Milwaukee-based sum hydration claimed the top spot at the Startup World Cup’s Sheboygan regional pitch competition, earning the chance to compete on a global stage in San Francisco this fall. Founder Tyler Hurd said the opportunity came together quickly. A corporate contact suggested the company apply just days before the deadline, and the startup decided … sum hydration wins Startup World Cup regional in Sheboygan
When disaster strikes a home, the path from insurance claim to completed repair can be stressful and confusing. Grafton now has a growing insurtech business helping to ease that process. Co-founded by Christie Downs and Kathryn Wood, handdii is a women-founded and led company that connects homeowners, insurers, and local contractors through a curated platform … handdii expands contractor network in Wisconsin
Sheboygan native Tyler Heilberger stepped onto the Startup World Cup regional stage earlier this month to introduce the audience to Go With Rosie, his newly launched family travel platform designed to make vacations easier, more enjoyable, and more accessible for parents and kids. The audience responded by awarding him the People’s Choice award at the … Go With Rosie wins people’s choice at Startup World Cup regional pitch
When Nate St. Pierre saw how artificial intelligence was transforming his work as a marketing consultant, he realized something bigger was happening. “AI was eating my job alive,” he said. Instead of resisting the shift, he embraced it, founding YouBots.ai in early 2025 with CTO Peter Kaminski. The Milwaukee-based startup builds AI tools that help … YouBots.ai builds AI tools that help small businesses thrive
Jesus Gonzalez knows the challenges of planning events from both sides of the table. As the cofounder of Zócalo Food Truck Park, he’s fielded countless calls from hosts scrambling to book food vendors, musicians, or other services. He’s also seen small businesses miss out on opportunities because they didn’t respond to inquiries quickly enough. That … Eventini app connects event planners with vendors
Bradley Will already built a successful career running a Milwaukee-based marketing firm when a personal passion began tugging him in a new direction. A lifelong dog lover, Will decided to channel his entrepreneurial skills into a mission-driven venture: creating a sustainable business that could one day fund a Wisconsin dog sanctuary. That vision became Mumbies, … Mumbies founder turns passion for dogs into growing business
The Ignite Startup Accelerator at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is welcoming a new leader this fall: Bryce Nelson, a chemist, entrepreneur, and corporate executive with deep ties to Wisconsin’s innovation ecosystem. With experience ranging from founding a biotech company to leading material science at Sigma-Aldrich, Nelson brings a blend of academic rigor, startup savvy, and … Meet Bryce Nelson of UWM’s Ignite Startup Accelerator
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has launched Ignite Wisconsin, a new grant program aimed at boosting startup density and entrepreneurial collaboration across the state. The initiative is designed to support consortia of partners that include entrepreneur support organizations, higher education institutions, investors, industry leaders, and community organizations. The goal is to create stronger, founder-focused ecosystems … WEDC launches Ignite Wisconsin to strengthen startup ecosystems
Marquette University’s College of Business has a new champion for student entrepreneurs. John Wright, recently named the Coleman Chair and Assistant Professor of Practice – Entrepreneurship, is stepping into a role designed to expand opportunities for students across campus. Expanding student opportunities This fall, Wright will oversee the Marquette University Invitational Business Model Pitch Competition, … Marquette’s new Coleman chair brings fresh energy to entrepreneurship program
According to PitchBook, Wisconsin startups raised at least $7.3 million in disclosed startup funding in July. The month’s biggest deal went to Milwaukee newcomer Hypernatural AI, an AI video creation platform led by Silicon Valley veterans Rebecca Kossnick and Taylor Hughes. The company raised $6.8 million in seed funding in a round led by AIX … Wisconsin VC funding for July 2025