​Madison's premier gathering of founders returns for its fourth year!

​Join us on May 15, 2025 from 11am-5pm, for Founder Day, an inspiring gathering designed to connect new and upcoming founders with seasoned entrepreneurs. Hosted by Capital Entrepreneurs at the Spark building in Madison, WI, we'll have a day filled with learning, networking, and opportunities to grow yourself and your startup. You'll have the chance to share experiences, gain insights, and forge valuable connections that can help propel your journey forward.

​Agenda

​​10:00 AM - ☕ Networking, Coffee & Registration

• ​Come early before the keynote to grab some fuel for the morning and to meet some new people!

​​11:00 PM - 🗣️ Keynote (Speaker TBD!)

​12:00 PM - 🥗 Lunch

• ​Lunch will be provided from a local Madison spot. More details soon.

​​1:00 - 2:00 PM - 💬 Peer Exchange

• ​We will be running three different exchanges this year!

  • ​Open booths showcasing Local Resources

  • ​Scheduled time to meet with Peers, other Startups, and Investors

• ​The goal is to get you in front of people that can help solve the blockers that you currently face, whether that’s finding funding, building your team, growing your customer base, navigating legal hurdles, or getting over that next technical challenge.

​​3:00 PM - 👨‍💻 PechaKucha

• ​Various attendees will spend exactly 400 seconds each telling a story--whether it's something they learned, a story about their journey, or even a pitch about their company.

• ​The PechaKucha 20x20 presentation format is a slide show of 20 images, each auto-advancing after 20 seconds. It’s non-stop and you've got 400 seconds to tell your story, with visuals guiding the way.

• ​Interested in giving it a try? Sign up here.

​​4:00 PM - 🥂 Happy Hour

• ​Join us at Moxy's bar next door for an early happy hour to have those conversations you didn't get to have earlier in the day!

​​​Shared Service Expo Directory

​​​Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, expand your professional network, or drive business growth, this expo is your gateway to strategic partnerships that make a real impact. Don't miss this chance to transform your startup's future!

​​​Startups & Service Companies

​​​TBD.

​​​Communities, Coalitions & University Programs

​​​​​TBD.

​​​StartingBlock Affiliates

​​​StartingBlock – a community of entrepreneurs and startups, where you’ll have access to resources, mentorship, and a collaborative co-working workspace. With 50,000 sq. ft of space in Madison’s Capitol East neighborhood, StartingBlock is the perfect place to launch your business. 

​​​Madworks Accelerator by StartingBlock – A governance-focused education & mentorship program for scalable Wisconsin startups in any industry.

​​​Her Network – A values-led event series for business women, hosted and sponsored by StartingBlock Madison. All who identify as women are welcome.