Startup Wisconsin Podcast
Startup Wisconsin Podcast
Podcast Description
Discover the untold stories of innovation across Wisconsin's growing tech startup ecosystem. From Madison to Milwaukee and everywhere in between, we go behind the scenes with the founders, investors, and community builders shaping Wisconsin's entrepreneurial future.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with entrepreneurs who are leveraging Wisconsin's unique advantages to build sustainable, impactful companies across industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. You'll hear from ecosystem builders creating opportunities statewide, investors backing the next generation of Wisconsin companies, and community leaders connecting talent, resources, and ideas.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, seasoned founder, or simply curious about Wisconsin's startup scene, this podcast showcases the real stories of innovation happening right in our backyard.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on various topics surrounding entrepreneurship and innovation, including episodes that explore new approaches to sales training, thought leadership strategies, community building in startups, and educational programs enhancing entrepreneurial practice. For instance, one episode discusses the innovative AI-powered sales training provided by Syrenn, while another features insights from Dan Fogarty on authentic thought leadership.
Discover the untold stories of innovation across Wisconsin’s growing tech startup ecosystem. From Madison to Milwaukee and everywhere in between, we go behind the scenes with the founders, investors, and community builders shaping Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial future.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with entrepreneurs who are leveraging Wisconsin’s unique advantages to build sustainable, impactful companies across industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. You’ll hear from ecosystem builders creating opportunities statewide, investors backing the next generation of Wisconsin companies, and community leaders connecting talent, resources, and ideas.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, seasoned founder, or simply curious about Wisconsin’s startup scene, this podcast showcases the real stories of innovation happening right in our backyard.
“Every entrepreneur in Wisconsin has a place in this community.”
In this episode, I chat with Angela Damiani, CEO and Co-founder of NEWaukee, a brand engagement agency that has been making waves with its innovative activations, events, and community-building efforts. Angela shares the story of how NEWaukee, initially a social club for entrepreneurs, evolved into a thriving agency and a leader in fostering Wisconsin’s startup culture. She discusses the creation of the Midwest Founders Community (MFC), a decentralized network connecting founders across the region, and the inspiring work of elevating the Wisconsin tech scene through collaboration and mutual support.
From building a brand experience agency to leading an influential community of founders, Angela reflects on the importance of connection, mentorship, and a culture of belonging. She also shares the challenges of balancing multiple businesses and how she’s helping others navigate the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial journey.
Tune in to learn
• How the Midwest Founders Community connects founders to capital, customers, and fellow entrepreneurs
• The role of brand activations in building meaningful relationships within a community
• Insights into the challenges of Wisconsin’s startup ecosystem and why it’s crucial to foster risk-taking and innovation through community support
Jump into the conversation
(00:00) Introduction
(03:50) NEWaukee’s social club origins
(04:49) Discovering revenue models
(07:22) Night market’s staying power
(13:15) Proudest project expansions
(15:28) The social architecture concept
(20:21) Belonging through warm invitations
(25:17) Midwest founders community building
(26:17) Finding the right founder crowd
(28:22) Growing beyond NEWaukee’s boundaries
(29:55) Real-time founder support calls
(31:07) Funding and sponsorship challenges
(33:54) Safe spaces for founders’ doubts
(42:14) Milwaukee’s startup ecosystem pulse
(44:30) Risk, capital, and customer sandboxes
(47:30) Vision for a founder fund
Connect with Angela Damiani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeladamiani/
Check out NEWaukee: https://www.newaukee.com/
Podcast Sponsor
Valency Fund
Flexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.
Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/
🔻 Connect With Us 🔻
Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletter
Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)
https://www.startupwi.org/events
Follow us on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/
Connect with Jacob Miller:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbear
Interested in being a guest? Reach out!
Startup Wisconsin’s mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin’s startup ecosystem thrive.
This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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