|
| Dear readers, |
January 2020
|
The turn of the annual calendar is often a time for reflection on highlights of the old year and resolutions for progress in the new. In this edition of the Tech Council Current, you’ll find both – a summary of the past year’s Tech Council Innovation Network luncheons and 2019 episodes of “WisBiz: The Show,” as well as our coming events and the 2020 Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest.
A sad note over the holiday break was the death of Doyenne Group co-founder Amy Gannon and her 8th grade daughter, Jocelyn, in a helicopter crash on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Please read this statement from the Doyenne Group and stay tuned for ways you can help.
Sincerely,
Tom Still, president
|
|
![2016BPC-banner[180x600]](https://custom.cvent.com/5E177F4F5F934BD5860F271D3881A80F/pix/69de905802ba493f94866c14148c8339.jpg)
|
Bolster your odds for startup business success; enter Governor’s Business Plan through Jan. 31
More than seven out of every 10 finalists in the Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest since 2012 are still in business, a strong survival rate that speaks to the contest’s role in helping startup companies succeed over time.
Results of research by the Tech Council, which produces the contest, were released in advance of the 5 p.m., Jan. 31 entry deadline for the 2020 competition.
The Tech Council found that 155 finalists from the eight contests between 2012 and 2019 were still in business, compared with 47 who had ceased operations. That represents 76.7 percent of those finalists, who typically make up the top 25 entries selected by judges each year. When the Tech Council conducted a similar “look-back” of the contest’s first eight years (2004-2011), the survival rate at the time was also about 77 percent. All entries must be made online at govsbizplancontest.com. Learn more today!
On Jan. 22, we'll have a free info session at Novel Coworking in Madison. Click here to register.
Please visit govsbizplancontest.com for more details and a full timeline.
|
 |
‘Alexa, what’s our brand?’ Building markets via AI topic at Jan. 9 Tech Council luncheon in Wauwatosa
The advent of the engagement economy means there’s a rush to launch voice apps among marketers who view artificial intelligence as a means of better targeting consumers. Artificial intelligence marketing is a method of leveraging customer data by using machine learning to anticipate a customer’s next steps and create highly personalized content. Learn about the latest trends from Nick Myers, founder and chief executive officer of RedFox AI. Learn more + register here.
|
|
Digital expression: Music, arts and tech topic at Jan. 28 Tech Council luncheon in Madison
In a world where technology is changing most human endeavors, the arts are no exception to digital creativity. Learn more about the intersection of music, arts and technology. Panelists are Max Fergus, chief executive officer and co-founder of LÜM, an app that gives users the power to find undiscovered artists; Anne Katz, executive director of Arts Wisconsin, a non-profit with the mission of promote arts in Wisconsin; and Scott Mosley, chief operating officer of CODAworx, a global online community that showcases commissioned art. Learn more + register here.
|
 |
The Wisconsin Cannabis Expo will be held Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee.
The event is produced by Shepherd Express and runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature about 100 exhibitors and presentations by experts on the myriad uses of hemp and cannabis. Tech Council board memberIlke Panzer of Assurance Laboratories, which runs test on cannabis fields, will participate at the event.
Corporate and individual members of the Wisconsin Technology Council may attend for the discounted price of $15 using code WTCGUEST20 online (in advance of the event) at wicannabisexpo.com.
|
|
Year-end review for the Tech Council Innovation Network in 2019
As we close the door on 2019 and an eventful year for the Wisconsin Technology Council and its partners, here’s a reminder of the depth and breadth of programming we offered through our Tech Council Innovation Network. More than 20 luncheons were held across Wisconsin with the help of our major sponsors: Old National Bank, UW-Milwaukee, the UWM Research Foundation, UW-Eau Claire, Fox Valley Technical College, the UW-Green Bay and the UW-Madison Office of Business Engagement. Read more.
|
 |
‘WisBiz: The Show’ rewind of 2019 episodes
The 2019 portfolio of “WisBiz: The Show” featured interviews with 20 of Wisconsin’s business newsmakers, who collectively represent some of the best companies, ideas, investors and services in the tech-based economy. Check out our archives at WisBusiness.com and our newsroom to see what these newsmakers said in 2019 – and how their ideas might influence the coming year.
Thanks to Exact Sciences, BDO and UW-Milwaukee for sponsoring as we roll closer to the 250-episode mark.
Click for alphabetical summary of 2019 interviews.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Andy Burish
UBS: The Burish Group |
|
Guest column: Is your portfolio prepared for the next market downturn?
A good long-term investment strategy means staying the course when times get tough. With an up-and-down market, unexpected changes can cause stress and lead to poor decision-making.
While it’s critical to focus on the long term when it comes to investments, a “liquidity strategy – which is designed to provide short-term cash flow and act as a buffer against financial distress – is equally important during a volatile market.
It doesn't take much for a financial challenge to arise … maybe a failed business venture, unexpected medical bills or a drop in the stock market. With a liquidity strategy in place, however, you can help mitigate this risk and maintain your lifestyle in the short term until you get back on your feet.
Read the full column by Tech Council Innovation Network member Andy Burish of UBS: The Burish Group
|
|
|
|
TECH COUNCIL NEWS SERVICE:
|
|
|
Week of January 6
WisBusiness: Hospitals, health systems have $119 billion impact on state economy
WisconsinINNO: Meet the Wisconsin tech companies showcasing products at CES
Milwaukee Business Journal: ‘Alexa, pay for gas’ — Fiserv teams with ExxonMobil for voice payments at the pump
WisBusiness: UW-Green Bay entrepreneurs' wind turbine design aims to improve efficiency
Revolution: Steve Case - 10 tech trends from the decade that was... and what will be
Week of December 30
Times Higher Education: Call for U.S. R&D ‘surge’ through ‘heartland’ universities
WISC News: 75 years later, UW-Madison inventors aim to replace old-style breast-surgery marker
BizTimes Milwaukee: Milwaukee Regional Innovation Center angel fund invested $40,000 into startups
Madison Startups: Company profile: Highview
WisBusiness: the Podcast with Ben Camp, CEO and co-founder of RehabPath – part two
Release: Deep loss within Doyenne
Week of December 23
Madison365: Serial social entrepreneur Dorothy Nairne
WisconsinINNO: Wisconsin’s Top 10 tech fundings of 2019
CapTimes: Reports highlight the importance of Wisconsin's knowledge economy
HealthcareIT News: Health system’s online assistant helps patients find the right kind and level of care
Week of December 16
WisconsinINNO: 20 Wisconsin startups to watch in 2020
WisBusiness: the Podcast with Ben Camp, CEO and co-founder of RehabPath – part one
Release: Brightstar concludes Hatch program with three regional finales!
BizTimes Milwaukee: Chicago-based tech consultant to open Milwaukee office
Urban Milwaukee: Milwaukee Tool to expand company
Fierce Biotech: Lawmakers propose 7% increase in NIH funding
Milwaukee Business Journal: Microsoft's Brad Smith on DNC, protecting elections at gener8tor’s Premier Night
WisBusiness: Clinical trial begins for potential Ebola vaccine developed at UW-Madison
Madison Startups:Propeller listed in Digital Health Formulary
Week of December 9
PRNewswire: Phoenix demonstrates highest possible neutron image quality at new NDT facility
|
|
|
|
|
INVESTORS' CORNER:
Milwaukee Business Journal: Mequon’s Capital Midwest Fund leads $4.45 million round for Chicago startup
Milwaukee Business Journal: American Family ups investment in Clearcover, joins latest $50 million round
Release: SEC proposes to update accredited investor definition to increase access to investments
Madison Startups: Former WARF CIO launches venture fund
Milwaukee Business Journal: Milwaukee’s Fiveable closes on $615,000 in funding to grow online education platform
Release: RehabPath raises $200,000 in seed funding from health tech leader
Release: Hyde Park Venture Partners raises $100 million third fund
BizTimes Milwaukee: New Wisconsin opportunity zone fund raising up to $25 million
|
|
|
GET INVOLVED:
Tech Council Innovation Network membership:
Experience for yourself why the Innovation Network has been a Tech Council tradition for over a decade. With more than two dozen events annually, you'll expand your network while learning from top-notch speakers. When you become a member, your membership applies to all chapters, statewide. With a variety of membership types to choose from, you and/or your company will be sure to find a membership that fits your business goals. Join today!
Thank you to the following individuals and organizations that have recently joined or renewed their memberships:
Need help finding the membership level right for you?
Please contact Angela Schlobohm, development & member relations director:
angela@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com or 608-442-7557.
Tech Council Investor Networks membership:
Your $750 Investor Networks membership entitles you to one free pass to our two major conferences (Entrepreneurs' Conference and Early Stage Symposium), as well as regular Tech Council Innovation Network events.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|