Creating Investor Ready Startups
A comprehensive founder development program that helps entrepreneurs validate opportunities, launch ventures, access mentors, and prepare for meaningful growth and investment opportunities.
Interested in joining the next cohort?
Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to join the next Founder Factory cohort and access mentorship, training, and connections that help startups accelerate growth and compete for funding.
Join us October 14th for Idea to Enterprise Pitch Night: University Innovations Ready for Launch
Leaders from Marquette University, Medical College of Wisconsin, Versiti, and University of Wisconsin Milwaukee will present proprieta…
Read MoreNews
Founder Factory Selects Inaugural Cohort of High-Growth Wisconsin Startups for Pre-Accelerator Program
MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Founder Factory has selected its inaugural cohort of high-growth startup companies to participate in the program’s first Stage 1 Pre-Accelerator.
Read MoreJoin us September 17th – Start Your Business: Entity Formation Clinic
Forming a legal entity is often one of the most daunting steps for technical founders. Founder Factory seeks to ease this pain through…
Read MoreWho is a fit for Founder Factory?
Founder Factory: If you are a founder, researcher, or entrepreneur interested in participating, we encourage you to express interest to receive updates and application information.
This program is a fit for:
- The startup‑curious and the startup‑committed , whether you’re already prototyping or still whispering your idea to friends “just to see.”
- Experienced founders and founders‑in‑training who believe their idea could go big and are ready to find out how big.
- Researchers, scientists, and inventors who’ve created something cool and are wondering, “Could this be a company?” (Spoiler: yes.)
- University and community innovators — I‑Corps grads, student teams, project squads, makers, hacker‑collectives, anyone who’s built something impressive.
- Entrepreneurs hunting for early money that doesn’t take equity, plus practical help turning your idea into a real business.
The Factory was Developed Through Thoughtful Collaboration
Founder Factory brings together universities, investors, industry leaders, and founder support organizations across Southeastern Wisconsin.
This collaborative model reduces duplication, aligns resources, and creates a clearer path from innovation to investable company.
Founder Factory is a WEDC funded initiative helping founders turn innovation into investment ready companies through funding, mentorship, and structured support.