Chamber Announces Formal Combination with Madison Magnet Young Professionals Group

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (September 10, 2025)

Contact: Jess Miller, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952, jess@madisonbiz.com

Chamber Announces Formal Combination with Madison Magnet Young Professionals Group
Organizations joining forces to build a stronger foundation for emerging leaders

MADISON – Today, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced that the young professionals group Madison Magnet has formally combined with the Chamber. This partnership is designed to support the Chamber’s goal of accelerating economic growth while advancing early-career professionals and bolstering Magnet’s long-term sustainability.

Since its founding in 2004, Magnet has been volunteer-driven and will remain so. As the organization continues to grow, the need for infrastructure and operational support has become increasingly clear. By combining with the Chamber, Magnet will benefit from additional resources and strategic guidance while maintaining its independent board and mission-driven programming.

“This move is about investing in the future of our region and our workforce,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “Over the last decade, early-career professionals have been an essential part of our region’s success. We’re excited to support Magnet’s mission to create opportunity and community for Greater Madison’s next leaders.”

Some key elements of this partnership include:

• Independent Governance: Both the Chamber and Magnet will maintain separate boards, with each organization holding a seat on the other’s board to ensure collaboration and shared vision.
• Volunteer-Driven Leadership: Magnet will continue to be volunteer-led, with the Chamber providing operational support to increase efficiency and scale.
• No Immediate Changes to Membership: There will be no changes to membership dues or structure for either organization at this time.

“This combination allows Magnet to increase our capacity to serve members without losing the spirit and energy that defines us,” said Magnet President Joey Broms. “With the Chamber’s support, we’re better equipped to help like-minded young professionals connect, develop and grow.”

Together, the Chamber and Magnet are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and inclusive workforce — one that showcases the promise and potential of emerging leaders.

About Madison Magnet: Madison Magnet is an organization committed to fostering connections among young professionals in the Madison area. By providing networking opportunities, professional development resources and community engagement initiatives, Madison Magnet empowers young professionals to thrive both personally and professionally. Learn more at madisonmagnet.org.

About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce: The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,200 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 10,000 employees – working to bring the Greater Madison area to its full potential. The Greater Madison region is a leader in innovation. From cutting-edge technologies to distinctive retail shops to inventive services and products, our members vary greatly but are united by the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. More information can be found at madisonbiz.com.

###

AI Startup Strudel Wins 2025 Pressure Chamber

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (August 21, 2025)

Contact: Jess Miller, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952, jess@madisonbiz.com

AI Startup Strudel Wins 2025 Pressure Chamber
Win earns trip to San Francisco to pitch Silicon Valley investment firms this fall

MADISON – On Tuesday, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced AI startup Strudel as the winner of the 12th annual Pressure Chamber pitch competition. As Pressure Chamber champion, Strudel receives the “golden suitcase,” representing a reserved spot in the Chamber’s exclusive Greater Madison startup meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms this October.

The winner was chosen by a combination of votes from national investor judges and a live audience at The Sylvee. The other Pressure Chamber finalists were Atrility, Maxwave, redelevenlabs and Reliable Residence.

Strudel uses AI to automate complex technical support by analyzing production data and code, cutting resolution time by 65% and saving engineering teams time for product development. The Madison-based startup addresses a $264 billion problem affecting B2B SaaS companies whose engineers spend 30-50% of their time on customer support instead of building products.

“Strudel represents exactly what Pressure Chamber has always been about — showcasing cutting edge technology and innovative solutions to solve global problems,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “We congratulate all of this year’s finalists, who represent the full diversity of innovation that exists in Greater Madison. We are proud to offer these companies a platform to tell their stories here and in Silicon Valley.”

“It’s an honor to be recognized among so many incredible companies as this year’s Pressure Chamber champion,” said Strudel co-founder Kristin Isaac. “We’re excited to leverage this momentum to grow our business and support Greater Madison’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. We’re looking forward to connecting with more investors in the Bay Area this fall.”

Representatives from Strudel are available for an interview upon request.

Pressure Chamber is presented by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and Michael Best, with support from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, State of Wisconsin Investment Board, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and UW–Madison Office of Business Engagement, Fetch, TruStage, Associated Bank, Madison College, JP Cullen, The Gialamas Company, 4490 Ventures, Baird Capital, Idea Fund, Mastercraft Ventures, Rock River Capital Partners and FPC Live.

About The Forward Festival: The Forward Festival is a five-day technology and entrepreneur-focused festival held annually in Wisconsin with more than 40 events connecting attendees and inspiring innovation. The 2025 edition of The Forward Festival is August 18-22. Visit forwardfest.org for more information.

About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce: The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,200 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 10,000 employees – working to bring the Greater Madison area to its full potential. The Greater Madison region is a leader in innovation. From cutting-edge technologies to distinctive retail shops to inventive services and products, our members vary greatly but are united by the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. More information can be found at madisonbiz.com.

###

Chamber Announces 2025 Pressure Chamber Finalists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (July 30, 2025)

Contact: Jess Miller, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952, jess@madisonbiz.com

Chamber Announces 2025 Pressure Chamber Finalists
On Aug. 19, five top emerging companies present for chance to pitch Silicon Valley investment firms this fall

MADISON – Today the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced the five finalists that will take the stage at the 12th annual Pressure Chamber on Aug. 19 at The Sylvee. This initiative, presented by Michael Best and in partnership with The Forward Festival, is a proven launchpad for local entrepreneurs and a showcase of the innovation coming out of the region. Collectively, funding raised by participating Pressure Chamber companies is approaching $1 billion.

The 2025 Pressure Chamber finalists are:

• Atrility is transforming cardiac care with AI-driven arrhythmia diagnostics and prediction using the highest quality cardiac waveform data available, accessed through a patented device in use at hospitals nationwide. This equips clinicians with the critical information they need to quickly identify and act on dangerous arrhythmias, helping improve clinical outcomes, shorten length of stay and reduce cost of care.
• Maxwave is pioneering long-range wireless power beaming — delivering energy without wires using focused electromagnetic waves. This technology enables efficient, safe and scalable power transfer for autonomous systems, disaster recovery, remote operations and smart cities.
• redelevenlabs uses AI to crack down on AI-driven impersonation and defamation. This revolutionary new tool helps individuals and agencies detect and remove deepfake or harmful content quickly and affordably without expensive legal teams.
• Reliable Residence connects healthcare professionals with furnished monthly housing. Founded by a physician who experienced the housing struggle firsthand, Reliable Residence makes it easy for nurses and doctors to find safe, reliable places to stay — so they can focus on caring for our community.
• Strudel uses AI to automate complex technical support by analyzing production data and code, cutting resolution time by 65% and saving engineering teams 20% of their time for product development. The Madison-based startup addresses a $264 billion problem affecting B2B SaaS companies whose engineers spend 30-50% of their time on customer support instead of building products.

At the event, finalists will pitch to a group of national investors and a live audience. The winner — determined by a combination of judge scoring and audience voting — will receive the “golden suitcase,” which guarantees a reserved spot in the Chamber’s exclusive Greater Madison startup meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms this fall.

”It’s a sign of the ingenuity and innovation coming out of our region that this year’s Pressure Chamber is shaping up to be the biggest yet,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “We look forward to hearing from this exciting new group of emerging companies that will help write the next chapter in Greater Madison’s story.”

Past Pressure Chamber winners have credited the initiative with helping their company close successful funding rounds. Additionally, Pressure Chamber has been recognized by both the International Economic Development Council and Steve Case’s Rise of the Rest Summit as an entrepreneurship and economic development best practice.

To register for Pressure Chamber, visit madisonbiz.com/pressure-chamber. If you plan to cover the event, contact Communications Manager Jess Miller (jess@madisonbiz.com).

Pressure Chamber is presented by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and Michael Best, with support from the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and UW–Madison Office of Business Engagement, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Fetch, TruStage, Associated Bank, Madison College, JP Cullen, The Gialamas Company, 4490 Ventures, Baird Capital, Idea Fund, Mastercraft Ventures, Rock River Capital Partners and FPC Live.

Pressure Chamber finalists are available for interviews upon request.

About The Forward Festival: The Forward Festival is a 5-day festival held annually in Madison, Wisconsin, for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs with locally organized events to connect and inspire innovation featuring all aspects of entrepreneurship. The 2025 edition of The Forward Festival will run August 18-22. Visit forwardfest.org for more information.

About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce: The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,200 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 10,000 employees – working to bring the Greater Madison area to its full potential. The Greater Madison region is a leader in innovation. From cutting-edge technologies to distinctive retail shops to inventive services and products, our members vary greatly but are united by the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. More information can be found at madisonbiz.com.

###

Chamber Accepting Nominations for 2025 Ground Floor Award for Small Business Leadership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (July 8, 2025)

Contact: Jess Miller, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952, jess@madisonbiz.com

Chamber Accepting Nominations for 2025 Ground Floor Award for Small Business Leadership
Award Recognizes Champions for Local Business

MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Ground Floor Award for Small Business Leadership. Since 2016, the award has honored leaders in their business and in the community who have helped other small businesses succeed.

“Greater Madison’s economic momentum is real,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “This award recognizes community members who are helping accelerate that momentum. They are mentors, advocates and contributors to the continued development and prosperity of our region’s small businesses.”

Past Ground Floor Award recipients include:

• Henry Sanders, 365 Media (2024)
• Carol “Orange” Schroeder, Orange Tree Imports (2023)
• Eugenia Podestá, Synergy Coworking (2022)
• Mark Schmitz, ZEBRADOG (2019)
• Jeff “JP” Patterson, JP Hair Design (2018)
• Susan Bulgrin, Culver’s – Todd Drive (2017)
• Jim Garner, Sergenian’s Floor Coverings (2016).

If you know a small business leader who deserves recognition, you can nominate them at bit.ly/4lfEIvz. Nominations are open through July 27. For questions, contact Public Policy Manager David Aguayo.

About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,200 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 10,000 employees – working to bring the Greater Madison area to its full potential. The Greater Madison region is a leader in innovation. From cutting-edge technologies to distinctive retail shops to inventive services and products, our members vary greatly but are united by the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. More information can be found at madisonbiz.com.

###

Chamber Accepting Applications for 12th Annual Pressure Chamber Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (June 10, 2025)

Contact: Jess Miller, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952, jess@madisonbiz.com

Chamber Accepting Applications for 12th Annual Pressure Chamber Competition
Greater Madison’s premier live pitch contest returns Aug. 19 during Forward Fest

MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for this year’s Pressure Chamber, Greater Madison’s premier live pitch contest, which will take place Aug. 19 during Forward Fest, Wisconsin’s largest technology and entrepreneurship festival. This event is presented by Michael Best with support from active regional investment firms, as well as the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and UW–Madison Office of Business Engagement, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.

Pressure Chamber applicants go through a screening process that may include presentations with prominent Wisconsin investors. From there, a select number of companies will be chosen to pitch their ideas to a panel of national investors and a live audience during Forward Fest. The winning company will receive the “golden suitcase” which guarantees a reserved spot in the Chamber’s exclusive Greater Madison startup meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms this fall.

“Pressure Chamber is an impactful platform where visibility turns into validation,” said Chamber Vice President Kevin Little. “For new and emerging companies seeking investor and customer traction, this is a proven way to accelerate growth and take your business to the next level.”

Past Pressure Chamber winners have credited the initiative with helping their company close successful funding rounds. And Pressure Chamber has been recognized by both the International Economic Development Council and Steve Case’s Rise of the Rest Summit as an entrepreneurship and economic development best practice. Collectively, funding raised by participating Pressure Chamber companies is approaching $1 billion.

Pressure Chamber is open to companies in any industry that meet the following requirements:

• Be a member of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce (startup memberships available) or support another local entrepreneurial partner organization
• Be located in Greater Madison or plan to relocate to Greater Madison by Aug. 19, 2025
• Have raised at least $25,000, excluding personal investment by company founders
• Application must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2025

The application is largely open-ended and designed to be easy to complete. Learn more and apply here.

Pressure Chamber is presented by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and Michael Best, with support from the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and UW–Madison Office of Business Engagement, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Fetch, TruStage, Associated Bank, JP Cullen, The Gialamas Company, 4490 Ventures, Baird Capital, Idea Fund, Rock River Capital Partners and FPC Live.

For more information about Forward Fest, visit forwardfest.org.

About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,200 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 10,000 employees – working to bring the Greater Madison area to its full potential. The Greater Madison region is a leader in innovation. From cutting-edge technologies to distinctive retail shops to inventive services and products, our members vary greatly but are united by the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. More information can be found at madisonbiz.com.

###