Milwaukee's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2024

Milwaukee's startup game is on fire! This city is turning into a hot spot for fresh tech companies that are shaking things up in 2024.

According to the latest data, Milwaukee's startup scene has leveled up big time, jumping 26 spots in the Global Ecosystem Index. That's some serious momentum!

Experts are saying Milwaukee has all the right ingredients to become a startup superstar, from top-notch talent coming out of schools like Marquette and Milwaukee School of Engineering to an unstoppable Midwestern work ethic.

Plus, the city is home to accelerators like gener8tor that are pumping over $1.3 billion into new ventures.

But it's not just about the money.

Milwaukee is cooking up a community that's all about mentorship and support for entrepreneurs. Programs like MKE Venture Mentoring are connecting startups with experienced founders who've been there, done that.

And let's not forget about the city's claim to fame as the top spot for early-stage investment growth in 2023.

Figuring out the hottest startups to watch in Milwaukee's tech scene for 2024 was no easy task. Our approach? Going all-in with a data-driven strategy to sniff out the most promising contenders.

First up, we laid out key criteria like innovation potential, growth trajectory, funding flow, team firepower, and community impact.

Then, we tapped into those authoritative data sources like Crunchbase and PitchBook, plus got the inside scoop from local accelerators at gener8tor and The Commons.

With that arsenal of insights, we screened, analyzed, and double-checked until we had our shortlist locked down. As Mike Lovell from Marquette University said,

"Milwaukee's startup ecosystem is rapidly evolving, and it's crucial to stay ahead of the curve by identifying and supporting the most promising ventures."

This wine subscription squad called Bright Cellars is shaking things up big time! They've got this sick AI algorithm that matches you with wines tailored to your taste buds.

It's like having a personal sommelier in your pocket, except way cooler 'cause it uses machine learning to figure out what flavors you're into.

Here's the deal - you take this quick quiz, and boom, they've got your taste profile locked down.

Then every month, they ship out a fresh batch of bottles handpicked just for you. No more wasting cash on wines you might not vibe with, ya feel me? And the best part? They've got certified sommeliers on staff to make sure the selections are on point.

These guys are killing it too - over 400,000 people have joined the Bright Cellars crew, rating millions of wines to help the AI get even smarter.

A whopping 97% of subscribers say they've discovered new favorites thanks to the personalized recommendations. With numbers like that, Bright Cellars is setting the bar for wine clubs in 2024.

Keep slaying, Bright Cellars!

Check this out! Scanalytics, that rad startup with the wicked floor sensors, is killin' it in the tech game. They're packing some serious innovation with their sensors that can track every move you make, anonymously, of course.

Imagine having that kind of data at your fingertips - you could optimize the heck outta your business, from retail to healthcare and beyond.

These dudes have been making major moves, like inking a deal with a huge retail chain to drop their sensors in over 500 stores.

They even teamed up with Mohawk Group, one of the biggest names in flooring, to bring their tech to the masses.

Hospitals are jumping on board too, using Scanalytics to streamline patient flow and staffing, talk about next-level efficiency.

In 2023, these innovative masterminds were named one of the "Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Wisconsin" by some big-shot tech publication.

They also scored a sweet $1.3M contract from the U.S. Department of Energy to keep pushing the boundaries of their tech.

With achievements like that under their belt, industry experts are saying Scanalytics is the startup to keep your eyes peeled for in 2024. These guys are shaking things up, and I'm totally here for it!

You won't believe what's going down with Frontdesk, the Milwaukee-based short-term rental startup.

They've had to let go of their entire 200-person staff, and it looks like they're about to shut down for good. Apparently, their attempts to raise more cash failed, and now they're filing for some kind of state receivership thing.

According to reports, Frontdesk's assets, including their tech and rental contracts, will likely be up for grabs soon.

It seems their business model of leasing apartments for short-term rentals just couldn't make it work due to the high upfront costs and unpredictable demand. But maybe one of their competitors can scoop up the remains and make it work.

The short-term rental market is still booming, with people spending thousands on vacations and business trips.

But Frontdesk couldn't quite crack the code, despite their big plans to revolutionize the industry with automated pricing, guest communication tools, and comprehensive property management solutions.

Who knows, maybe someone else will figure it out and give giants like Airbnb a run for their money.

Rent College Pads is totally revolutionizing the student housing game. Elizabeth Taylor and her team are using cutting-edge tech to make finding a place to live a total breeze for us college kids and property managers alike.

Their platform is like a one-stop-shop, listing out all the dope student housing options, complete with virtual tours and filters that let you zero in on the perfect spot based on location, amenities, and how much cash you're willing to drop.

But what really sets Rent College Pads apart is how they've woven technology into every nook and cranny of their services.

They've got these awesome AI chatbots that are always ready to lend a hand, 24/7. And their mobile app? Straight fire! You can find roommates, pay rent, and request maintenance all from your phone.

Talk about convenience!

These guys are taking over college towns left and right. As of 2023, Rent College Pads is crushing it in over 50 campuses across the U.S., with a massive 200,000+ student user base.

Their innovative approach has been turning heads, and they've hit some major milestones:

• Funding Success: Raised $8 million in Series A funding in 2022.
• Partnership Growth: Over 500 student housing communities partnered up nationwide.
• Financial Achievement: Processed a whopping $50 million+ in rental transactions in 2022 alone.

At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Rent College Pads cut down the average time students spent hunting for housing from 6 weeks to just 2 weeks! That's a total game-changer, freeing up more time for us to focus on classes and just living our best college lives.

As one university housing official put it,

"Rent College Pads has been a game-changer for our students. It's a true testament to the power of technology in solving real-world problems."

Check this out, fyxify is a total game-changer when it comes to getting your home's heating and cooling system serviced or repaired.

They've got this awesome app that connects you with verified technicians in your area, so you don't have to waste time hunting for a reliable service provider.

Plus, with their AI-powered diagnostics, the pros can often figure out the issue even before they arrive, which is super convenient.

But it's not just about convenience – fyxify is tackling some major problems in the home energy management industry.

High energy consumption, outdated equipment, and disjointed repair services have been a real headache for homeowners and utility companies alike. fyxify's platform addresses all of that by guiding you to cost-effective, energy-efficient solutions, and helping you upgrade to high-efficiency equipment directly from manufacturers.

The best part? fyxify isn't just for homeowners – they've got solutions for contractors, manufacturers, and even utility providers.

Contractors can grow their customer base through fyxify's service network, while manufacturers can introduce their innovative products to a massive residential market.

And utility companies can leverage fyxify's tech to implement smart grid programs and manage energy loads more effectively.

Rapid Radicals is making some serious waves in Milwaukee's tech scene with their next-level water treatment game. These guys are mixing advanced oxidation processes with rad nanotechnology to completely shake up how we purify water.

By harnessing the power of hydroxyl radicals, their system can literally kick out a whole range of nasty contaminants, from persistent organic pollutants to pharmaceuticals and even pathogens.

According to a legit peer-reviewed study, their AOP system managed to remove a whopping 99% of endocrine-disrupting compounds from wastewater.

And in another case study, they achieved an insane 92% reduction in antibiotics and a mind-blowing 97% decrease in antibiotic-resistant genes.

Talk about tackling the scary issue of antibiotic resistance in our water bodies!

These guys aren't just about the tech, though. They've teamed up with local orgs to bring clean drinking water to communities that really need it.

One of their coolest initiatives involves setting up their compact water treatment units in schools, ensuring students and staff have access to safe, contaminant-free water.

And they just scored a massive $5 million Series A funding round, so they're gearing up to take their operation to the next level!

Honestly, the benefits of advanced water treatment solutions like Rapid Radicals' are game-changing:

• Improved public health by kicking out harmful contaminants
• Protecting aquatic ecosystems by minimizing pollutant release
• Promoting sustainability by reducing the need for energy-intensive treatment methods
• Enhancing water security, especially in areas facing water scarcity

As Milwaukee's tech scene continues to slay, Rapid Radicals stands as a shining example of how innovation can drive real, positive change.

With their unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being, this startup is poised to make a massive impact on the water treatment industry and beyond.

"Our mission is not just about creating cutting-edge technology, but about delivering sustainable solutions that improve the lives of people and protect our planet." - Thomas Jackson, CEO, Rapid Radicals Technology

In the world of self-driving farm machines, Exodus Global (formerly Exodus Machines) is leading the charge. As we approach 2024, this startup is revolutionizing agriculture with its cutting-edge autonomous vehicles.

Their self-driving tractors and harvesters are packed with rad features like:

• Pinpoint Navigation: Using GPS, LiDAR, and computer vision, these bad boys can navigate fields with insane precision, boosting crop yields and reducing waste.
• Smart Decision-Making: Thanks to machine learning algorithms, these autonomous systems can adapt to changing field conditions on the fly, making real-time adjustments for maximum efficiency.
• Remote Control: Farmers can monitor and control their autonomous fleet from a central platform, enabling data-driven decisions and productivity gains.

Industry experts predict the adoption of autonomous ag vehicles will skyrocket by 18% annually through 2024.

This growth is fueled by the pressing need to address labor shortages, enhance sustainability, and boost farm profitability. A study by the American Farm Bureau Federation revealed that autonomous farming tech could lead to a mind-blowing $18 billion in annual economic benefits for U.S. agriculture.

"Self-driving vehicles in agriculture are no longer a far-off dream; they're a reality shaping the future of farming," said Michael Williams, CEO of Exodus Global. "Our mission is to empower farmers with cutting-edge tech that streamlines operations, reduces costs, and ultimately contributes to a more sustainable and efficient food production system."

As Exodus Global continues pushing boundaries, their impact on the agriculture industry is set to explode, paving the way for a new era of precision, efficiency, and environmental stewardship in food production.

With innovations like the autonomy retrofit kits from AGCO, mixed fleets can go driverless too.

Social media isn't just for scrolling endlessly; it's a goldmine for businesses looking to level up their marketing game. Enter Socialeads, a Milwaukee-based startup that's crushing it in the social media data analysis space.

Their platform is like a secret weapon, giving companies the inside scoop on what their audience is all about.

With Socialeads, you can monitor social conversations like a pro, keeping tabs on brand mentions, competitors, and industry trends across multiple platforms.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg! They've got audience segmentation down to a science, helping you identify key demographics, interests, and behavior patterns of your target market.

Socialeads doesn't just gather data; they make it actionable.

Their analytics tools let you measure the impact of your social media campaigns with detailed metrics and insights that'll have you feeling like a marketing ninja.

Don't just take my word for it, though.

Socialeads has a track record of delivering real results. One e-commerce brand saw a 35% increase in social media engagement after tapping into their audience segmentation powers.

And a B2B company boosted their lead generation efforts by a whopping 22% with targeted social advertising strategies fueled by Socialeads' data.

The social media marketing landscape is constantly evolving, and Socialeads is staying ahead of the curve.

According to industry reports, 2024 will bring advanced AI-powered sentiment analysis for even more accurate audience insights, immersive augmented and virtual reality experiences for social commerce, and seamless cross-platform analytics for a unified view of your social media performance.

If you're ready to take your social media marketing to the next level, Socialeads is the startup to watch.

With their cutting-edge technology and commitment to innovation, they're equipping businesses with the tools they need to dominate the ever-changing social media game.

Wantable is shattering the fashion game, making waves with their killer data skills that personalize your wardrobe to the max. As a startup from Milwaukee, they're crunching numbers and decoding your vibe to curate clothing recs that are totally on point.

Their algorithms study your purchase history and style preferences like a pro, nailing an 88% accuracy rate for finding pieces that scream "you" – that's straight fire!

These tech-savvy fashionistas aren't playing around.

They've already scored over a million active subscribers nationwide and landed a $25 million Series C round to keep the personalized fashion dream alive.

With the global market projected to hit $490 billion by 2024, Wantable is primed to dominate this space and make everyone's closet game unbeatable.

From decoding your style DNA to hand-picking fresh looks, Wantable is the real MVP of curating the ultimate wardrobe.

Their data wizardry translates your vibe into a killer closet, elevating your fashion A-game like never before. In the words of their CEO, "Our goal is to help you slay with confidence by expressing your unique style."

Milwaukee's startup scene is getting hotter by the day, with so many fresh ideas and cutting-edge tech companies making waves. This city's got a real fire burning for innovation, and the world better watch out for what's coming next! According to a recent report from StartupBlink, Milwaukee is ranked among the top startup hotspots in the entire U.S., cementing its status as an emerging tech powerhouse.

The cash is flowing too, with venture capital investments in Wisconsin startups skyrocketing by a staggering 37% in 2022, raking in a record-breaking $1.2 billion according to the Wisconsin Technology Council.

Some of the hottest trends taking over Milwaukee in 2024 include:

• AI and Machine Learning: Companies like Bright Cellars and Wantable are already using this tech to personalize products and services like never before. Expect AI and ML to take over everything from healthcare to manufacturing in the near future.
• Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Sensors: Startups like Scanalytics are leading the charge in intelligent sensor technology, allowing for real-time data collection and analysis in sectors like retail analytics and building automation.
• Sustainability and Environmental Tech: With the world finally waking up to the importance of going green, startups like Rapid Radicals Technology are developing game-changing solutions for water treatment, waste management, and more.

"The startup community in Milwaukee is absolutely on fire right now," said Joseph Rodriguez, President of Startup Milwaukee. "We've got this incredible mix of entrepreneurs tackling global issues with mind-blowing technologies, and the future looks insanely bright. I can't wait to see what these innovators do next!"

With so much energy and innovation happening in Milwaukee's startup space, it's essential for anyone in tech to keep their finger on the pulse.

Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and emerging companies, because this city's startup scene is about to blow up in a major way.