According to PitchBook, Wisconsin startups raised at least $8.9 million in disclosed funding in January. Milwaukee-based Sanacor secured an undisclosed investment from Madison-based Venture Investors. The company is on a mission to reverse diabetic cardiovascular disease—one of the leading causes of death among people with diabetes and a condition that currently has no effective treatments. … Wisconsin VC Funding for January 2025
Dusty Baker is a legend, so it is not surprising that he makes legendarily delicious wine. If you have ever enjoyed a glass of Baker Family Wines in Wisconsin, you can thank Big League Distributing LLC. Founded in 2024, Big League Distributing was launched by serial entrepreneurs Larry Hisle Jr., James H. Burnett III, and … Big League Distributing swings for success
In 2024, the U.S. funeral industry was valued at $20 billion annually, with most revenue coming from an estimated 2.4 million funerals a year. As the country’s large senior population ages, these numbers are expected to increase. Despite its profitability, the funeral industry has largely been overlooked by the disruptive innovations that have transformed other … 1Director brings funerals into the digital age
Sanacor is on a mission to reverse diabetic cardiovascular disease, tackling a condition that is one of the leading causes of death for people with diabetes—yet has no effective treatments. With roots in more than two decades of research, the Milwaukee-based startup is translating a groundbreaking scientific discovery into what could be a life-saving drug. … Sanacor at the forefront of cardiometabolic innovation
In the tech sector, global hiring is often synonymous with established hubs like India and Latin America. Wisconsin-based Truss is charting a different course. Founded in 2022, Truss is connecting U.S. and U.K. businesses with tech talent in emerging markets such as Uzbekistan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. Building a bridge from Wisconsin to the … Truss bridges global talent with Wisconsin roots
This piece is taken from PitchBook’s Unicorn Companies Tracker published February 3, 2025. PitchBook’s unicorn tracker contains all new unicorn companies formed since the beginning of 2016. What is a unicorn company? The term unicorn describes startups that are valued at more than $1 billion. PitchBook defines a unicorn more narrowly as a venture-backed company … PitchBook’s Unicorn Update
Milwaukee-based healthcare services company Novir has been quietly disrupting the healthcare industry since 2020. Launched during the early days of the pandemic with the goal of expediting COVID-19 testing, the company has since expanded its tech-enabled preventative healthcare services to offer drug screening services, lead testing and vaccines. The growing company has integrated technology and … Novir: Driving innovation in healthcare
Wisconsin’s economy is shaped by a network of nine regional economic development entities, each working to support existing businesses while attracting new enterprises and talent. For entrepreneurs and investors in scalable, high-growth startups, understanding these regions and the industries that define them can provide valuable insight into where opportunities lie. Wisconsin’s economic regions MKEStartup.News is … Wisconsin’s economic regions and key industries
Peter Smith, founder of Milwaukee-based Neon Labs, is making waves in the live events industry with his innovative product, HypeUp. Designed to elevate the attendee experience, HypeUp transforms crowds into synchronized light displays using only their smartphones—no apps or wristbands required. Inspired by popular LED wristbands seen at concerts and sporting events, Smith sought to … HypeUp makes attendees part of the show
According to PitchBook, 28 Wisconsin-based investors made a total of 99 disclosed startup investments in 2024. This calculation does not include undisclosed investments or investments made by out-of-state investors in Wisconsin startups. Below is a list of the 20 most active startup investors in Wisconsin for 2024.