The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

Capital Midwest Fund is a venture capital firm based in Mequon, Wisconsin. It specializes in early-stage investments across various sectors including life sciences, information technology, advanced manufacturing, B2B, and healthcare, with a focus on companies located in the Midwest region of the United States.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.

Gener8tor is a national accelerator and growth platform headquartered in Milwaukee that supports startups through mentorship-driven programs and selective capital. It runs accelerator programs that provide $100,000 in funding and 12 weeks of mentorship, spanning diverse sectors such as software, IT, web, SaaS, life sciences, MedTech, e-commerce, and hardware. The organization leverages a network of experienced mentors, technologists, corporate partners, angel investors, and venture capitalists to help portfolio companies scale. Gener8tor is a member of the Global Accelerator Network and operates programs in multiple markets, including Oklahoma City, to connect high-growth startups with coaching, career support, and broad industry networks.

Venture Investors, LLC, established in 1982, is a Wisconsin-based venture capital firm specializing in seed and early-stage investments in the healthcare sector, with a focus on the Midwest region. The firm invests in biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, and other technology-enabled healthcare companies. It seeks to invest $0.25 million to $2.5 million initially, with the potential for follow-on investments of up to $8 million, typically holding investments for five to seven years. Venture Investors aims to be the lead investor and prefers to invest in the form of preferred stock and/or debt with warrant coverage. The firm has offices in Madison, Wisconsin, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has over $200 million in assets under management.

Established in 2002, Golden Angels Investors is an angel investment group based in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Its members, with a track record of business success, invest directly or participate in opportunities led by other investors to assist entrepreneurs in building great companies, primarily focusing on health tech, ed-tech, and B2B services.

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), established in 1925, is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and commercializing research discoveries from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. WARF's primary mission is to protect and license these innovations to industry partners, facilitating their beneficial use in the real world. It is renowned for commercializing breakthroughs such as vitamin D therapies, Coumadin®, medical imaging systems, and human embryonic stem cell patents. WARF's board of trustees oversees its assets, with a significant portion invested in investment companies and private equity funds.

Founded in 2019, TitletownTech is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It invests in bold entrepreneurs solving meaningful problems across six verticals: sports, media & entertainment; digital health; agriculture, water & environment; manufacturing & construction; supply chain & logistics; and cross-industry technology, with a focus on the Midwest.

Founded in 2013, WISC Partners is a venture capital firm based in Madison, Wisconsin. It invests in technology-enabled services, industrial technology, agricultural technology, healthcare innovation, and technology sectors with the goal of building wealth by supporting entrepreneurs who can create great companies that solve significant customer problems.

The State of Wisconsin Investment Board is a state agency established in 1951, responsible for investing the assets of the Wisconsin Retirement System, the State Investment Fund, and other smaller trust funds. It manages a diversified portfolio across public equities, fixed income, inflation-sensitive investments, real estate, private equity/debt, multi-asset classes, and cash. The board's professional staff and external money managers make investment decisions based on extensive research and risk assessments, acting as fiduciaries for the benefit of the members of the Wisconsin Retirement System.

Founded in 2013, CSA Partners is a venture capital firm based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It specializes in early-stage and high-growth investments, primarily focusing on companies in the Midwest region.

Rock River Capital Partners is a Midwest-based venture capital firm based in Madison, Wisconsin, that funds early-stage and growth companies across sectors, with a focus on technology-driven businesses such as software. It seeks ventures with initial product-market fit and strong growth potential, and often emphasizes disruptive innovations. The firm aims to be the lead investor and regularly takes a board seat to add value while keeping deal terms straightforward and founder-friendly. It reserves capital for follow-on investments to support portfolio companies through subsequent rounds and collaborates with other large Midwest venture investors to help portfolio companies reach the next level of funding. The emphasis is on hands-on partnership with entrepreneurs to align objectives and accelerate scale.

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development helps reimbursement of occupational training fees.

Founded in 2006, New Capital Fund is a venture capital firm based in Little Chute, Wisconsin. It focuses on investing in seed-stage to growth-stage companies across various sectors including business products/services, materials/resources, healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and TMT.

Founded in 1857, Northwestern Mutual is a leading financial security company based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It offers a comprehensive range of products and services including life insurance, disability income insurance, long-term care insurance, annuities, and investment products. The company provides personalized financial planning, combining expert advice with digital tools to help clients achieve their financial goals.

HealthX Ventures, established in 2015, is a Madison-based venture capital firm focusing on early-stage investments in the digital healthcare sector within the United States. The company invests in innovative health-related startups, particularly those developing healthcare software, aiming to make healthcare safer, more efficient, and affordable through scalable, user-friendly, and cost-effective solutions.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) leads initiatives in food, agriculture, natural resources, and rural development. It aims to expand markets for agricultural products globally, foster alternative markets domestically, improve rural infrastructure, enhance food safety, promote nutrition education, and manage public lands collaboratively.

Cream City Venture Capital is a Milwaukee-based investment firm committed to fostering business growth in Southeastern Wisconsin. With a strong connection to the region, the firm focuses on supporting innovative startups and entrepreneurs, aiming to revitalize local neighborhoods and enhance the community's economic landscape. By leveraging its extensive network and resources, Cream City Venture Capital seeks to drive positive change and create opportunities for sustainable development in the area. The firm embodies a commitment to the region's long-term growth, ensuring that Milwaukee continues to be an attractive place for talent and investment.

Founded in 2014, 4490 Ventures is a Madison-based venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments. It primarily invests in technology companies across sectors such as web3-enabled enterprise software, health tech, IoT, and SaaS, with a focus on the Midwest region.

Venture Management is a venture capital firm based in Madison, Wisconsin, founded in 1994. It focuses on seed-stage and startup investments in Wisconsin, targeting technology and healthcare companies.

Founded in 2016, Winnebago Seed Fund is a venture capital firm based in Neenah, Wisconsin. It focuses on seed investments in startup companies primarily in the Fox Valley region and secondarily across Wisconsin. The fund aims to generate investor returns by partnering with talented entrepreneurs to accelerate business growth.

Idea Fund of La Crosse is a venture capital firm established in 2016 and located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage companies across a diverse array of sectors, including information technology, health information technology, data analytics, supply chain, agriculture, manufacturing, and financial services. By targeting a wide range of industries, the firm aims to support innovative businesses that have the potential for significant growth and impact.

Bootstrap Capital, LLC is a private equity firm established in 2019 and headquartered in Centennial, Colorado. The firm specializes in acquiring and operating small business services and distribution companies, focusing on those at a stage where they can benefit from new leadership. Bootstrap Capital primarily targets mature and growth-stage companies, preferring control ownership in its investments. The firm concentrates on sectors such as business services, distribution, and light manufacturing, aiming for defensible market positions with measurable differentiation. It seeks investment opportunities in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Colorado, with a preference for companies generating EBITDA between $0.75 million and $1.5 million. Bootstrap Capital honors the achievements of bootstrapping entrepreneurs and aims to sustain their legacies.

Exact Sciences is a leading molecular diagnostics company specializing in colorectal cancer detection. It offers Cologuard, a non-invasive stool-based DNA screening test, which is recommended by major healthcare guidelines. The company also provides Oncotype DX, a suite of tissue-based genomic tests for breast and colon cancers.

Northwestern Mutual Capital LLC, established in 1978, is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based investment firm specializing in private equity and venture capital investments. It focuses on direct investments, including leveraged buyouts, startup equity, growth equity, and private placements, with a particular emphasis on the technology sector, especially financial technology. The firm also invests in fund of funds, targeting venture capital and mezzanine funds globally. Northwestern Mutual Capital typically invests a minimum of $10 million, with the capacity to commit up to $100 million in a single transaction. It seeks to co-invest with other middle-market private equity firms and has the ability to fund in foreign currencies. The firm operates as a subsidiary of Northwestern Mutual Investment Management Company, LLC.

Wisconsin Super Angel Fund LP is a venture capital firm based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, specializing in early-stage and startup investments. Founded in 2013, the firm is industry agnostic and focuses on companies based in Wisconsin, aiming to identify and capitalize on early exit opportunities. It typically invests between $0.25 million and $1 million in companies with pre-money valuations under $5 million, with a goal of exiting within three to five years of the initial investment. Additionally, the fund prefers to take two board seats in its portfolio companies, providing active mentorship and support to help them grow.

Ansay & Associates is an insurance brokerage and advisory firm that serves over 5,000 clients, including businesses, non-profits, and governmental entities in Wisconsin and the Midwest. The company specializes in delivering a range of commercial and personal insurance solutions, focusing on customized coverage plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Their services include industrial and personal risk assessments, automotive insurance, and specialty coverage. Ansay & Associates is dedicated to providing effective and cost-efficient insurance and risk management solutions, ensuring that clients are comprehensively protected against various risks.

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), based in Madison, is an economic development agency dedicated to fostering business growth and job creation throughout the state. Established in 2011, WEDC collaborates with over 600 statewide partners, including regional economic development organizations, academic institutions, and industry groups, to enhance communities and support business development. The organization offers a range of resources, technical support, and financial assistance aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship, advancing industry innovation, and facilitating access to global markets. Additionally, WEDC focuses on developing a skilled workforce and provides debt funding to startup and early-stage companies, all in an effort to strengthen Wisconsin's economy.

Founded in 2003, InTandem Capital Partners is a private equity firm based in New York. It invests in and supports the growth of select healthcare services companies, aiming to build excellent businesses of significant value through collaborative partnerships with management teams.

Founded in 2010, American Family Ventures is a venture capital firm specializing in seed to series B investments. It focuses on companies developing technologies and business models relevant to the future of insurance, with an emphasis on FinTech, data analytics, IoT, cybersecurity, and home automation. The firm invests between $500k to $2m per round.

The Otto Bremer Trust is a private charitable foundation based in St. Paul, Minnesota, established in 1944. Its primary mission is to assist individuals in achieving full economic, civic, and social participation, thereby enhancing the overall well-being of communities. The foundation focuses on creating measurable and meaningful impacts through its philanthropic efforts across Minnesota, North Dakota, and western Wisconsin. The trust's assets are overseen by an executive management team dedicated to fostering positive change and strengthening community engagement.

SymphonyAlpha Ventures, LLC is a Madison, Wisconsin-based venture capital firm that focuses on startup, early-stage, and angel investments, primarily within the healthcare IT and software-as-a-service sectors. As an operating subsidiary of Symphony Corporation, the firm aims to leverage nearly 20 years of expertise in healthcare technology to facilitate the development and market acceptance of innovative products. By utilizing a vast network of health systems and Fortune 500 companies, SymphonyAlpha Ventures supports entrepreneurs in bringing their ideas to market efficiently and effectively.

Mason Wells, established in 1998, is a Wisconsin-based private equity firm focusing on mid-market investments across the Midwestern United States. It specializes in consumer, industrial, and business service sectors, with a particular interest in biotechnology, medical devices, and life sciences. The firm generates revenues ranging from $25 million to $300 million and seeks to support founders, family owners, and managers in ownership transitions, helping companies and owners achieve their potential while preserving legacy and culture. Its portfolio includes A&R Logistics, AWT Labels & Packaging, CE Power Solutions, Eddy Packing, and Aquion.

Founded in 2017, Borgman Capital is a private investment firm focused on acquiring majority interests in established, closely held micro-middle market companies with an enterprise value of $50 million or below. The firm targets profitable businesses with strong management teams and aims to grow these investments over the long term with minimal leverage.

Bascom Ventures, established in 2018, is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire. It is managed by Alumni Ventures and is a community of accredited University of Wisconsin-Madison alumni who collectively invest in companies with UW connections. The firm focuses on the software and technology, media, and telecommunications sectors, aiming to invest in approximately 20 to 30 companies per fund.

Inventure Capital is a boutique investment firm located in Madison, Wisconsin, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in early-stage investments across various sectors, including technology, biotechnology, and clean technology, primarily focusing on startups in the Midwest. Inventure Capital maintains a diverse portfolio that not only includes investments in innovative healthcare technologies and mobile authentication platforms but also extends to clean water technology for the oil and gas industry. Additionally, the firm engages in multi-family apartment development, aiming to achieve attractive risk-reward profiles across different asset classes and investment horizons. Beyond its investment activities, Inventure Capital provides consulting and advisory services, offering expert financial analysis and due diligence research as needed.

The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a seed-stage acceleration program founded in 2012 at the Rotman School of Management in Toronto, Canada. It is dedicated to supporting massively scalable, science- and technology-based ventures by providing a unique coaching process focused on specific objectives. CDL connects startups with experienced entrepreneurs and leading scientists across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, quantum computing, blockchain, energy, and cleantech. The program has expanded its reach, operating in six cities: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and New York City, and emphasizes the commercialization of scientific and technological advancements.

Norwest Mezzanine Partners, established in 2000, is a Minneapolis-based investment firm that provides junior capital solutions to middle market companies backed by private equity firms. It focuses on driving value and successful outcomes for all stakeholders by investing across various industries, including business services, consumer, healthcare, and industrials. The firm operates from offices in Minneapolis and West Palm Beach, and it has an affiliation with Norwest Equity Partners, a middle market equity investment firm with a history dating back to 1961.

Associated Bank, founded in 1861 and headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is a prominent commercial bank that operates as part of Associated Banc-Corp, one of the top publicly traded bank holding companies in the United States. With total assets of $25 billion, the bank serves over 100 communities across Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota, and offers commercial financial services in additional states including Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Texas. Associated Bank provides a comprehensive array of personal and business banking services, which include various lending products such as revolving lines of credit, term loans, asset-based loans, mortgage loans, letters of credit, and business loans. As an Equal Housing Lender and Equal Opportunity Lender, the bank is committed to serving diverse financial needs while ensuring regulatory compliance.

MKE Tech Hub Coalition is a non-profit organization established in 2020, located in Sussex, Wisconsin. The coalition aims to foster the growth of the technology ecosystem in Southeast Wisconsin by uniting companies, entrepreneurs, community organizations, and individuals who are committed to developing tech talent. Through its initiatives, MKE Tech Hub Coalition seeks to create lasting economic prosperity and provide transformative opportunities for individuals in the region. One of its notable programs, the FOR-M incubator, has successfully supported over 300 alumni, contributing to the collective mission of enhancing the local tech landscape.

OnCourse Learning is an education and compliance solutions provider based in Milwaukee, WI, founded in 2007. The company specializes in offering online professional training services tailored to individuals, companies, educators, and government agencies. It focuses on delivering quality education across various sectors, including real estate, insurance, finance, and mortgage professionals. OnCourse Learning provides a range of services such as compliance training, licensure preparation, continuing education, and professional development through its four established brands: ProSchools, TrainingPro, Quickcert, and AHIT. The company is dedicated to helping clients achieve career success while minimizing compliance risks through engaging and flexible learning content. Recognized as one of America’s fastest-growing companies on the 2011 Inc. 5000 list, OnCourse Learning continues to support the professional growth and compliance needs of its customers.

Alumni Ventures Group is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with offices across North America. It provides access to venture investing for individual accredited investors, particularly alumni networks, by offering diversified portfolios of venture opportunities and allowing members to invest alongside fellow alumni in ventures led by peers. The firm backs early-stage and later-stage opportunities across technology, consumer, healthcare, financial services, and other sectors, with a sector- and geography-agnostic approach. It typically invests between $10,000 and $3 million per deal and emphasizes the involvement of alumni connections and an institutional lead investor in opportunities. Alumni Ventures also offers focused funds to broaden participation, enabling accredited investors to access venture portfolios diversified by type, sector, stage, and geography. The model aims to democratize access to venture capital while maintaining rigorous selection standards through alumni networks.

St. Croix Hospice is a prominent provider of hospice services for patients facing life-limiting illnesses. With 21 office locations across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas, the company offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support patients, their families, and caregivers. These services include physician care, nursing, hospice aide assistance, continuous care nursing during crises, social services, spiritual care, therapy, nutritional counseling, and routine medical check-ups. St. Croix Hospice focuses on enhancing the comfort and quality of life for those with terminal diagnoses while addressing their physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Founded in 1970 by the Wisconsin Education Association Council, WEA Trust is a not-for-profit insurance company based in Madison, Wisconsin. Originally focused on insuring public school employees, the organization has grown to serve a diverse range of public employees across the state, including those in municipal, county, and state jobs. WEA Trust provides various insurance benefits, including life, sickness, long-term and short-term disability, and accident coverage through its subsidiary, WEA Insurance. The organization is committed to delivering personalized customer service and effective medical management, aiming to enhance the lives of its members and clients by ensuring they receive appropriate care in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Milz Health Group is a comprehensive health insurance agency specializing in providing affordable plans to Wisconsin residents eligible for Medicare, including those turning 65, and individuals seeking coverage under the Affordable Care Act. The company simplifies the process of finding suitable Medicare coverage through its integrated online services.

Alliant Energy Corporation is a utility holding company based in Madison, Wisconsin, that provides regulated electricity and natural gas services primarily in the Midwest region of the United States. The company operates through its two main subsidiaries: Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL) and Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL). IPL generates and distributes electricity and transports natural gas to customers in Iowa and southern Minnesota, while WPL serves customers in southern and central Wisconsin. Together, these subsidiaries serve approximately one million electric customers and about 425,000 natural gas customers. In addition to its core utility services, Alliant Energy also engages in various investments, including freight services and supply chain solutions. The company has facilities such as a natural gas-fired electric generating unit in Wisconsin and a wind farm in Oklahoma. Founded in 1917, Alliant Energy is committed to providing reliable energy solutions to its customers in diverse sectors, including agriculture and industrial manufacturing.

Foley Ventures, established in 2011, is a Boston-based investment arm of Foley & Lardner LLP. It specializes in direct and fund of fund investments, focusing on early-stage and growth-stage companies. Within direct investments, Foley Ventures targets technology and life sciences startups, typically investing $100,000 to $200,000 per deal. For fund of fund investments, it targets venture capital funds, investing $100,000 per fund. The firm also supports portfolio company clients in early-stage or growth-stage businesses. Foley Ventures has additional offices in Madison, Wisconsin; Palo Alto, California; and Tampa, Florida.

Froedtert Health is a healthcare system that offers cost-effective medical services to the residents of Wisconsin. With a focus on providing quality care, Froedtert Health serves the community through its network of hospitals, clinics, and health centers. Dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals, Froedtert Health aims to deliver comprehensive healthcare solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of its patients. By leveraging the latest advancements in medical technology and a team of skilled healthcare professionals, Froedtert Health strives to ensure that all individuals have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare services.

Wipfli is an accounting and business consulting firm established in 1930 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The firm offers a range of industry-focused services, including assurance, accounting, tax, and consulting, aimed at addressing the various challenges faced by its clients. Wipfli serves a diverse clientele that includes manufacturers, construction companies, healthcare organizations, financial institutions, and nonprofit organizations, among others. With a team of over 1,500 professionals, Wipfli is dedicated to helping both small businesses and large enterprises streamline processes, enhance performance, and leverage technology to achieve financial growth and success. The firm remains committed to the core values instilled by its founder, emphasizing excellence, teamwork, integrity, and care in its operations.

Wintrust Financial Corporation is a financial services holding company headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, with assets exceeding $18 billion. The company operates primarily in the Chicago metropolitan area, southern Wisconsin, and northwest Indiana through its network of community-oriented banking subsidiaries. Wintrust offers a range of services, including personal and commercial banking, mortgage origination, and wealth management. Its Community Banking segment provides deposit accounts, various types of loans, and cash management services to individuals and businesses. The Specialty Finance segment focuses on commercial insurance premium financing and short-term accounts receivable financing, while also offering administrative services such as payroll processing and treasury management. Established in 1991, Wintrust is committed to delivering comprehensive financial solutions tailored to meet the needs of its diverse clientele.