Justin's pre-seed and seed-stage fund backing the next generation of Midwest biotech startups, and why the partnerships you choose in those earliest stages can make or break everything that follows. Tune in to learn: How Axio BioPharma is using AI to streamline drug development and reduce risk The challenges of building a biotech company in the U.S. and the role of data pipelines How Midwest BioCapital aims to fill the early-stage funding gap for Midwest startups Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introduction (01:17) Justin’s background in biochemistry and molecular biology (02:51) The creation of Axio BioPharma (05:00) The challenges of drug manufacturing and data management (07:22) Why AI is crucial in the drug development process (10:05) The role of Midwest BioCapital in supporting early-stage biotech companies (12:37) Building data pipelines for the pharmaceutical industry (15:45) The importance of partnerships in the biotech startup world (19:15) How Madison’s ecosystem supports biotech innovation (22:30) The balance of growth and focus in a biotech startup (25:50) What’s next for Axio BioPharma and Midwest BioCapital Connect with Justin Byers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-byers-03760931/ Check out Axio BioPharma: https://www.axiobiopharma.com/ Podcast SponsorValency FundFlexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/🔻 Connect With Us 🔻Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletterhttps://www.startupwi.org/Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)https://www.startupwi.org/eventsFollow us on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/Connect with Jacob Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbearInterested in being a guest? Reach [email protected] Wisconsin's mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin's startup ecosystem thrive.This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.https://www.headway.io

“Every entrepreneur in Wisconsin has a place in this community.” In this episode, I chat with Angela Damiani, CEO and Co-founder of NEWaukee, a brand engagement agency that has been making waves with its innovative activations, events, and community-building efforts. Angela shares the story of how NEWaukee, initially a social club for entrepreneurs, evolved into a thriving agency and a leader in fostering Wisconsin’s startup culture. She discusses the creation of the Midwest Founders Community (MFC), a decentralized network connecting founders across the region, and the inspiring work of elevating the Wisconsin tech scene through collaboration and mutual support. From building a brand experience agency to leading an influential community of founders, Angela reflects on the importance of connection, mentorship, and a culture of belonging. She also shares the challenges of balancing multiple businesses and how she's helping others navigate the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial journey. Tune in to learn • How the Midwest Founders Community connects founders to capital, customers, and fellow entrepreneurs • The role of brand activations in building meaningful relationships within a community • Insights into the challenges of Wisconsin’s startup ecosystem and why it's crucial to foster risk-taking and innovation through community support Jump into the conversation (00:00) Introduction (03:50) NEWaukee’s social club origins (04:49) Discovering revenue models (07:22) Night market's staying power (13:15) Proudest project expansions (15:28) The social architecture concept (20:21) Belonging through warm invitations (25:17) Midwest founders community building (26:17) Finding the right founder crowd (28:22) Growing beyond NEWaukee’s boundaries (29:55) Real-time founder support calls (31:07) Funding and sponsorship challenges (33:54) Safe spaces for founders' doubts (42:14) Milwaukee's startup ecosystem pulse (44:30) Risk, capital, and customer sandboxes (47:30) Vision for a founder fund Connect with Angela Damiani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeladamiani/ Check out NEWaukee: https://www.newaukee.com/ Podcast SponsorValency FundFlexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/🔻 Connect With Us 🔻Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletterhttps://www.startupwi.org/Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)https://www.startupwi.org/eventsFollow us on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/Connect with Jacob Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbearInterested in being a guest? Reach [email protected] Wisconsin's mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin's startup ecosystem thrive.This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.https://www.headway.io

“There’s no reason every small business in Wisconsin shouldn’t use this.” In this episode, I chat with Russell From, President and Co-Founder of WayFi Wireless, a company revolutionizing connectivity for businesses and nonprofits across Wisconsin and the world. He shares the inspiring journey of how WayFi Wireless uses cutting-edge technology to fix cellular dead zones by leveraging wifi, without the hefty costs traditionally associated with infrastructure. From working at Verizon to tech founder, Russell discusses WayFi Wireless' 10,000+ global deployments powered by PassPoint technology, bridging the digital divide by offering free connectivity to users that’s funded entirely by carriers. He also  shares their recent "Best Open Roaming Deployment" award, their work with the Coverage Across America Program in Wisconsin, and the hard-earned lessons he’s gathered while building a startup from the ground up. Tune in to learn: How cell phone carriers pay for Wi-Fi to reduce churn and enhance customer experience How Passpoint/Hotspot 2.0 ensures seamless, secure connections without popups or apps What it takes to go from MVP to scale through partner strategy, support, and distribution Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (00:36) Meet Russ of WayFi Wireless (02:03) From Verizon engineer to founder (06:38) Why Passpoint and open roaming took off (12:40) Pivoting to Wi-Fi and scaling to 1,200 locations (22:22) The business of Wi-Fi monetization (28:41) How blockchain speeds up carrier payments (35:57) Lessons from corporate to startup life  (42:05) The transition from funding to self-sustaining growth (46:08) Big wins and international expansion Connect Connect with Russell From: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russfr/ Check out WayFi Wireless: https://wayfiwireless.com/ Follow Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/ Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletter: https://www.startupwi.org Check out Headway: https://www.headway.io Connect with Jacob Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbear Podcast SponsorValency FundFlexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/🔻 Connect With Us 🔻Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletterhttps://www.startupwi.org/Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)https://www.startupwi.org/eventsFollow us on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/Connect with Jacob Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbearInterested in being a guest? Reach [email protected] Wisconsin's mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin's startup ecosystem thrive.This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.https://www.headway.io

Podcast Sponsor The Startup Wisconsin Podcast is presented by Valency Fund. Episode Notes “It shouldn’t be this hard to do good in this world.” In this episode, I sit down with Jillian Bichanich, a Wisconsin-born founder and builder, to discuss how she is growing two mission-driven startups at the same time. Jillian shares her journey as the co-founder of Cubbi, an app designed to support families navigating disabilities, and as the founder of Pocketchange, a platform dedicated to helping consumers shop based on their values.  Jillian explains why following what feels alive has guided her entrepreneurial path and how facing rejection and chaos shaped her drive. We explore the unique partnership she shares with her co-founder and her experience of bootstrapping both companies. Jillian also reflects on the importance of aligning business with personal values, and her vision for revolutionizing industries with purpose-driven ventures. Tune in to learn: Why building two startups at once can fuel growth and creativity How following what feels alive can guide founders through chaos and uncertainty Why aligning your business with your personal values creates lasting impact Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introduction (00:33) Meet Jillian Bichanich of Cubbi and Pocketchange (01:40) Cubbi’s mission to support families (06:42) How Cubbi transitioned to sponsor funding (09:38) Jillian's path to founding Cubbi and Pocketchange (12:16) Building a strong co-founder partnership (15:42) How Jillian balances two startups (19:24) Why ego-free collaboration is essential for success (22:46) Building a values-driven shopping app (25:37) From branding to MVP the hard way (28:03) Why Madison is ideal for entrepreneurs (37:28) Cubbi’s new "pay what you can" model Connect with the Guest Connect with Jillian Bichanich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianphyllis/ Check out Cubbi: https://www.cubbiapp.com/ Check out Pocketchange: https://pocketchangethe.world/ Podcast SponsorValency FundFlexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/🔻 Connect With Us 🔻Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletterhttps://www.startupwi.org/Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)https://www.startupwi.org/eventsFollow us on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/Connect with Jacob Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbearInterested in being a guest? Reach [email protected] Wisconsin's mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin's startup ecosystem thrive.This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.https://www.headway.io

In this episode, I sit down with Michael Ceely, a high-performance coach for executives, entrepreneurs, and athletes, to talk about why founders get stuck in fear, anxiety spirals, and self-sabotage. He brings a rare perspective to the founder mindset because he knows when someone needs coaching and when they actually need therapy.Michael reframes imposter syndrome as a normal response to new situations, explains why anxiety is often an action signal rather than a problem, and shares how getting the focus off yourself and onto your customer can quiet a lot of the noise. We also talk about Madison’s startup ecosystem, what he learned from StartingBlock’s Level Set program, and his ambitious goal to scale into a $10M/year business.Tune in to learn:Why imposter syndrome is a normal insecurity and what to do with itWhy anxiety is often an “action signal,” and the simple habit that breaks the spiralHow the 80% rule + real delegation help founders regain momentum Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(00:37) Meet Michael Ceely(01:41) A Wisconsin story of becoming a coach(05:04) How Michael balances psychotherapy and coaching work(10:39) Why coaching’s lack of regulation matters(18:13) Common patterns founders struggle with(27:24) Where does anxiety come from(29:43) The 80% rule for decision making(31:58) How self-sabotage shows up(33:28) Madison’s impact on founder mindset(36:14) Inside Madison’s StartingBlock experience(38:48) What makes Madison a good place to build(44:10) Why accountability beats another workshop(48:21) Scaling with intention, not shortcuts Connect with Michael Ceely: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ceely/Follow Michael Ceely on Instagram: http://instagram.com/michael_ceely/Check out Michael Ceely’s official website: https://www.michaelceely.com/ Podcast SponsorValency FundFlexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/🔻 Connect With Us 🔻Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletterhttps://www.startupwi.org/Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)https://www.startupwi.org/eventsFollow us on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/Connect with Jacob Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbearInterested in being a guest? Reach [email protected] Wisconsin's mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin's startup ecosystem thrive.This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.https://www.headway.io

"Everyone's recovering from something."Millions struggle to find the treatment they need, often unsure where to begin.That’s where Ben Camp, CEO and co-founder of Recovery.com, comes in.Ben is leading a revolution in how people access addiction and mental health care, making it easier and more trustworthy than ever before.In this episode, Ben discusses how Recovery.com built a patient-first platform in an industry where trust is paramount, scaled it using unconventional strategies, and successfully navigated a major brand pivot. From his marketing background to testing their model in India and raising Series B funding, Ben’s journey is one of overcoming significant challenges with a bold, patient-centered approach.Tune in to hear how Recovery.com is reshaping the mental health recovery landscape and what’s next in the fight for better care.Tune in to learn:How testing the company’s platform in India before the U.S. helped fine-tune their freemium modelWhat it looks like to balance mission and business incentives without compromising patient trustWhy buying the Recovery.com domain became a turning pointJump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(00:38) Meet Ben Camp of Recovery.com(01:50) How Recovery.com got started(06:09) A freemium model that converts(08:33) Fundraising lessons from their first investor(11:48) How to scale with purpose(15:37) Why Recovery.com was a game changer(21:16) The early days of hiring and growing the team(25:56) When to step back and let the team lead(29:24) The strategy behind acquisitions and funding choices(37:03) What growth looks like in the year ahead Connect with Ben Camp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamincamp/Check out Recovery.com: https://www.recovery.com Podcast SponsorValency FundFlexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/🔻 Connect With Us 🔻Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletterhttps://www.startupwi.org/Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)https://www.startupwi.org/eventsFollow us on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/Connect with Jacob Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbearInterested in being a guest? Reach [email protected] Wisconsin's mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin's startup ecosystem thrive.This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.https://www.headway.io

University research is generating breakthrough ideas, but who's turning them into companies? Jessica Silvaggi of the UW Milwaukee Research Foundation explains why inventors become entrepreneurs by default and what Wisconsin's ecosystem is missing.Key Topics→ How the UW Milwaukee Research Foundation commercializes university research→ The Catalyst Grant: $6.27M deployed, $49M in follow-on funding ($7.80 per dollar)→ Why inventors typically become founders when no one else steps up→ Wisconsin's conservative investor culture and the wait-for-traction problem→ Building stronger founding teams and the case for fractional executives→ Panther Partnering: the "easy button" for industry research partnerships→ Featured startupsSegments00:00 Intro01:45 What the UW Milwaukee Research Foundation does04:30 Types of inventions coming from the university (54% engineering)07:15 Reaching students and faculty who don't realize they have inventions09:45 The Catalyst Grant: 18 years of seed funding results13:20 Bridge Grant and Panther Partnering programs17:00 Express licensing for university startups18:45 The upcoming Panther Leap philanthropic venture fund21:30 Jessica's journey from Harvard PhD to tech transfer26:00 Why inventors become entrepreneurs by default29:15 Connecting external entrepreneurs with university tech32:40 Working with corporate innovation teams35:20 What would make the biggest impact with unlimited resources39:00 Startup highlights43:30 Milwaukee's evolving startup ecosystem46:15 Gaps that still need attention49:00 Building stronger founding teams52:30 The case for fractional executives55:00 Latest research going to market58:30 How to connect with the Research Foundation Resources & Links MentionedUW Milwaukee Research FoundationLubar Entrepreneurship Center at UWMCatalyst Grant ProgramBridge Grant ProgramPanther Partnering ProgramPanthers Connect Platform / Pounce NetworkWisconsin Tech Council‍I-Corps Program Connect with Jessica SilvaggiJessica Silvaggi on LinkedIn Podcast SponsorValency FundFlexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/🔻 Connect With Us 🔻Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletterhttps://www.startupwi.org/Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)https://www.startupwi.org/eventsFollow us on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/Connect with Jacob Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbearInterested in being a guest? Reach [email protected] Wisconsin's mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin's startup ecosystem thrive.This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.https://www.headway.io

Not every good business needs venture capital. Laura Strong of Valency Fund breaks down funding alternatives for Wisconsin startups in tech, manufacturing, and agribusiness.Key Topics→ Alternative financing: revenue-based financing, redeemable equity, structured exits→ Why not every good business fits the venture capital model→ The math behind VC fund expectations (10x returns in 3-5 years)→ Wisconsin's extended exit timelines and what it means for founders→ How to match your capital type to your business model→ Madison startup ecosystem dynamicsSegments00:00 Intro02:12 Laura's journey from chemistry PhD to fund manager04:45 Moving from biotech to health tech career06:16 Why scientists rarely get into entrepreneurship07:43 Why her investors would back her again after failure09:21 The moment she realized Wisconsin needed different funding11:03 2017 research on Wisconsin exits12:17 How venture fund math actually works13:49 Valency Fund's multiple financing models explained15:42 Advice for founders without revenue yet18:31 Best fit companies for Valency19:55 Most misunderstood aspect of raising funding20:23 "Success is sale of the company. Hard stop."22:03 Do exited founders become angel investors?23:49 Ad break24:50 Challenges Wisconsin founders face raising capital27:52 The "not enough ideas vs not enough capital" debate31:06 Wisconsin's lead investor problem33:38 What founders should consider before taking capital35:09 Wisconsin's 15-year investment lifecycle35:59 What else could change the funding landscape37:22 Madison's startup ecosystem strengths39:11 Individuals as the real ecosystem catalysts40:39 Opportunities in manufacturing and agribusiness43:39 Teaching at UW Madison's biotechnology program44:36 Entrepreneurship lessons: "Nobody will pay you to solve that"47:42 Future of innovation at UW Madison48:43 UW Madison's new entrepreneurship initiative50:18 What's next for Valency Fund51:27 How to connect with ValencyResources & Links MentionedValency FundUW Madison Master's in Biotechnology ProgramForward FestivalConnect with Laura StrongLaura Strong on LinkedIn Podcast SponsorValency FundFlexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/🔻 Connect With Us 🔻Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletterhttps://www.startupwi.org/Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)https://www.startupwi.org/eventsFollow us on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/Connect with Jacob Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbearInterested in being a guest? Reach [email protected] Wisconsin's mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin's startup ecosystem thrive.This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.https://www.headway.io

Shantanu Singh didn't follow a straight path to becoming a founder. Cell biology researcher → prosecutor → AI startup co-founder. But every "dot" he dropped along the way prepared him for this moment. When ChatGPT launched, it felt like discovering fire.In this episode of the Startup Wisconsin Podcast, Shantanu breaks down what makes Obviate.ai different from typical AI wrappers, why most AI products are automated rather than truly autonomous, and how Milwaukee's small but mighty AI founder community creates disproportionate impact.Episode TopicsThe founding story of Obviate.aiHow autonomous AI agents differ from traditional Gen AIPatent-pending legal reasoning technologyThe "Guided Autonomy™" approach to contract managementChallenges of building AI for the legal industryEnterprise security and data privacy in legal techThe future of AI in contract negotiationLessons for founders building specialized AI toolsSegments00:00 Introduction01:33 Meet Shantanu Singh & Obviate AI02:45 From Cell Biology to Law to AI Founder05:24 "Discovering Fire" - The ChatGPT Moment08:03 The "Dropping Dots" Philosophy12:34 How Obviate Works - Beyond AI Wrappers18:41 Automated vs. Autonomous AI Explained24:38 Building Trust & Going to Market29:35 Co-Founder Dynamics & "Move Fast and Break Things"36:35 Wisconsin's Ecosystem Growing Pains46:04 Margin of Safety vs. Margin of Error49:58 Milwaukee's AI Founder Community55:20 The 3-Day Prototype Challenge01:03:06 What's Next for Obviate AIConnect with ShantanuShantanu on LinkedInAbout Obviate.aiObviate.ai WebsiteContract negotiation platform powered by autonomous AI agentsProvides detailed contract review, risk analysis, and precise redliningInspiration MentionedVoyager Paper - Minecraft + Nvidia research on autonomous AI agents Podcast SponsorValency FundFlexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/🔻 Connect With Us 🔻Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletterhttps://www.startupwi.org/Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)https://www.startupwi.org/eventsFollow us on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/Connect with Jacob Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbearInterested in being a guest? Reach [email protected] Wisconsin's mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin's startup ecosystem thrive.This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.https://www.headway.io

Key Topics Covered→ The housing crisis facing healthcare travelers and medical students→ Midterm rental market opportunities and challenges→ Balancing medical residency with startup entrepreneurship→ Building partnerships with Madison real estate companies→ Creating startup communities within healthcare systems→ Property vetting and quality control processes→ The unique advantages healthcare professionals have as entrepreneursSegments00:00 - Introduction and launch day excitement02:20 - Why Christina never expected to be a founder03:17 - Residency housing story05:11 - Why hospitals don't solve housing for travelers07:37 - How Reliable Residence works vs Airbnb/Zillow11:49 - Balancing medical residency with startup building12:53 - Sponsor break (Headway.io)14:24 - Walking into Terrence Wall's office unannounced16:22 - Madison startup ecosystem support and mentors18:34 - Building healthcare entrepreneurship community21:12 - What's next for Reliable Residence22:18 - Advice for healthcare professionals considering startups24:33 - Finding technical co-founders and resourcesResources MentionedReliable ResidenceChristina Henderson on LinkedInMerlin MentorsBioForwardAbout ChristinaChristina Henderson, D.O., is an anesthesiology resident at UW Health who earned her medical degree from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Parker, Colorado. Born and raised in Broomfield, CO, she has always embraced the outdoors and brings that same energy and focus to patient care & entrepreneurship. Outside the hospital, she’s an avid biker, skier, hiker, and angler. Podcast SponsorValency FundFlexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/🔻 Connect With Us 🔻Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletterhttps://www.startupwi.org/Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)https://www.startupwi.org/eventsFollow us on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/Connect with Jacob Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbearInterested in being a guest? Reach [email protected] Wisconsin's mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin's startup ecosystem thrive.This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.https://www.headway.io

SmartCert tackles the complex world of manufacturing documentation - every bolt that goes into an airplane needs a complete "birth certificate" proving its origins, manufacturing process, and compliance standards. For decades, this critical process has been manual and paper-based, creating bottlenecks and errors throughout supply chains from small manufacturers to Boeing and Airbus.🔻 Key Topics Covered→ Digitizing decades-old manufacturing documentation processes→ Building a network of 3,000+ companies across supply chains→ The strategic decision to relocate from Phoenix to Wisconsin→ Change management when transforming traditional industries→ AI integration in document processing and compliance checking→ TitletownTech partnership and Green Bay's manufacturing ecosystem→ Scaling from individual companies to enterprise supply chain solutions🔻 Segments00:00 - Introduction00:22 - SmartCert's Mission: From Paper Chaos to Digital Efficiency02:56 - Multi-Departmental Workflows and Implementation Challenges07:30 - Origin Story: Living the Problem in Sales10:00 - Building the Right Team and Finding Talent12:52 - Phoenix to Green Bay: The Reverse Migration Story15:54 - Work-Life Balance and Midwest Advantages19:49 - Titletown Tech Partnership and Ecosystem Support24:23 - Manufacturing Proximity and Customer Relationships28:23 - AI Implementation and Industry Education33:16 - Customer Success Stories and Paper Savings36:45 - The Future: Enterprise Adoption and Supply Chain Transformation38:00 - Advice for Founders Considering Smaller Tech Hubs🔻 About Lonni KiefferAs Co-Founder and COO of Aramid Technologies, Lonni is focused on transforming traceability, documentation, and collaboration for every company across critical supply chains. She leads operations and the customer experience, ensuring that SmartCert — the company’s flagship platform — delivers measurable value and solves real-world challenges. With expertise spanning data analytics, onboarding, support, and strategic growth, Lonni is committed to building seamless, scalable solutions that help businesses thrive in a complex and competitive landscape.🔻 Connect with Lonni on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lonni-kieffer/🔻 About SmartCertSmartCert is a SaaS platform that digitizes and automates supply chain documentation for manufacturing industries. The company creates networks that eliminate bottlenecks, reduce errors, and automate critical compliance processes for aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing companies.https://smartcert.tech/🔻 Resources MentionedTitletown Techhttps://titletowntech.com/Microsoft Co-Innovation Labhttps://news.microsoft.com/2023/11/15/microsoft-announces-new-co-innovation-lab-in-milwaukee/Wisconsin Economic Summithttps://www.wedc.org/programs-and-resources/business-development/wisconsin-economic-summit/ Podcast SponsorValency FundFlexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/🔻 Connect With Us 🔻Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletterhttps://www.startupwi.org/Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)https://www.startupwi.org/eventsFollow us on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/Connect with Jacob Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbearInterested in being a guest? Reach [email protected] Wisconsin's mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin's startup ecosystem thrive.This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.https://www.headway.io

Nick Myers recently sold his Madison-based AI startup RedFox AI to recovery.com, where he now serves as Director of AI Innovation. In this episode, Nick shares the complete journey from founding his healthcare AI company to successfully exiting after five years.RedFox AI tackled one of the most critical challenges in artificial intelligence: preventing hallucinations when AI systems guide patients through medical processes. Nick's personal experience as a childhood leukemia survivor drove his mission to make healthcare more accessible through conversational AI that could walk people through home lab tests and medical devices.Key Topics Covered→ Building AI systems that don't hallucinate in healthcare settings→ The technical architecture of constrained RAG systems→ Navigating accessibility challenges for elderly and first-time tech users→ How proximity and relationships drive startup success in Wisconsin→ The acquisition process and knowing when to "get out of your own way"→ AI's potential impact on the labor market and policy implications→ Resources for Wisconsin startup founders and mentorship programsSegments00:00 - Introduction00:27 - The RedFox AI Story: Making Healthcare Accessible02:25 - Technical Deep Dive: Preventing AI Hallucinations06:08 - Building for Accessibility: Elderly Users and Language Barriers09:02 - The Exit Strategy: Building to Be Acquired12:28 - How Proximity Led to Acquisition at StartingBlock19:12 - Wisconsin Startup Ecosystem and Networking Advice28:28 - Mentorship Resources and Programs in Wisconsin32:26 - Life After Exit: Director of AI Innovation Role39:14 - The Future of Work: AI's Impact on JobsAbout Nick Myers:Nick Myers is the Director of AI Innovation at recovery.com and former cofounder/CEO of RedFox AI. He's been working in conversational AI since 2016 and has spoken globally about AI technology and policy. Nick is also an advocate for AI regulation and has worked with lawmakers on Wisconsin startup funding initiatives.Connect with Nick on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-myers-0794/About Recovery.com:Recovery.com (formerly Rehab Path) is a behavioral health platform that connects patients with treatment resources. The company helps hundreds of thousands of people find addiction and mental health treatment options.https://recovery.com/Resources MentionedStartingBlock Madison: https://www.startingblockmadison.org/Merlin Mentors Program: https://merlinmentors.org/Wisconsin Technology Council: https://wisconsintechnologycouncil.com/UW Small Business Development Clinic: https://business.wisconsin.edu/initiatives/small-business-clinics/Law and Entrepreneurship Clinic: https://law.wisc.edu/uwle/ Podcast SponsorValency FundFlexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/🔻 Connect With Us 🔻Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletterhttps://www.startupwi.org/Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)https://www.startupwi.org/eventsFollow us on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/Connect with Jacob Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbearInterested in being a guest? Reach [email protected] Wisconsin's mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin's startup ecosystem thrive.This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.https://www.headway.io

In this episode, we explore:→ How evolution guides modern drug discovery→ Why ground squirrels are going to space with NASA→ The surprising advantages of doing biotech in Wisconsin→ Building academic-industry partnerships outside major hubs→ Creating scientific community in the Fox ValleyWhat is Fauna Bio?Fauna Bio leverages millions of years of evolution by studying animals that naturally avoid diseases humans struggle with—from cancer-resistant elephants to hibernating ground squirrels that survive without eating for six months.Connect with BenLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-sajdak/Fauna Biohttps://www.faunabio.com/Fox Valley Science Societyhttps://www.tardigradesbookshelf.com/fv-science-societySegments00:00 - Intro00:40 - What Fauna Bio Does: Using Evolution to Fight Disease02:03 - Ben's Journey from Construction Worker to Biotech03:08 - Why Study Disease-Resistant Animals vs Disease Models04:16 - The Ground Squirrel Colony at UW-Oshkosh05:35 - Hibernation Biology: From 300 to 3 Heartbeats Per Minute07:02 - Academic-Industry Partnership Model08:23 - NASA Space Mission: Sending Squirrels to Space10:07 - Machine Learning and the "Convergence" Platform13:04 - Sponsor Break (Headway)14:10 - Spiny Mouse Research: Regeneration and Scar Prevention16:44 - Wisconsin's Underrated Biotech Potential18:11 - Breaking Down University Research Silos19:57 - Community Building and Networking Challenges23:14 - Showcasing Hidden University Research Podcast SponsorValency FundFlexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/🔻 Connect With Us 🔻Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletterhttps://www.startupwi.org/Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)https://www.startupwi.org/eventsFollow us on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/Connect with Jacob Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbearInterested in being a guest? Reach [email protected] Wisconsin's mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin's startup ecosystem thrive.This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.https://www.headway.io

We chat with Casey Cammilleri, CEO and founder of Sprocket Security, a Madison-based cybersecurity company that's revolutionizing how businesses approach penetration testing. Casey started as a solo penetration tester - essentially getting paid to legally hack into companies to find vulnerabilities - but realized he could help more organizations by building software to scale that expertise.What makes Sprocket Security different is their continuous approach. Instead of testing once a year like traditional security firms, they monitor organizations continuously, testing whenever there are changes or new threats emerge, so companies always know what their risks are.We explore Casey's journey from individual consultant to leading a team of cybersecurity experts, his approach to building company culture with both local and remote employees, and his thoughts on growing a tech business in Madison versus coastal markets. You'll also hear his practical advice for founders about when to focus on building versus pitching, and insights for anyone interested in getting started in cybersecurity.Segments00:00 - Intro01:32 - What Sprocket Security Does: Continuous Penetration Testing02:57 - Casey's Background as a Penetration Tester04:44 - Building Software to Scale Security Testing06:03 - Early Go-to-Market Strategy and Local Network07:14 - Early Challenges of Scaling from Solo to Team08:26 - Learning Leadership and Using Mentorship11:51 - Hiring Strategy: Local vs Remote Talent13:42 - Building Company Culture Across Distributed Teams15:04 - Sponsor Break (Headway)16:46 - How the Vision Has Evolved Over 8 Years20:04 - Running MadSec: Madison Security Community21:06 - Getting Started in Cybersecurity Career Path23:04 - Advice for Breaking Into Cybersecurity24:36 - Hardware Security vs Software Security Focus25:49 - What Casey Loves About Building in Madison26:53 - What Wisconsin's Tech Scene Needs More Of28:23 - Pitch Contests and Capital: Casey's Perspective32:43 - Build First, Then Sell: Casey's Bootstrap Philosophy34:57 - Balancing Innovation with Customer CommitmentsKey Topics Covered→ Building continuous penetration testing from the ground up→ Scaling expertise through software and automation→ Early challenges of hiring and building company culture→ Local vs. remote hiring strategies for specialized talent→ Growing a tech business in Madison's startup ecosystem→ When to bootstrap vs. seek investment funding→ Getting started in cybersecurity and penetration testingAbout Sprocket Security:Sprocket Security is an expert-driven offensive security platform that provides continuous penetration testing. Instead of testing just once a year, they monitor organizations continuously and test whenever there are changes that impact security or new threats emerge.Resources Mentioned:Sprocket Security:https://sprocketsecurity.comCasey Cammilleri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseycammilleri/MadSec - Madison Information Security Grouphttps://www.meetup.com/madsec/TryHackMe - Cybersecurity challenges and traininghttps://tryhackme.com/ Podcast SponsorValency FundFlexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/🔻 Connect With Us 🔻Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletterhttps://www.startupwi.org/Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)https://www.startupwi.org/eventsFollow us on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/Connect with Jacob Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbearInterested in being a guest? Reach [email protected] Wisconsin's mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin's startup ecosystem thrive.This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.https://www.headway.io

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Dan Fogarty, a thought leadership strategist who helps founders and executives tell their stories authentically through content that drives real business results. Dan brings a fascinating background - he started as a journalist at major outlets like USA Today and the Boston Globe, but a boxing-related concussion led him to leave traditional media and build his own business around content strategy.What makes Dan's approach different is how he brings journalistic rigor to thought leadership. He's not about generic LinkedIn posts or AI-generated content. Instead, he helps people find what's happening "in the room" - those insights and perspectives that only come from being deeply embedded in your industry and the conversations you have every day.We explore what's fundamentally broken about thought leadership today, Dan's process for helping clients discover what's actually worth talking about, and his perspective as a recent transplant to Madison's startup community. You'll also hear about his new AI tool TalkBox and his thoughts on what founders should be doing more of to tell Wisconsin's innovation story. Key Topics Covered→ Why most thought leadership content fails (and how to fix it)→ The three-circle framework for authentic content creation→ Finding your unique insights: "what's happening in the room"→ Personal brand vs. authentic storytelling→ Building TalkBox: AI tool for scaling expertise→ Moving from East Coast to Madison's startup scene→ The future of AI in creative work and content strategy 🔗 Connect with Dan FogartyDan Websitehttps://imdanfogarty.comLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/danfogarty1/ 👉 Resources MentionedStarting Block Madisonhttps://www.startingblockmadison.org/Level Set Programhttps://www.startingblockmadison.org/levelset Segments00:00 - Intro and Dan's Background01:19 - From Journalism to Content Strategy07:48 - The COVID Turning Point15:19 - What's Broken About Thought Leadership20:22 - Finding What's Worth Talking About31:34 - Sponsor Break (Headway)33:03 - Personal Brand vs Company Brand38:16 - Building TalkBox AI Tool44:28 - AI and Creative Work Philosophy48:58 - Moving to Madison Experience57:36 - Advice for Wisconsin Founders1:04:23 - Contact Information and Wrap-up Podcast SponsorValency FundFlexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/🔻 Connect With Us 🔻Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletterhttps://www.startupwi.org/Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)https://www.startupwi.org/eventsFollow us on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/Connect with Jacob Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbearInterested in being a guest? Reach [email protected] Wisconsin's mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin's startup ecosystem thrive.This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.https://www.headway.io

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Nati Solomon Fett and Colin Guest, the cofounders of Syrenn, a Madison-based AI-powered sales training platform that's revolutionizing how sales teams practice high-stakes conversations.In this episode, we explore Syrenn's unique approach to sales training - moving beyond traditional role-playing to create AI-powered scenarios that actually help sales reps improve their conversational skills. Both Nati and Colin bring strong technical backgrounds to this challenge, and their journey from multiple pivots to finding product-market fit offers valuable lessons for any entrepreneur.We dive deep into their hands-on customer discovery process, including walking into gyms and car dealerships to understand how sales training really works. You'll hear about their experience in the Madworks Accelerator Program, their thoughts on building with AI coding tools like Cursor, and what they've learned about Madison's tight-knit startup ecosystem.Key Topics Covered→ Building AI-powered sales training from the ground up→ The pivot journey: from solution seeking problem to market fit→ Real-world customer discovery strategies→ Co-founder dynamics with two technical founders→ Madworks Accelerator experience and mentorship value→ Madison startup community pros and cons→ Leveraging AI tools for faster development About SyrennSyrenn helps sales managers remove themselves as bottlenecks in training by providing AI-powered role-play scenarios for their sales reps. Resources MentionedSyrenn: https://syrenn.co/Cursor AI coding tool: https://cursor.com/enMadworks Accelerator: https://www.startingblockmadison.org/madworks-business-acceleratorStarting Block Madison: https://www.startingblockmadison.org/ Podcast SponsorValency FundFlexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/🔻 Connect With Us 🔻Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletterhttps://www.startupwi.org/Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)https://www.startupwi.org/eventsFollow us on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/Connect with Jacob Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbearInterested in being a guest? Reach [email protected] Wisconsin's mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin's startup ecosystem thrive.This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.https://www.headway.io

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Beth Ott, Director of Entrepreneurial Programming at StartingBlock in Madison, as we explore the evolution of entrepreneurship education and community building in Wisconsin.In this episodeBeth shares her unique journey from educator to entrepreneur, co-founding House on Jenny Street and teaching the innovative "Clark Tank" program. We dive deep into Starting Block's comprehensive program offerings, including their groundbreaking LEAP Year initiative - a "third option" for young adults beyond the traditional college-or-work binary.Discover how Starting Block is transforming entrepreneurship education through practical, hands-on programs like Level Set (their 6-week pre-accelerator) and Next Level (12-week accelerator), plus industry-specific accelerators with partners like American Family Insurance. Beth reveals the key "light bulb moments" founders experience and shares insights about Madison's vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.We also explore the challenges and opportunities in Wisconsin's startup landscape, the importance of community collaboration, and how the Midwest can develop solutions tailored to regional problems. Topics Covered→ Beth's transition from education to entrepreneurship→ StartingBlock's program portfolio and impact→ LEAP Year: Creating a third option for young adults→ Founder success stories and breakthrough moments→ Madison's entrepreneurial ecosystem strengths→ Building effective startup community networks→ The future of entrepreneurship education Segments00:00 - Intro01:24 - Beth's Education Background and Teaching Philosophy02:37 - From Furniture Flipping to Entrepreneurship03:56 - Clark Street Community School and Clark Tank Program08:41 - Joining Starting Block Madison10:46 - Starting Block's Program Overview14:17 - Introducing LEAP Year - The Third Option22:53 - LEAP Year Application Process and Structure27:25 - Sponsor Break28:59 - Founder Success Stories and Light Bulb Moments35:06 - Madison's Entrepreneurial Community Strengths40:26 - Startup Wisconsin's Vision and Ecosystem Challenges45:49 - Building Midwest Startup Collaboration49:47 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs51:43 - Shout Outs and Contact Information Resources MentionedStartingBlock WebsiteLeap Year ProgramEvents at StartingBlockThe Mom Test Podcast SponsorValency FundFlexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/🔻 Connect With Us 🔻Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletterhttps://www.startupwi.org/Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)https://www.startupwi.org/eventsFollow us on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/Connect with Jacob Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbearInterested in being a guest? Reach [email protected] Wisconsin's mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin's startup ecosystem thrive.This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.https://www.headway.io

Welcome to the Startup Wisconsin Podcast! Join hosts Jacob Miller and Andrew Verboncouer as they share their vision for building a thriving statewide tech startup community across Wisconsin.In this first episode:🏛️ How we're supporting founders from Green Bay to Milwaukee to Madison🎯 Our approach to year-round community building beyond just Startup Week🤝 Plans for supper clubs, mentorship programs, and meaningful networking experiences📅 What to expect from Startup Wisconsin Week 2025 (November 10-14) Featured Topics:→ Wisconsin startup ecosystem→ Tech entrepreneurship in the Midwest→ Community building for founders→ Startup networking and mentorship→ Wisconsin venture capital and funding→ Green Bay, Milwaukee, and Madison startup scenes Upcoming Guests Include:→ Founders from Siren (Madison sales simulation platform)→ Beth Ott from Starting Block Madison→ Dan Fogarty on thought leadership→ Casey Cammilleri, Sprocket Security→ Ben from Fauna Bio (space hibernation research!)→ Nick Myers, Red Fox AI exit story with Recovery.com Segments:00:00 - Intro & Welcome00:39 - Meet the Hosts04:03 - Startup Wisconsin Mission & Vision05:40 - Why We're Doing This Podcast11:08 - Types of Guests & Conversations15:29 - Sponsor Message16:56 - Government & Policy Discussions17:41 - Community Building Philosophy27:07 - Startup Wisconsin Week 202533:40 - How to Get Involved & Support34:03 - Upcoming Guest Previews37:07 - Outro & Contact Info Podcast SponsorValency FundFlexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/🔻 Connect With Us 🔻Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletterhttps://www.startupwi.org/Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)https://www.startupwi.org/eventsFollow us on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/Connect with Jacob Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbearInterested in being a guest? Reach [email protected] Wisconsin's mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin's startup ecosystem thrive.This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.https://www.headway.io