Mary Hannes has assumed day-to-day leadership of Golden Angels Investors, marking a new chapter for the Brookfield-based angel investment group as it builds on more than two decades of investing in high-growth startups. Hannes now serves as Director of Golden Angels Investors, taking the helm as longtime leader Tim Keane transitions into the role of … Hannes leads Golden Angels Investors
Wisconsin’s startup ecosystem relies on a mix of local and national capital. Many in the ecosystem believe that founders must appeal to the coast to find capital. While the coasts have many more venture capital firms, Wisconsin does have active firms investing in emerging businesses. To better understand investor activity in the state, MKEStartup.News reviewed … WI Investor activity in 2025
Venture capital plays an increasingly important role in how new technologies and innovations are funded across the country. In Wisconsin, investment firm NVNG is working to help local corporations and institutions better understand and engage with that world, while also supporting the state’s startup ecosystem. NVNG, short for Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained, was founded in … NVNG helps Wisconsin connect with the venture capital economy
Beer may have made Milwaukee famous, but increasingly residents are turning to spirits when they choose to drink. Consumption of distilled spirits in Wisconsin climbed 32 percent over the past decade, mirroring a national shift toward premium and craft offerings. While vodka and rum remain perennial favorites, tequila has emerged as one of the fastest-growing … Midwest Agave bets on craft tequila
According to PitchBook, Wisconsin startups raised at least $7.61 million in disclosed funding in December 2025. Milwaukee-based 7Rivers raised $4.6 million through SAFE notes that were converted into equity from undisclosed investors on Dec. 29, 2025. This deal brings the company’s total capital raised to $10.6 million.
Milwaukee-based Insuraviews raised an undisclosed amount of growth capital in December to accelerate development of its AI-powered insurance market intelligence platform, marking a new phase of momentum for the Wisconsin-based insurtech company. The round was led by La Crosse-based Idea Fund with participation from Milwaukee-based Gateway Capital, reinforcing a growing pattern of in-state investment supporting … Insuraviews raises growth capital to accelerate AI-driven insurtech platform
When startups build fintech products for independent workers, creators, or small businesses, one challenge tends to surface quickly: money movement. Paying users quickly and compliantly can take months of banking integrations, legal reviews, and vendor contracts, often slowing growth before a product ever reaches scale. Upward was created to remove that friction. Co-founded in 2021 … Upward helps startups remove financial infrastructure roadblocks
Straight Lines AI is tackling a problem that has long frustrated product teams working in fashion and consumer goods: how to move from an early concept to a realistic product visual without weeks of iteration, costly samples, or specialized technical tools. The company uses artificial intelligence to generate lifelike product imagery that can be used … Straight Lines AI turns concepts into full product visuals
Aviation is one of the most highly regulated industries in the world, yet many of the software systems used to manage aircraft maintenance, inventory and compliance still rely on outdated, cumbersome tools. For Aeroplicity, a Milwaukee-area software company founded by aerospace industry veterans, that disconnect has shaped both its product and its growth strategy. Aeroplicity … Aeroplicity expands aviation software platform
Hundred Acre Farm entered 2025 with a clear objective: strengthen operations, stabilize output, and fully prove the commercial potential of its Milwaukee-based indoor farming model. By year’s end, founder Chris Corkery says the company was operating at maximum capacity, increasing production, expanding its workforce, and widening distribution of both its greens and basil-based products. While … Hundred Acre Farm strengthens foundation, reframes future