Wisconsin Lightning Rounds
Curated 15-minute 1:1 meetings connecting Wisconsin small businesses and research-based startups with resource providers, technical assistance partners and investors from around the world. Open to all industries.
How Lightning Rounds Work
Sign up, get matched and meet. gener8tor builds every schedule so each meeting is one both sides asked for.
For Founders
-
Sign Up
Share your company details and pitch deck so resource providers and investors can review your business before the event.
-
Get Selected and Matched
Resource providers and investors choose the companies they want to meet. gener8tor builds your schedule from those selections.
-
Meet in 15-Minute 1:1s
Pitch, ask questions and agree on next steps in short, focused meetings on December 9.
For Resource Providers and Investors
-
Review the Applicant List
About 10 days before the event, receive a filterable list of every Wisconsin company that applied, including pitch decks and company details.
-
Select Who You Want to Meet
Choose the founders that fit your focus, stage preference or program.
-
Get Matched and Take Meetings
gener8tor builds your schedule based on your selections. Meet founders in back-to-back 15-minute 1:1s.
Who Attends
Wisconsin Lightning Rounds is open to businesses across all industries and to the organizations that fund and support them.
Founders
Wisconsin-based companies looking for funding, technical assistance or new resources.
- Small businesses in any industry
- Research-based startups
- Companies seeking investment, grants or expert support
- Founders ready to pitch in a 15-minute meeting
Resource Providers and Investors
Organizations that want curated access to Wisconsin small businesses and startups.
- Small business resource and technical assistance providers
- Angel investors and venture capital firms
- Family offices and corporate innovation teams
- International investors looking at Wisconsin companies
Lightning Rounds FAQ
What to expect before, during and after your meetings.
What are Lightning Rounds?
Lightning Rounds are curated, 15-minute 1-on-1 meetings between selected founders and the resource providers and investors who asked to meet them.
Each meeting is built for a focused conversation about funding, technical assistance, partnerships or other next steps. The goal is to assess fit quickly and decide whether to keep talking.
How do Wisconsin Lightning Rounds work?
Founders, resource providers and investors each complete a short sign-up form.
About 10 days before the event, resource providers and investors receive a filterable list of participating companies, including pitch decks and company details. They select the companies they want to meet, and gener8tor builds each schedule from those selections and participant availability.
On December 9, selected founders take a series of 15-minute 1-on-1 meetings online.
Who can sign up as a founder?
Wisconsin-based small businesses and research-based startups across all industries. Selection is based on fit with the resource providers and investors attending, so share as much detail as you can in your sign-up.
Who attends as a resource provider or investor?
Small business resource organizations, technical assistance providers, angel investors, venture capital firms, family offices, accelerators and corporate innovation teams, including investors based outside the U.S.
Is the event online?
Yes. All meetings take place online on December 9 between 11 AM and 2 PM CT. You only need to be available for your scheduled meetings.
How should I prepare?
Founders: have a 5-minute pitch and slide deck ready. You will receive your meeting list ahead of time, so research each resource provider or investor you are scheduled to meet, and prepare specific questions that help you identify fit and next steps.
Resource providers and investors: review the companies you selected before the event and decide what you need to learn in each meeting to recommend a next step.
How can I make the most of each meeting?
Open with a brief introduction, share what you do and what you are looking for, then ask questions to understand the other side. Founders should keep the pitch to 5 minutes so there is time to talk. Agree on a next step before the meeting ends if there is a fit.
What should I do after the event?
Review your notes and send a personalized follow-up email to each person you met. Founders should attach their executive summary and pitch deck. Reiterate the key points from your conversation and propose a next step. Follow up within 24 to 48 hours while the meeting is still fresh.
What are some etiquette tips?
Join on time, stick to the time limit, listen actively, share the conversation and be clear and concise.
Is there a fee to participate?
No. Participation is at no cost for founders, resource providers and investors.
Join Wisconsin Lightning Rounds
Sign up by November 30 to take part in curated 1:1 meetings on December 9.