Anna Lardinois

When MKEStartup.News last spoke with Balanced Breed founder Jeremy Schulz, the Milwaukee-based pet supplement company was riding strong early momentum, fueled by growing demand for its science-backed formulations. As the company heads into 2026, Balanced Breed is operating with a clearer strategy, tighter discipline, and renewed confidence in the model it believes will drive long-term Balanced Breed prepares for next phase of growth

Subatomic AI, a startup developing customizable AI “co-workers,” has moved quickly since launching in January 2025. The company secured $6.85 million in angel funding in October, added early customers across multiple industries and grew to eight employees while continuing to refine its signature platform. Co-founded by Milwaukee-based Sam Sova and San Francisco-based Karl Simon, Subatomic Subatomic AI raises $6.85 million in angel funding

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Soul Mobility, the Oconomowoc-based company co-founded by Troy Tesmer and Todd Hargroder, is poised for growth in 2026. The company developed the Power-Flex, a power-drive attachment built to integrate with manual wheelchairs, offering powered assistance while preserving the compact size and lifestyle flexibility many users rely on. The system features patented positioning, suspension and manual Soul Mobility hits key regulatory and market milestones, plans growth in 2026

2025 was marked by steady, strategic progress for the Milwaukee 7 startup community as institutions, founders and industry partners worked together to expand opportunity and capitalize on regional innovations. In June, the region made a bold leap forward with the unveiling of the Microsoft Corporation AI Co-Innovation Lab on the campus of University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee 2025 highlights from the startup ecosystem

Some of the world’s most successful companies began in basements, spare bedrooms and backyard sheds. But every growing business eventually needs room to expand. For Milwaukee-based founders looking for space to spread their wings, the Technology Innovation Center, a long-standing yet little-known resource, may be the solution. The nonprofit business incubator, located in the Milwaukee Technology Innovation Center helps startups scale with space and support

American dollar, money & banking

According to PitchBook, Wisconsin startups raised at least $15.43 million in disclosed funding in November. Milwaukee-based Park Loyalty raised $4 million of Series A venture funding in a deal led by Elephant Partners. The funds will be used to accelerate the development of Park Loyalty’s Pro Solutions suite and to expand implementation capacity and customer Wisconsin VC funding for November 2025

The Kenosha Innovation Center (KIC) has appointed strategic advisor and longtime startup mentor Glenn Gottfried as its new Startup Advisor in Residence. Gottfried brings decades of leadership, scaling experience, and founder support to one of southeastern Wisconsin’s fastest growing innovation hubs. Gottfried, who has guided multiple companies through growth and exits across public and private Gottfried joins KIC as Startup Advisor in Residence

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As part of MKEStartup.News’ exploration of Wisconsin’s regional startup ecosystems, we’re spotlighting standout innovators from the New North region this week. Founded in 2024, Sturgeon Bay–based Vadar Alpha is helping industrial companies buy smarter, sell strategically, and manage risk in an unpredictable global market. The company’s AI-driven software platform delivers real-time insights to manufacturers and Vadar Alpha helps manufacturers and commodity producers make smarter pricing decisions

As part of MKEStartup.News’ exploration of Wisconsin’s regional startup ecosystems, we’re spotlighting standout innovators from the New North region this week. About 1 in 8 women in the U.S. report symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD), translating to over 460,000 mothers each year. Less known is that 1 in 10 dads experience PPD. Behind these statistics Auvia aims to close maternal mental health gaps with voice-based support

As part of MKEStartup.News’ ongoing series exploring Wisconsin’s regional startup ecosystems, we’re heading up north where collaboration, innovation, and industry strength drive one of the state’s most dynamic economies. The New North Inc. spans 18 counties in northeast Wisconsin, including Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, New North builds collaboration and innovation across northeast Wisconsin