The 16th annual Forward Festival, running Aug. 18–22 in Madison, will feature more than 60 events across approximately 25 venues — the most in the festival’s history. Among the highlights is the 12th annual Pressure Chamber, taking place Aug. 19 at The Sylvee. Presented by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, Pressure Chamber gives emerging … Forward Festival returns; Pressure Chamber finalists announced
The FOR-M startup incubator has now awarded more than half a million dollars to Wisconsin startup founders. To assess the outcomes of this milestone, MKEStartup.News conducted an analysis of recipient companies. Launched in 2019 and now operated by the MKE Tech Hub Coalition, the FOR-M program, co-founded by Joe Poeschl and Maggie Fernandes, provides structure, … Beyond the grants: early data from FOR-M program
For the 99% of startups that never land a venture capital deal, finding that first $5,000, or $15,000, can be a major roadblock. Kiva Wisconsin is working to change that. As part of an international nonprofit platform, Kiva Wisconsin offers 0% interest, fee-free loans ranging from $1,000 to $15,000. These crowdfunded loans are designed for … Bootstrapping? Kiva Wisconsin can help
According to PitchBook, Wisconsin startups raised at least $50.67 million in disclosed startup funding in June. Milwaukee-based Neostella raised $10.7 million to support its continued growth. Founded in 2019 by CEO Matthew Lautz, the international enterprise software company offers a range of products, including legal software suites, business intelligence and analytics tools, and robotic process … Wisconsin VC funding for June 2025
Milwaukee-based legal tech startup Law LM is building a tool to help litigators make better use of their evidence. Founded in late 2024 by trial attorney Michael D. Aiken, MSOE professor Derek Riley, and a third silent partner, Law LM is focused on one thing: helping lawyers securely analyze testimonial evidence using large language model … FOR-M alum Law LM builds legal AI platform
When BreezyFile was named a finalist in the 2025 Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest, it caught the attention of startup watchers statewide. The Rhinelander-based company was co-founded by CEO Matt Campbell, a Milwaukee native and Marquette University graduate. The company’s people-first approach to growth has statewide implications for how startups can scale sustainably while staying … BreezyFile builds a better tax platform and a better workplace
Fortune Favors is having a breakout year. Celebrated for its addictive candied pecans, the company, founded in 2018, recently landed its biggest retail partnership yet, securing shelf space in more than 1,400 Publix supermarkets across the southeastern U.S. The rapid expansion has prompted a second production shift at its Cottage Grove facility, where every batch … Fortune Favors scales with national deal
When Jeremy Schulz noticed his rescue dog George slowing down, he didn’t just worry—he got to work. With no background in veterinary science but a deep commitment to his pet’s wellbeing, Schulz began researching the ingredients in the pet supplements he was selling through his Amazon wholesaling business. What he discovered surprised him: many products … Balanced Breed finds success with science-backed pet supplements
In the United States, an estimated 6.5 million people, or about 1 in 38 adults, are affected by chronic wounds. Analysts have determined the cost to treat these patients may be as high as $96.8 billion annually. Left untreated, these wounds can lead to serious infections, amputation, and even death. Milwaukee-based startup Auxillium Health aims … Auxillium Health tackles chronic wounds with AI
In our digital age dominated by automation and isolation, Wisconsin-based startup The Grand is offering something radically human: connection. The company is a coaching and community platform designed to help people navigate major life and work transitions through structured reflection, peer support, and executive coaching. Co-founded in 2019 by Anita Hossain and Rei Wang, The … The Grand builds community & combats isolation