01
7:45–8:45 AM
Coffee & Connect
Start your day with great coffee and even better conversation. A relaxed, pre-conference gathering for founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders. No pitches, no panels, just genuine dialogue.
Summerfest Tech × BMO × Funded House
The Entrepreneur Lounge
at Summerfest Tech
When
June 24–25, 2026
Where
Milwaukee, WI
Part of
Entrepreneur Alley Programming
Startups attending Summerfest Tech must register separately. Our RSVP below is just to let us know you're planning to join Lounge activities.
Why it exists
Most events optimize for volume.
The Entrepreneur Lounge is designed to improve the quality of interactions.
A dedicated gathering space within Summerfest Tech's Entrepreneur Alley, co-hosted by BMO and Funded House. It combines curated programming, structured networking, and intentional relationship-building to help companies and investors move conversations forward faster.
Rather than relying on random networking and surface-level conversations, the Lounge creates focused environments where founders and investors engage with greater context, alignment, and intentionality.
Programming
Two days.
June 24–25
Day One
Wednesday, June 24
02
10:00–11:00 AM
Entrepreneur Lounge Networking
An open environment designed for spontaneous, high-context conversations, introductions, and relationship-building throughout the conference.
03
11:00 AM–12:45 PM
Session 1: Investor Meetup
Collaborating for the Midwest's Next Breakout Opportunities. VCs, angels, corporate innovation leaders, and fund managers exchange theses, explore emerging sectors, and identify co-investment opportunities.
04
12:45–2:00 PM
Break
A pause in formal programming.
05
2:00–5:00 PM
Entrepreneur Lounge Networking
The Lounge remains open for ongoing conversations, introductions, and relationship-building throughout the afternoon.
Day Two
Thursday, June 25
01
7:45–8:45 AM
Coffee & Connect
A second morning gathering, informal and open, for founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders to connect before the day's programming begins.
02
10:00–11:00 AM
Entrepreneur Lounge Networking
An open environment designed for spontaneous, high-context conversations, introductions, and relationship-building throughout the conference.
03
11:00 AM–12:45 PM
Session 2: Founder / Investor Meetup
Connecting Capital with Momentum. Founders gain direct access to decision-makers and actionable feedback; investors benefit from vetted deal flow and early insight into promising Midwest companies.
04
12:45–2:00 PM
Break
A pause in formal programming.
05
2:00–5:00 PM
Entrepreneur Lounge Networking
The Lounge remains open for ongoing conversations, introductions, and relationship-building throughout the afternoon.
06
5:00–7:00 PM
Founder / Investor Happy Hour
A signature BMO relationship-building experience to close out the conference.
The Partners
Co-hosted by
BMO
BMO supports entrepreneurs across their growth journey through banking, capital access, strategic guidance, and relationship-driven advisory support.
Funded House
A funding accelerator that helps great startups and great investors find each other faster.
Through its Venture Scoreboard framework, Funded House helps founders better understand how investors evaluate opportunities, and improve how they show up in fundraising conversations.
Shared Goal
Help more companies get funded faster, while strengthening Milwaukee and the Midwest as a credible region for innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment.
Featured Investors
Who you'll meet.
Lineup announced soon
Coming Soon
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Investor
We're finalizing a curated group of VCs, angels, and corporate innovation leaders. Profiles will be revealed in the weeks ahead. Check back for updates.
RSVP
Reserve your seat
at the Lounge.
Space is intentionally limited to keep conversations focused and meaningful.
Attending Summerfest Tech? Register here if you haven't already. This is separate from your Lounge RSVP.