A 1-hour session for founders who are building a business — not running errands for one
You launched a startup to build something. Instead, you're switching between 8 tools, chasing invoices, fixing shift schedules, and wondering why your ""lean team"" still feels like chaos.
This session is for founders who are done with that.
In one hour, we'll show you how fast-moving startups are collapsing their entire ops stack — CRM, projects, HR, contracts, billing — into a single platform, cutting $3,000+ a month in subscriptions, and getting back to the work that actually grows the business.
What you'll walk away with: - A clear map of which tools you can replace today - A live look at how OneHermes works in a real startup workflow - A 30-day plan to simplify your stack — no migration nightmare
Format: 20 min talk · 25 min live demo · 15 min open Q&A
Seats are limited. Bring your mess — we'll show you how to clean it up.
The Badger Startup Summit is Wisconsin’s premier gathering for entrepreneurs, innovators, and supporters of the startup ecosystem—and the official kickoff to Forward Fest 2026.
Founded over 14 years ago, the Summit brings together founders, builders, investors, and community leaders for a full day of ideas, insights, and connection that set the tone for the entire week.
The program features a curated lineup of talks and discussions designed to be both inspiring and practical, covering topics such as: • Lessons from experienced founders (“Chapter Zero”) • The future of AI and agent-driven technology • Real-world startup journeys—from bootstrapped to venture-backed • What it actually takes to raise capital in today’s market This year, the Summit will feature interactive programming designed to engage attendees more directly, including opportunities for founders to share ideas, get feedback, and connect with peers and experienced operators in a more open, collaborative format. The Summit also includes a VenFair and networking lunch, connecting attendees with valuable resources, partners, and fellow entrepreneurs. Whether you’re launching your first idea, scaling a company, or supporting the innovation ecosystem, the Badger Startup Summit is where Wisconsin’s startup community comes together to kick off Forward Fest.
Sweat Equity Happy Hour is a reimagined alternative to traditional networking—designed for founders, creatives, and builders who want something more real than surface-level conversation.
Hosted at Saunaday, guests move through a guided thermal cycle: Steam → Sauna → Cold Plunge → Rest & Hydration
Shared challenges—like heat and cold—naturally break down barriers and create space for more open, grounded connection.
What to expect: -2-hour, open-format thermal contrast experience -Light guidance on the sauna + cold plunge cycle -Complimentary beverage -Tech-free, presence-driven environment
Roshelle Ritzenthaler is the co-founder and CEO of Saunaday, Wisconsin's fist Nordic bathhouse. An architect and service designer by training, she previously led innovation and service design at UW Health before leaving healthcare to build one of the Midwest's most celebrated wellness... Read More →
Monday August 17, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT Saunaday315 S Blount St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
Madison’s startup ecosystem operates under intense pressure to: • Accelerate timelines to market • Deliver strong financial returns • Compete for capital in a demanding investment environment
However, herein lies the problem: Financial results are not delivered through physical effort alone. More hours, more hustle and more pressure often produce exhaustion not outcomes.
Because money doesn’t just follow effort. Money follows energy.
And without disciplined financial systems, even high momentum turns into waste.
The entrepreneurs who apply both the Laws of Energy and financial discipline will outperform the market. This event will guide them to that competitive advantage by introducing a new operating model for founders and growth leaders navigating today’s reality:
A Dual Engine for Modern Growth • Applying the Laws of Energy → Drives productivity, momentum, and speed without burnout • Applying Financial Discipline → Drives measurable returns, capital efficiency, and investor confidence
Presented by MJ Reiners, Founder of Summerland Education and Victoria Thayer, Founder of Novii CPA, this session bridges the gap between: • Why growth is slower than expected • Why hard work does not create burnout and what does • And how to accelerate both execution speed and financial performance
SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR ALL ATTENDEES - REGISTRATION OPENING SOON Free for Greater Madison Chamber Members and Forward Fest All Inclusive Pass Holders | $30 for Non-Members
Pressure Chamber returns for its 13th year as the region's top emerging companies pitch for the coveted "golden suitcase," which guarantees a reserved spot in the Chamber's exclusive Greater Madison startup meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms this fall. Participating companies will present in front of a panel of national investors and a live audience, with the winning company chosen based on a combination of judges' scoring and audience votes.
Early-stage deep tech companies rarely fail because the science doesn’t work. More often, they stall in the gap between research and real market traction.
This session is a candid conversation with founders who started as scientists and are now navigating the transition to entrepreneurship, alongside the investors and funding partners who support them. We’ll unpack where things actually break—from misaligned funding strategies to weak customer signals and overbuilt technology.
Rather than focusing on success stories, we’ll dig into the messy middle: what goes wrong, why it happens, and how to better align funding, product, and market early.
Designed for tech- and scientist-founders actively building at the earliest stages as well as investors and ecosystem partners working closely with them.
Hosted by Innovative Outlier
This is a virtual event. For those who are logged in and have RSVP'd, the streaming link will appear on this page starting 10 minutes before the session.
Join us for a fireside chat between WEDC Secretary John Miller and Tech Council President Maggie Brickerman. The conversation will focus on WEDC’s efforts to strengthen the Wisconsin’s innovation, startup and venture capital ecosystem, and the specific ways that innovators can leverage WEDC as a partner.
A high level introduction to patenting innovations for entrepreneurs. Learn from a seasoned pro when patenting an innovation is or is not appropriate, the different paths that can be taken to receive a patent, and when is the right time to consult a patent practitioner.
Hosted by E Epstein Patent Agency
This is a virtual event. For those who are logged in and have RSVP'd, the streaming link will appear on this page starting 10 minutes before the session.
How did the long and twisted path of one man lead to a new product and business? By combining little bits of information and experience from each of his stops into something new and powerful. Have you ever asked yourself the "How did I get here" and "How will I ever use that chapter" questions? Come hear how it has come together for one and be encouraged that "it" is coming together for you as well!
I have designed a Cooling garment that outperforms all of the commercially available Cooling products currently available. Based on the technology used in hospitals and the military i have brought definitive care Cooling to the job site, sideline and community center.
This dual-track workshop is designed to help attendees build a business that sustains them rather than breaks them.
Hollie H. Hollister and Ross Larson will co-facilitate this community learning exchange by bridging insights from Psychological Resilience and Heart-Centered Leadership.
Solo founders and small business owners will learn how to scale their impact without the soul fatigue of misaligned growth.
Hollie H. Hollister is a pragmatic visionary who aspires to combine the personal with the professional to bring fresh thinking, unique insights and holistic solutions that help heart-based small business owners grow their businesses and themselves (all without stifling who they are... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 4:30pm - 7:30pm CDT 100state17 South Fairchild Street fl 7, Madison, WI, USA
Ambitious founders have gone through the Level Up! Pre-seed Accelerator at a WiSys VentureHome location across Wisconsin. Whether you are an investor, a founder, or someone interested in entrepreneurship, this pitch day will provide a sneak peek at Wisconsin's emerging tech startups. The pitches will each be 6 minutes, followed by 4 minutes of questions from the audience. The event will be fast-paced, captivating, and open to anyone who would like to attend.
