Join us at Founder Day 2025! Learn about 20+ startups in your community with Open Mic Night. Learn from top founders and compete for $5,000+ at the pitch competition.
Whether you’re looking to connect, learn, or pitch—this is where founders grow. Don’t miss it!
Wednesday 14 May
Open Mic night
Wednesday 14 May
Open Mic night
🎤 Open Mic Night 👉 90 seconds to pitch yourself to a room full of entrepreneurs, investors, and potential collaborators. No slides, no pressure—just you, your passion, and the mic.
Wednesday 14 May
Open Mic Night
🎤 Open Mic Night 👉 90 seconds to pitch yourself to a room full of entrepreneurs, investors, and potential collaborators. No slides, no pressure—just you, your passion, and the mic.
Thursday 15 May
Founder Day
Thursday 15 May
Founder Day
Start with an inspiring keynote, get expert advice in 1:1 mentoring, and showcase your startup in the pitch competition or pro pitch session. Connect with founders, investors, and mentors over networking and lunch.
Thursday 15 May
Founder Day
Start with an inspiring keynote, get expert advice in 1:1 mentoring, and showcase your startup in the pitch competition or pro pitch session. Connect with founders, investors, and mentors over networking and lunch.
Open Mic Night
May 14th, 6:30p - 9:30p
May 14th, 6:30p - 9:30p
May 14th, 6:30p - 9:30p
Whether you’re launching, hiring, or just looking to plug into the community, this is your chance to be seen, be heard, and make an impact.
🎤 Spots fill fast! Sign up now and claim your 90 seconds.
Pitch Competition
May 15th, 2:00p - 3:00p
May 15th, 2:00p - 3:00p
May 15th, 2:00p - 3:00p
If you’re thinking of fundraising in the next year, this is perfect for you and your company.
🔥 Compete for $5,000+
🎤 Showcase your startup
🌟 Get honest feedback from investors & founders
Pitch Competition mentors
Co-Founder & Product @ Arrows
Software/Product Expert
$3M+ Raised
Co-Founder & Product @ Arrows
Software/Product Expert
$3M+ Raised
Co-Founder & Product @ Arrows
Software/Product Expert
$3M+ Raised
Director of Strategy and Innovative Ventures @ WiSys
Fmr CTO @ 10 Newtons
University Tech Transfer & Commercialization
Director of Strategy and Innovative Ventures @ WiSys
Fmr CTO @ 10 Newtons
University Tech Transfer & Commercialization
Director of Strategy and Innovative Ventures @ WiSys
Fmr CTO @ 10 Newtons
University Tech Transfer & Commercialization
CTO @ FactoryFix
Fmr Co-Founder @ MobileIgniter
Software/Product, $20M+ Raised
CTO @ FactoryFix
Fmr Co-Founder @ MobileIgniter
Software/Product, $20M+ Raised
CTO @ FactoryFix
Fmr Co-Founder @ MobileIgniter
Software/Product, $20M+ Raised
COO & CCO @ Holos
Officer @ Capital Entrepreneurs
AR/VR & Gov't Contracts
COO & CCO @ Holos
Officer @ Capital Entrepreneurs
AR/VR & Gov't Contracts
COO & CCO @ Holos
Officer @ Capital Entrepreneurs
AR/VR & Gov't Contracts
Founder + CEO @ TwoLips
Branding & Website Design Expert
Founder + CEO @ TwoLips
Branding & Website Design Expert
Founder + CEO @ TwoLips
Branding & Website Design Expert
Innovative Ventures Associate @ WiSys
Reporter @ Law Street Media
Legal Strategy for Startups
Innovative Ventures Associate @ WiSys
Reporter @ Law Street Media
Legal Strategy for Startups
Innovative Ventures Associate @ WiSys
Reporter @ Law Street Media
Legal Strategy for Startups
Co-Director @ Capital Entrepreneurs
Advisor & Co-Founder @ Factor
B2B SaaS & Med Device, $12M Raised
Co-Director @ Capital Entrepreneurs
Advisor & Co-Founder @ Factor
B2B SaaS & Med Device, $12M Raised
Co-Director @ Capital Entrepreneurs
Advisor & Co-Founder @ Factor
B2B SaaS & Med Device, $12M Raised
Fractional CFO @ Loop Enterprises
Fmr CFO @ Hummingbird Healthcare
Finance & CleanTech/Solar Expert
Fractional CFO @ Loop Enterprises
Fmr CFO @ Hummingbird Healthcare
Finance & CleanTech/Solar Expert
Fractional CFO @ Loop Enterprises
Fmr CFO @ Hummingbird Healthcare
Finance & CleanTech/Solar Expert
Director of Strategy @ Loft
Fmr Deal Lead @ AmFam Studio
Product Design & User Research Expert
Director of Strategy @ Loft
Fmr Deal Lead @ AmFam Studio
Product Design & User Research Expert
Director of Strategy @ Loft
Fmr Deal Lead @ AmFam Studio
Product Design & User Research Expert
Complementary HeadShots
May 15th, 12:00p - 3:00p
May 15th, 12:00p - 3:00p
May 15th, 12:00p - 3:00p
A skilled photographer will work with you to capture the perfect shot, ensuring you look your best. After the session, you’ll have the opportunity to select your favorite image to keep—completely free!
Spots are limited, so be sure to sign up in advance to secure your session. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your professional presence!
Keynote: Greg Tracy
Greg Tracy, CTO of Wondr Health and co-founder of Propeller Health, is a tech leader and innovator with a track record of building and scaling startups. At Founders Day, he’ll share insights on innovation, resilience, and impact-driven growth.
view bio
May 15th, 11:00a - 12:00p
May 15th, 11:00a - 12:00p
May 15th, 11:00a - 12:00p
Fireside:
Marsha Lindsay
Fireside:
Marsha Lindsay
Marsha drives competitive advantage with expertise in behavioral science, marketing, innovation, strategy, and executive-level teaching.
Marsha drives competitive advantage with expertise in behavioral science, marketing, innovation, strategy, and executive-level teaching.
view bio
view bio
May 15th, 1:00p - 2:00p
May 15th, 1:00p - 2:00p
May 15th, 1:00p - 2:00p
Pitches That Worked
May 15th, 3:00p - 3:45p
May 15th, 3:00p - 3:45p
May 15th, 3:00p - 3:45p
A behind-the-scenes look at real investor pitches. NOT a competition—this is a learning session.
Live Pitch Demonstrations – See how successful founders pitch. What worked, what didn’t, and why.
"Founder Day connected me with founders who truly understand the challenges of building something from the ground up. The conversations were real, the connections meaningful, and I left energized with fresh ideas to move my business forward."
Olivia Wisden
CEO Underbelly
"Founder Day was a game-changer. It gave me the perfect space to share UnderBelly’s work and connect with new clients who truly resonated with our vision. Invaluable connections, incredible energy—100% worth it!"
Olivia Wisden
CEO Underbelly
"Founder Day connected me with founders who truly understand the challenges of building something from the ground up. The conversations were real, the connections meaningful, and I left energized with fresh ideas to move my business forward."
Olivia Wisden
CEO Underbelly
tickets
~ Founder Day '25 is free thanks to American Family DreamBank! ~
~ Founder Day '25 is free thanks to American Family DreamBank! ~
Founder Day Dream Pass
$50
Free
Founder Day
Open Mic Night
Get Tickets
Founder Day Dream Pass
$50
Free
Founder Day
Open Mic Night
Reserve Ticket
Founder Day Dream Pass
$50
Free
Founder Day
Open Mic Night
Get Tickets
Got questions?
Find answers to common questions about the event, including event times, parking information, and accommodation options.
What are the event times?
Open Mic Night:
May 14th 6:30pm - 9:30pm.
Founder Day:
May 15th 10:00am - 4:00pm.
Is parking available?
There are a few parking garages near the venues (recommended).
You can also find street parking, but BE CAUTIOUS! Read the sign before you park. May blocks have slightly different rules and they will ticket you. E Washington Ave will tow your car from 3p-6p!
Are there accommodation options?
Yes, we have partnered with several nearby hotels to offer special rates for attendees. Details on recommended accommodations and booking links will be provided upon registration.
How can I register for updates?
Not ready to register for the event, but still want updates? Subscribe to our event newsletter.
Is there a registration fee?
Thanks to American Family Insurance DreamBank, the event is FREE!
However, you must register to get in, and you must let us know if you are know longer coming.
How can I become a sponsor?
If you would like to support the event, please see our sponsorship form. This will show you a menu of what is available and actions on next steps.
Who's invited?
Startups are invited! We’d love to see founders and startup leaders join us. If you’re a service provider, we encourage attending through sponsorship to best engage with the community. Thanks!
What are the event times?
Open Mic Night:
May 14th 6:30pm - 9:30pm.
Founder Day:
May 15th 10:00am - 4:00pm.
Is parking available?
There are a few parking garages near the venues (recommended).
You can also find street parking, but BE CAUTIOUS! Read the sign before you park. May blocks have slightly different rules and they will ticket you. E Washington Ave will tow your car from 3p-6p!
Are there accommodation options?
Yes, we have partnered with several nearby hotels to offer special rates for attendees. Details on recommended accommodations and booking links will be provided upon registration.
How can I register for updates?
Not ready to register for the event, but still want updates? Subscribe to our event newsletter.
Is there a registration fee?
Thanks to American Family Insurance DreamBank, the event is FREE!
However, you must register to get in, and you must let us know if you are know longer coming.
How can I become a sponsor?
If you would like to support the event, please see our sponsorship form. This will show you a menu of what is available and actions on next steps.
Who's invited?
Startups are invited! We’d love to see founders and startup leaders join us. If you’re a service provider, we encourage attending through sponsorship to best engage with the community. Thanks!
What are the event times?
Open Mic Night:
May 14th 6:30pm - 9:30pm.
Founder Day:
May 15th 10:00am - 4:00pm.
Is parking available?
There are a few parking garages near the venues (recommended).
You can also find street parking, but BE CAUTIOUS! Read the sign before you park. May blocks have slightly different rules and they will ticket you. E Washington Ave will tow your car from 3p-6p!
Are there accommodation options?
Yes, we have partnered with several nearby hotels to offer special rates for attendees. Details on recommended accommodations and booking links will be provided upon registration.
How can I register for updates?
Not ready to register for the event, but still want updates? Subscribe to our event newsletter.
Is there a registration fee?
Thanks to American Family Insurance DreamBank, the event is FREE!
However, you must register to get in, and you must let us know if you are know longer coming.
How can I become a sponsor?
If you would like to support the event, please see our sponsorship form. This will show you a menu of what is available and actions on next steps.
Who's invited?
Startups are invited! We’d love to see founders and startup leaders join us. If you’re a service provider, we encourage attending through sponsorship to best engage with the community. Thanks!
Michael Best
Michael Best is dedicated to our clients’ success. We’re a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.
Learn More
Michael Best
Michael Best is dedicated to our clients’ success. We’re a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.
Learn More
Michael Best
Michael Best is dedicated to our clients’ success. We’re a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.
Learn More
StartingBlock
Join a community of entrepreneurs, startups, and remote workers at StartingBlock, where you'll have access to resources, mentorship, and a collaborative coworking workspace. With 50,000 sq ft of space in Madison's Capitol East neighborhood, StartingBlock is the perfect place to launch your business or run business as usual.
Learn More
StartingBlock
Join a community of entrepreneurs, startups, and remote workers at StartingBlock, where you'll have access to resources, mentorship, and a collaborative coworking workspace. With 50,000 sq ft of space in Madison's Capitol East neighborhood, StartingBlock is the perfect place to launch your business or run business as usual.
Learn More
StartingBlock
Join a community of entrepreneurs, startups, and remote workers at StartingBlock, where you'll have access to resources, mentorship, and a collaborative coworking workspace. With 50,000 sq ft of space in Madison's Capitol East neighborhood, StartingBlock is the perfect place to launch your business or run business as usual.
Learn More
DreamBank
The American Family Insurance DreamBank offers a vibrant community of events, resources and connections designed to help people pursue and protect their most valuable asset — their dreams.
Learn More
DreamBank
The American Family Insurance DreamBank offers a vibrant community of events, resources and connections designed to help people pursue and protect their most valuable asset — their dreams.
Learn More
DreamBank
The American Family Insurance DreamBank offers a vibrant community of events, resources and connections designed to help people pursue and protect their most valuable asset — their dreams.
Learn More
WEDC
WEDC’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation (E&I) is fueling start ups and innovation to power Wisconsin forward by building density in entrepreneurial ecosystems and supporting high-growth ventures with funding, resources, and strategic partnerships.
Learn More
WEDC
WEDC’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation (E&I) is fueling start ups and innovation to power Wisconsin forward by building density in entrepreneurial ecosystems and supporting high-growth ventures with funding, resources, and strategic partnerships.
Learn More
WEDC
WEDC’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation (E&I) is fueling start ups and innovation to power Wisconsin forward by building density in entrepreneurial ecosystems and supporting high-growth ventures with funding, resources, and strategic partnerships.
Learn More
Locations
Locations
Old Sugar Distillary
Old Sugar Distillary
