The producers of the Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium are looking for cutting-edge companies from Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest to present to investors at our Nov. 10-11 conference at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center in Madison, Wis.

The annual conference gives selected companies the opportunity to make presentations and meet with investors. For many firms, participation in the conference has been a key factor for significant growth.  For more information and to register for the conference, click here.

Like the 2009 conference, this year’s conference is open to early stage companies representing an array of industries: biotechnology, bio-fuels and products, “clean tech,” advanced manufacturing, information technology, nanotechnology and business services. There are two separate presentation levels at the Early Stage Symposium: the Wisconsin Angel Network Investors' Track and the Elevator Pitch Olympics.

Companies selected for the WAN track will have many opportunities to interest investors: networking receptions; a 7-minute presentation, an executive summary published in the investor-only program, and an exhibit area where investors may speak directly to presenting companies. Investors representing millions of dollars in investment capital attend this event.

Companies selected for the Elevator Pitch Olympics, a crowd favorite, will have the opportunity to give their 90-second pitch to a panel of at least five investors and receive immediate feedback.  The investors will score the presenter on a scale of 1-5 on two aspects: A) After hearing the pitch, would they read beyond the first page of the business plan?...and B) After hearing the pitch, would they set up a meeting with the entrepreneur?  This is a great opportunity to pitch in front of five or more investors from different firms at once!

• About 20 early stage companies seeking capital will be selected to make seven-minute presentations to investors in the Wisconsin Angel Network track (application instructions are below). These company presentations will take place the afternoon of WEDNESDAY, NOV. 10.

About 15 companies will be selected for the Elevator Pitch Olympics (application instructions are below). In past years, these have been companies seeking a smaller investment round or planning to do so within the next year. All presenters will make 90-second pitches to a panel of investor.

• The Elevator Pitch Olympics will take place THURSDAY, NOV. 11.

Companies pay no fee to apply or to present. However, companies must first register to attend the conference in order to be considered by our steering committee for a presentation slot.  Register here.

(See below for application instructions)

How to apply for the WAN track :

Companies selected for the WAN Track are invited to attend an orientation session and participate in a pre-conference rehearsal.

Before applying for the WAN track, you must register for the full conference.  Register here.

Follow this direct link https://angelsoft.net/angel-group/wan-deal-flow-pipeline/apply to start an application.

Requirement is to fill out a complete on-line executive summary.

All materials for selection are editable until Monday, Sept. 20 at 8 a.m. You will receive a confirmation e-mail, please check your junk mail if the message is not received.

**If you have an existing and updated submission on the WAN Deal-flow Pipeline, e-mail Joe Kremer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and request to be entered into the 2010 ESS Investor Presentations. A confirmation e-mail will be sent.

How to apply for the Elevator Pitch Olympics:

Before applying for the Elevator Pitch Olympics, you must first register for the full conference.  Register here.

Applications are due Monday, September 20, by 8 a.m.

Follow this direct link https://angelsoft.net/angel-group/wan-deal-flow-pipeline/apply

to start an application.

Required sections of the on-line form are:

1)      One-line pitch

2)      Summarize your business

3)      Define the customer’s problem

4)      Describe the solution you sell

5)      Define your market

6)      Define your competitive advantage and list barriers to entry

7)      Financial summary: The "*" areas of the financials section must be filled in but will not be used for selection, if you have not received funding, are not expending money, etc. fill in with a zero, "0".

**If you have an existing and updated submission on the WAN Deal-flow Pipeline, e-mail Joe Kremer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and request to be entered into the 2010 EPO. A confirmation e-mail will be sent.