Founders, investors, and operators from Wisconsin’s startup community — sharing what it actually takes, from first idea to exit.
The day opens with a fireside conversation — candid, unscripted, and rooted in the 100State founder community. No slides, no prepared talk; just the real story.
Each workshop is led by someone who has lived the stage it covers. Full session details on the Program page.
Co-Founder & COO, Okkanti
Michael Szewczyk is a startup operator, product builder, and Co-Founder + COO of Okkanti, a Techstars-backed company helping maternity and infant care providers. He previously co-founded Factor, which raised $12M and was acquired. Having studied and taught design thinking, Michael has practical experience navigating the messy process of identifying real problems, testing solutions, and finding first customers.
To Be Announced
Taking a startup from first customers to real scale — practical lessons on growth, revenue, and what it takes to reach the next stage.
Presenter to be announcedFrilly Founder & CEO
Jorge has led product design and marketing teams at various tech startups. His session walks through the techniques he’s developed crafting Frilly’s original experience with AI agents as design partners.
Senior Technology Consultant, Wisconsin CTC
Todd is technically trained in Chemistry and Science Education and is an expert in negotiating government grant funding for technical companies through the National SBIR/STTR programs. He provides guidance in grant writing to small companies as well as direction in Lean Startup methodologies critical to customer discovery and business hypothesis validation.
Technology Consultant, Wisconsin CTC
Rob Baranowski is a triple Badger, with degrees in History, Law, and Biotechnology from the University of Wisconsin. Rob has deep knowledge in the areas of SBIR/STTR and Lean Startup, as well as expertise in grant writing, management and legal topics. He enjoys sharing his knowledge with Wisconsin-based small businesses to increase their chances of success. Helping clients with problem solving is most meaningful to him on the job.
Session placement to be confirmedOutreach Specialist, Wisconsin CTC
Anya handles duties as a Department of Defense liaison for the CTC. Previously, she worked as an analyst and project manager for the Department of Military Affairs. Those who have collaborated with Anya describe working with her as “easy breezy.” She enjoys helping people, learning new things and solving problems — the most meaningful projects are the ones where she gets to do all three.
Plus: opening welcome from Bonnie Bachman, Director of the Technology Entrepreneurship Office (TEO).
Hear them live — one day, every stage of the journey.