Green Bay Packers and Microsoft-backed venture capital firm to spotlight emerging innovation and startups ahead of 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay
GREEN BAY, Wis. (Feb. 20, 2025) – As Green Bay prepares to host the 2025 NFL Draft, TitletownTech, a venture capital firm backed by the Green Bay Packers and Microsoft, has launched the first-ever TitletownTech Startup Draft, a nationwide pitch competition awarding a $1 million investment. Startups harnessing emerging technologies in industries aligned with Wisconsin’s core strengths: advanced manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, agriculture, water, energy, digital health, and sports, can apply at www.TitletownTech.com/TitletownTechStartupDraft.
Hosted in collaboration with the Packers and Microsoft, and in conjunction with the 2025 NFL Draft, the TitletownTech Startup Draft will celebrate all Wisconsin has to offer beyond its storied sports legacy. With Microsoft’s AI datacenter in Southeast Wisconsin, the first-of-its-kind AI Co-Innovation Lab in Milwaukee, UW-Madison’s leadership in advanced computing – including the nation’s first M.S. program focused on quantum computing – and a corporate ecosystem driven by technological innovation, Wisconsin is gaining momentum as a hub for the future.
“The TitletownTech Startup Draft is creating opportunities for transformative ideas to thrive,” said TitletownTech Managing Partner Craig Dickman. “With the Packers and Microsoft catalyzing this effort, we have a unique stage during the NFL Draft to showcase Wisconsin’s growing innovation ecosystem.”
Just as NFL Draft prospects undergo rigorous evaluation, finalists will travel to Green Bay to participate in the Startup Combine, taking place April 3 and 4. This event provides an opportunity for startups to refine their pitch, receive market feedback, and engage with TitletownTech’s team, portfolio companies, and corporate investors, including organizations like Microsoft, the Packers, Ariens, Kohler, Schneider, and more. The Startup Combine also provides finalists with increased visibility, mentorship, and the opportunity to build strategic relationships that extend far beyond the competition.
The TitletownTech Startup Draft will culminate with Startup Draft Day, a live-streamed event on Thursday, April 24, ahead of the first round of the NFL Draft. During the event, finalists will pitch their ideas, receive feedback, and compete for a $1 million investment. The broadcast will stream across multiple platforms, including LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.
“The Startup Draft is a natural extension of the Packers’ commitment to fostering growth and opportunity in our community,” said Mark Murphy, President and CEO, Green Bay Packers. “Our unique community-owned structure allows us to invest in initiatives like TitletownTech, which highlight Wisconsin’s strengths and create lasting impact beyond football. This competition is an exciting way to showcase the innovation and talent that will shape the future, making it a perfect complement to the NFL Draft as we highlight the next generation of game-changers on and off the field.”
TitletownTech is fueling high-growth startups and strengthening Wisconsin’s innovation economy. With nearly $100 million in assets under management and investments in more than 30 companies across the country, the firm continues to invest in early-stage ventures solving real-world challenges, from national security and supply chain security, to hydroponic farming, brain health diagnostics, and fusion energy. By leveraging its network of corporate investors and partners, TitletownTech continues to connect emerging founders with the resources, mentorship, and capital needed to scale their businesses onto the national stage.
“Football won’t be the only exciting game in town as Green Bay hosts the NFL Draft,” said Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President, Microsoft. “The Startup Draft is a strong testament to TitletownTech’s initiative to find and invest in leading entrepreneurs who want to tackle challenges to US growth and opportunity.”
Interested startups can review eligibility criteria and apply at www.TitletownTech.com/TitletownTechStartupDraft. There is no fee to apply, and the deadline is Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CT.
The virtual broadcast on Startup Draft Day will be open to the public. Details on how to access the event can be found at www.TitletownTech.com/TitletownTechStartupDraft.