As part of MKEStartup.News’ ongoing series exploring Wisconsin’s regional startup ecosystems, we’re taking a closer look at how communities beyond the Milwaukee 7 are fueling innovation and entrepreneurship across the state. Our first stop is the South Central region, where the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) serves as the economic development agency for eight counties … MadREP drives innovation and growth across south-central Wisconsin
As part of MKEStartup.News’ exploration of Wisconsin’s regional startup ecosystems, we’re spotlighting standout innovators from the Madison Region this week. Middleton-based Happy Scratch, founded in 2021 by Dr. Jordan Sand and Dr. Maria Dashek at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, has turned years of university research into a pet supplement aimed at easing allergy symptoms in … Happy Scratch founder treats pet allergies with biotech breakthrough
The Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood (KIN) has announced ten startups selected to compete in the first Pitch Perfect competition, set for November 12 at the newly opened Kenosha Innovation Center. The event is a regional showcase of entrepreneurial talent across Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties, organized in collaboration with the Kenosha Area Business Alliance, Racine County … Pitch Perfect finalists announced for inaugural Kenosha Innovation Center competition
When UW-Milwaukee graduate Kayla Lokker first imagined a better way to fasten jewelry, she was a junior taking an entrepreneurship class. Three years later, her invention, the Easy Clasp, a retractable jewelry fastener designed for people with limited mobility, is officially on the market through her company, Easy Wear Jewelry. The launch marks the culmination … Easy Wear Jewelry launches, bringing student innovation to the market
Milwaukee-based Tip a ScRxipt earned first place in the Health Tech track of the Healthcare Innovation Pitch Competition on October 8, securing a $25,000 non-dilutive investment and advancement to the Great Lakes Healthcare Innovation Pitch Contest, which will be held in Madison on November 5. Founded in 2020 by Chad Johnson, Tip a ScRxipt helps … Tip a ScRxipt wins health tech track at Healthcare Innovation Pitch
Milwaukee-based Mumbies, a natural pet products company, is raising $400,000 through a SAFE note to support its next stage of growth. Founder Bradley Will said the funding will help the company scale production, expand its product line, and meet increasing demand. “Right now, we’re constantly sold out,” Will said. “This funding will allow us to … Mumbies raises funds to scale
Founded in 2018 by Nate Collins, SharkCrates designs and manufactures reusable wooden shipping crates and pallet collars that help companies reduce waste, improve efficiency, and cut costs. The Milwaukee-based company combines software-driven design tools with hands-on manufacturing to deliver customized, sustainable packaging solutions. Over the past year, rising demand has prompted the company to rethink … SharkCrates focuses on efficiency and innovation amid growing demand
Each year, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce’s Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest introduces residents to the innovative and sometimes unexpected products made across the state. While many of this year’s semifinalists hail from the Milwaukee 7 region, one standout competitor comes from outside the area, The Maple Dude, based in Granton. The Sternitzky family has … The Maple Dude: six generations of sweet tradition earn a Coolest Thing nomination
According to PitchBook, Wisconsin startups raised at least $72.87 million in disclosed startup funding in September. The state’s top fund-raiser was Coterie Insurance, an operator of a commercial insurance platform intended to remove unwanted risks for businesses. The company uses data-driven automation to provide accurate coverage, quotes, and issue policies to manage the insurance audit … Wisconsin VC funding for September 2025
According to PitchBook data, Wisconsin companies raised $89.11 million in disclosed venture capital funding during the second quarter of 2025. Fundraising leader Realta Fusion, founded in 2022, is a Madison-based energy company focused on producing industrial heat and power from fusion energy. The company uses advancements in superconducting materials, plasma physics, and computing to develop … A second look at Q2 VC funding