Startup Wisconsin Podcast

By Startup Wisconsin, Jacob Miller

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, ... more

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FAQs about Startup Wisconsin Podcast:

How many episodes does Startup Wisconsin Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 22 episodes available.

Startup Wisconsin Podcast episodes:

September 01, 2026 Why She Left the C-Suite to Fix Caregiving in Wisconsin, with Rukmini Banerjee
Rukmini Banerjee spent her career inside companies like CUNA Mutual, Fetch Rewards, and Vouch Insurance. Starting a company was never part of the plan.
Her parents were living with her older sister in Melbourne, her in-laws were in India, and family members were scattered around the world. Rukmini started seeing how much of the day-to-day burden was falling on the person physically closest to her parents.
That experience became CuroNow, a Madison startup building one shared place for families, caregivers, and eventually home care agencies to stay connected around an aging loved one.
Rukmini joins Jacob Miller to talk about the moment that pushed her into entrepreneurship, what families actually need when coordinating care, the feature users surprised her by loving, building CuroNow with co-founder Pat Setji, going through Creative Destruction Lab Wisconsin, and why Madison’s startup community has made such a difference.

Tune in to learn:
How Rukmini turned a personal caregiving challenge into the foundation for CuroNow
Why family caregiving breaks down across scattered apps, group texts, and disconnected information
How building in Wisconsin helped Rukmini find support, mentors, and a stronger startup community

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:42) The personal story behind CuroNow
(07:05) Why Rukmini became a founder
(10:01) Finding the right co-founder
(12:47) Why family care coordination breaks down
(16:20) Creating one shared care hub
(19:39) The feature families use most
(21:55) Supporting doctors without adding work
(24:56) Privacy and HIPAA by design
(26:17) Storing documents in the Vault
(28:54) Building for home care agencies
(30:29) Connecting agencies, aides, and families
(36:22) Co-founder strengths and roles
(38:31) What Creative Destruction Lab taught them
(45:37) Madison’s supportive startup community
(47:40) The reality of entrepreneurship
(50:00) How to support CuroNow
Connect with Rukmini Banerjee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rukminibanerjee/
Check out CuroNow: https://www.curonow.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
https://www.startupwi.org/
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!
[email protected]
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.
https://www.headway.io
...more
53min
July 23, 2026No Fees, No Equity: How Creative Destruction Lab Builds Startups in Wisconsin, with Kai Heineman
Kai Heineman puts 50% of her startup evaluation on the team.
That may sound surprising when the product is what customers ultimately buy. But in the early stages of a company, the team has to navigate uncertainty, raise money, find customers, change direction, and keep showing up when progress gets difficult.
Kai is a venture manager at Creative Destruction Lab at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she leads the health and wellness stream. CDL works with seed-stage science and technology companies through a nonprofit model with no fees, no equity, and no IP requirements.
In this conversation, Kai explains how CDL works, why the program focuses founders on three critical objectives at a time, and what separates founders who thrive from those who struggle.
Jacob and Kai also discuss why CDL chose Wisconsin, what visiting founders discover when they come to Madison, and how the program connects global startups with local mentors, investors, healthcare organizations, and UW–Madison students.
Tune in to learn:
Why Kai weighs the founding team more heavily than the product

How Creative Destruction Lab differs from traditional accelerators

What makes Wisconsin valuable to health and insurance startups
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:20) From biology student to startup builder
(04:33) How Creative Destruction Lab supports startups
(06:45) Mentorship expands from local to global
(08:30) Inside CDL’s intensive session days
(10:52) Why founders focus on three objectives
(13:26) Why CDL launched in Wisconsin
(15:04) How corporate partners support CDL
(16:11) CDL recruits scalable startups worldwide
(17:34) Why visiting founders embrace Madison
(19:09) How Droxy scaled through CDL
(20:32) Connecting UW students with global startups
(22:33) Why seed-stage startups fit CDL
(24:17) Why strong teams make successful startups
(28:05) How to join the CDL community
(29:35) Apply by July 24 for CDL
(30:39) Why founder community determines success
Connect with Kai and CDL
Connect with Kai Heineman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kai-heineman/
Check out Creative Destruction Lab: http://www.creativedestructionlab.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
https://www.startupwi.org/
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!
[email protected]
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.
https://www.headway.io
...more
34min
June 30, 2026 How Forward BIOLABS Gives Wisconsin's Biotech Founders a Running Start with Jessica Martin Eckerly
“If you're a founder without any sort of Forward BIOLABS, you have some experiments that you need to do. And without anything like this, they have to think, ‘Well, how am I gonna get that done?’”
Jessica reflects on her 20 plus years of experience moving academic discoveries into the marketplace and explains why biotech founders face such high barriers to entry. From expensive lab equipment, safety requirements, and regulatory testing to complex logistics, she breaks down how shared lab space and on-site support can save startups significant time and cost. She also shares how Forward BIOLABS began as a “napkin scratch” idea that required fundraising, stakeholder alignment, and quick validation through early tenant companies.
We also discuss how Forward BIOLABS fits into Wisconsin’s broader innovation ecosystem, including partnerships across universities, nonprofits, and industry. Jessica highlights collaboration with organizations like WARF and WiCell, the strength of biotech talent in Madison, and why many companies choose to stay in Wisconsin as they scale rather than relocate to coastal hubs. She also shares examples like Elephas Bio, which grew from early-stage tenancy into a major personalized medicine company.
Tune in to learn:
Why biotech startups struggle with space, equipment, and regulatory complexity
How Forward BIOLABS helps founders launch faster with shared lab infrastructure and support
Why Wisconsin’s biotech ecosystem is growing through collaboration across universities, nonprofits, and industry
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Introduction
(04:10) Building the 2018 pilot lab launch
(06:34) Why biotech startups cost more
(08:41) All in one lab simplicity advantage
(11:09) Founder unlocks and early wins
(12:17) When founders should join labs
(15:04) Ecosystem front doors and referrals
(17:10) Elephas Bio cancer startup spotlight
(20:44) Why startups stay in Madison
(24:13) Milwaukee pilot ICP funding program
(26:38) Milwaukee ecosystem momentum tour insights
(27:44) Culture safety and fit screening
(31:55) What's next in 2026 expansion plans
(35:18) How to get involved quickly
Connect
Connect with Jessica Martin Eckerly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eckerlyjm/
Check out Forward BIOLABS: http://www.forwardbiolabs.org
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
https://www.startupwi.org/
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!
[email protected]
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.
https://www.headway.io
...more
37min
May 21, 2026Inside the Founder Forward Vision for UW-Madison with Jon Eckhardt
“I cannot wait till like I'm somewhere up in Northern Wisconsin, I stop and open the door, and there's the founder of a company that came from this process.”
In this episode, I sit down with Jon Eckhardt, Pyle Bascom Professor at the Wisconsin School of Business, to explore the university’s push to become more founder forward. Jon shares why entrepreneurship should be treated as a true career path, with support systems similar to medicine, law, and engineering.
Jon reflects on the experiences that shaped his thinking, from serving in the Army to co-founding gener8tor and studying entrepreneurship through data science. He explains how UW-Madison uncovered startup activity happening across nearly every discipline on campus, proving entrepreneurial talent exists far beyond business school.
We also discuss the origins of tech transfer at Wisconsin, the limits of traditional commercialization models, and why the future of entrepreneurship support should focus more on cultivating founders themselves. Jon shares how lower startup costs, shifting capital dynamics, and stronger statewide collaboration could help position Wisconsin as a leader in innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
Tune in to learn:
Why UW-Madison is embracing a founder forward approach to entrepreneurship

How entrepreneurship is emerging across every corner of campus, not just business school

How universities can better connect students, alumni, investors, and communities across the state
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:24) Army lessons that shaped Jon’s leadership
(03:32) Using data science to study startups
(04:24) Building gener8tor and mentoring founders
(06:06) Discovering hidden founders across campus
(09:33) Thousands of students have startup ideas
(13:52) How tech transfer started at Wisconsin
(17:01) Why founders matter more than patents
(20:39) Treating entrepreneurship as a career path
(23:43) Exposing students to entrepreneurship early
(27:54) Measuring startup success at UW-Madison
(33:58) Connecting student founders across Wisconsin
(39:34) Why startup costs are collapsing today
(45:06) The truth about bootstrapping startups
(52:04) What comes next for founder forward initiatives
Notes
Connect with Jon Eckhardt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joneckhardt/
Check out University of Wisconsin-Madison: https://entrepreneurship.wisc.edu/
Check out the Empowering the Wisconsin Idea Report: https://news.wisc.edu/content/uploads/2024/09/EmpoweringtheWisconsinIdea-Report-Final4-Accessible-3.pdf
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
https://www.startupwi.org/
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!
[email protected]
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.
https://www.headway.io
...more
58min
April 21, 2026Fixing the Data Problem Slowing Down Life-Saving Drugs with Justin Byers
“If nobody else is going to do this, I'm gonna jump in with both feet and I'm gonna make it happen.”
In this episode, I sit down with Justin Byers, founder and CEO of Axio BioPharma, to explore how his company is solving one of biotech's most overlooked bottlenecks: the broken flow of data between early-stage research and large-scale manufacturing. Through AI-powered data pipelines, Axio is helping get life-saving therapies to patients faster and more reliably.
Justin traces his path from bench scientist to biotech founder, sharing hard-won lessons from building a company in one of the most regulated industries in the world. He also makes the case for why high-throughput domestic drug manufacturing is more than a business opportunity. It's a national priority.
We also dig into Midwest BioCapital, Justin's pre-seed and seed-stage fund backing the next generation of Midwest biotech startups, and why the partnerships you choose in those earliest stages can make or break everything that follows.
Tune in to learn:
How Axio BioPharma is using AI to streamline drug development and reduce risk

The challenges of building a biotech company in the U.S. and the role of data pipelines

How Midwest BioCapital aims to fill the early-stage funding gap for Midwest startups
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:17) Justin’s background in biochemistry and molecular biology
(02:51) The creation of Axio BioPharma
(05:00) The challenges of drug manufacturing and data management
(07:22) Why AI is crucial in the drug development process
(10:05) The role of Midwest BioCapital in supporting early-stage biotech companies
(12:37) Building data pipelines for the pharmaceutical industry
(15:45) The importance of partnerships in the biotech startup world
(19:15) How Madison’s ecosystem supports biotech innovation
(22:30) The balance of growth and focus in a biotech startup
(25:50) What’s next for Axio BioPharma and Midwest BioCapital
Connect with Justin Byers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-byers-03760931/
Check out Axio BioPharma: https://www.axiobiopharma.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
https://www.startupwi.org/
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!
[email protected]
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.
https://www.headway.io
...more
44min
March 31, 2026 Building Belonging in Startup Communities with Angela Damiani
“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
https://www.startupwi.org/
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!
[email protected]
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.
https://www.headway.io
...more
51min
March 10, 2026Your Cell Phone is Already Using This Tech (You Just Don't Know It) with Russell From of WayFi Wireless
“There’s no reason every small business in Wisconsin shouldn’t use this.”
In this episode, I chat with Russell From, President and Co-Founder of WayFi Wireless, a company revolutionizing connectivity for businesses and nonprofits across Wisconsin and the world. He shares the inspiring journey of how WayFi Wireless uses cutting-edge technology to fix cellular dead zones by leveraging wifi, without the hefty costs traditionally associated with infrastructure.
From working at Verizon to tech founder, Russell discusses WayFi Wireless' 10,000+ global deployments powered by PassPoint technology, bridging the digital divide by offering free connectivity to users that’s funded entirely by carriers. He also shares their recent "Best Open Roaming Deployment" award, their work with the Coverage Across America Program in Wisconsin, and the hard-earned lessons he’s gathered while building a startup from the ground up.
Tune in to learn:
How cell phone carriers pay for Wi-Fi to reduce churn and enhance customer experience

How Passpoint/Hotspot 2.0 ensures seamless, secure connections without popups or apps

What it takes to go from MVP to scale through partner strategy, support, and distribution
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(00:36) Meet Russ of WayFi Wireless
(02:03) From Verizon engineer to founder
(06:38) Why Passpoint and open roaming took off
(12:40) Pivoting to Wi-Fi and scaling to 1,200 locations
(22:22) The business of Wi-Fi monetization
(28:41) How blockchain speeds up carrier payments
(35:57) Lessons from corporate to startup life
(42:05) The transition from funding to self-sustaining growth
(46:08) Big wins and international expansion
Connect
Connect with Russell From: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russfr/
Check out WayFi Wireless: https://wayfiwireless.com/
Follow
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/
Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletter: https://www.startupwi.org
Check out Headway: https://www.headway.io
Connect with Jacob Miller:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbear
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
https://www.startupwi.org/
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!
[email protected]
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.
https://www.headway.io
...more
56min
February 26, 2026Follow What Feels Alive: Building Two Mission-Driven Startups with Jillian Bichanich
Podcast Sponsor
The Startup Wisconsin Podcast is presented by Valency Fund.
Episode Notes
“It shouldn’t be this hard to do good in this world.”
In this episode, I sit down with Jillian Bichanich, a Wisconsin-born founder and builder, to discuss how she is growing two mission-driven startups at the same time. Jillian shares her journey as the co-founder of Cubbi, an app designed to support families navigating disabilities, and as the founder of Pocketchange, a platform dedicated to helping consumers shop based on their values.
Jillian explains why following what feels alive has guided her entrepreneurial path and how facing rejection and chaos shaped her drive. We explore the unique partnership she shares with her co-founder and her experience of bootstrapping both companies. Jillian also reflects on the importance of aligning business with personal values, and her vision for revolutionizing industries with purpose-driven ventures.
Tune in to learn:
Why building two startups at once can fuel growth and creativity

How following what feels alive can guide founders through chaos and uncertainty

Why aligning your business with your personal values creates lasting impact
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:33) Meet Jillian Bichanich of Cubbi and Pocketchange
(01:40) Cubbi’s mission to support families
(06:42) How Cubbi transitioned to sponsor funding
(09:38) Jillian's path to founding Cubbi and Pocketchange
(12:16) Building a strong co-founder partnership
(15:42) How Jillian balances two startups
(19:24) Why ego-free collaboration is essential for success
(22:46) Building a values-driven shopping app
(25:37) From branding to MVP the hard way
(28:03) Why Madison is ideal for entrepreneurs
(37:28) Cubbi’s new "pay what you can" model
Connect with the Guest
Connect with Jillian Bichanich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianphyllis/
Check out Cubbi: https://www.cubbiapp.com/
Check out Pocketchange: https://pocketchangethe.world/
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
https://www.startupwi.org/
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!
[email protected]
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.
https://www.headway.io
...more
42min
February 17, 2026Helping Founders Get Out of Their Own Way with Michael Ceely
In this episode, I sit down with Michael Ceely, a high-performance coach for executives, entrepreneurs, and athletes, to talk about why founders get stuck in fear, anxiety spirals, and self-sabotage. He brings a rare perspective to the founder mindset because he knows when someone needs coaching and when they actually need therapy.
Michael reframes imposter syndrome as a normal response to new situations, explains why anxiety is often an action signal rather than a problem, and shares how getting the focus off yourself and onto your customer can quiet a lot of the noise. We also talk about Madison’s startup ecosystem, what he learned from StartingBlock’s Level Set program, and his ambitious goal to scale into a $10M/year business.
Tune in to learn:
Why imposter syndrome is a normal insecurity and what to do with it
Why anxiety is often an “action signal,” and the simple habit that breaks the spiral
How the 80% rule + real delegation help founders regain momentum

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(00:37) Meet Michael Ceely
(01:41) A Wisconsin story of becoming a coach
(05:04) How Michael balances psychotherapy and coaching work
(10:39) Why coaching’s lack of regulation matters
(18:13) Common patterns founders struggle with
(27:24) Where does anxiety come from
(29:43) The 80% rule for decision making
(31:58) How self-sabotage shows up
(33:28) Madison’s impact on founder mindset
(36:14) Inside Madison’s StartingBlock experience
(38:48) What makes Madison a good place to build
(44:10) Why accountability beats another workshop
(48:21) Scaling with intention, not shortcuts

Connect with Michael Ceely: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ceely/
Follow Michael Ceely on Instagram: http://instagram.com/michael_ceely/
Check out Michael Ceely’s official website: https://www.michaelceely.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
https://www.startupwi.org/
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!
[email protected]
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.
https://www.headway.io
...more
53min
February 10, 2026How This Website is Helping Solve the Mental Health Crisis with Ben Camp of Recovery.com
"Everyone's recovering from something."
Millions struggle to find the treatment they need, often unsure where to begin.
That’s where Ben Camp, CEO and co-founder of Recovery.com, comes in.
Ben is leading a revolution in how people access addiction and mental health care, making it easier and more trustworthy than ever before.
In this episode, Ben discusses how Recovery.com built a patient-first platform in an industry where trust is paramount, scaled it using unconventional strategies, and successfully navigated a major brand pivot. From his marketing background to testing their model in India and raising Series B funding, Ben’s journey is one of overcoming significant challenges with a bold, patient-centered approach.
Tune in to hear how Recovery.com is reshaping the mental health recovery landscape and what’s next in the fight for better care.
Tune in to learn:
How testing the company’s platform in India before the U.S. helped fine-tune their freemium model
What it looks like to balance mission and business incentives without compromising patient trust
Why buying the Recovery.com domain became a turning point
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(00:38) Meet Ben Camp of Recovery.com
(01:50) How Recovery.com got started
(06:09) A freemium model that converts
(08:33) Fundraising lessons from their first investor
(11:48) How to scale with purpose
(15:37) Why Recovery.com was a game changer
(21:16) The early days of hiring and growing the team
(25:56) When to step back and let the team lead
(29:24) The strategy behind acquisitions and funding choices
(37:03) What growth looks like in the year ahead
Connect with Ben Camp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamincamp/
Check out Recovery.com: https://www.recovery.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
https://www.startupwi.org/
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!
[email protected]
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.
https://www.headway.io
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40min

FAQs about Startup Wisconsin Podcast:

How many episodes does Startup Wisconsin Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 22 episodes available.