Madworks by StartingBlock

Program Overview

Madworks by StartingBlock is a flagship 12-week accelerator program designed to propel early-stage companies from Wisconsin to new heights. Founded with the mission to provide essential tools for scaling businesses, Madworks focuses on mentorship, resources, networking, and fundraising strategy. The program emphasizes investment readiness, making it particularly beneficial for companies preparing for their first funding event, whether it be VC funding, bank loans, or angel investment.

Mission and Values

StartingBlock Madison, the driving force behind Madworks, is committed to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. The accelerator's core values revolve around providing practical education, invaluable mentorship, strategic guidance, and extensive networking opportunities. It aims to create a supportive and challenging environment where tenacious, resilient, resourceful, and coachable founders can thrive and transform their innovative ideas into scalable businesses.

Program Structure and Timeline

The Madworks accelerator runs for 12 weeks, with applications for the 2026 cohort now closed. The program typically commences in March, with a structured schedule designed to maximize learning and development. Participants meet on Wednesday afternoons (typically 1 – 3:30 p.m.) for educational programming. Individual mentor sessions are held on Thursday afternoons between 12:30 and 4:45 p.m., with each company assigned a 30 or 45-minute slot. While the curriculum is uniquely curated for each cohort, it consistently covers critical areas such as legal, financial, and governance principles for startups, developing financial statements, preparing for next-round funding, and enhancing public speaking skills. Participants are expected to commit a minimum of 20 hours per week to their venture, including active attendance and participation in Madworks classes and mentor sessions.

Mentorship and Network

A cornerstone of the Madworks program is its robust mentorship network. Participating teams gain regular access to Madworks and StartingBlock staff, alongside their extensive network of mentors and subject matter experts. This network provides world-class content and guidance in a safe and friendly environment, helping founders identify critical milestones and develop actionable plans, budgets, and timelines to achieve them. The program also offers weekly networking opportunities, fostering a strong community among participants and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Investment Terms

Each participating company in the Madworks accelerator receives a $5,000 grant for operations. This grant is provided without any equity taken, offering a significant non-dilutive financial boost to early-stage startups. In addition to the grant, companies receive a 1-year flex-desk membership to StartingBlock Madison and access to additional follow-up programming in the fall.

What Makes It Unique

Madworks stands out for its strong emphasis on investment readiness, with a curriculum heavily structured towards preparing companies for various funding events. The program's commitment to providing a non-dilutive grant, coupled with a full year of membership at StartingBlock Madison, offers substantial value beyond the 12-week accelerator. The focus on identifying and validating initial target markets, and requiring at least a working prototype or MVP, ensures that the program attracts companies with a solid foundation and clear path to scalability.

What Participants Can Expect Day-to-Day

Participants can expect a dynamic and intensive experience. Wednesdays are dedicated to educational programming, covering essential startup skills. Thursdays are reserved for personalized mentor sessions, allowing founders to receive tailored advice and guidance. Beyond scheduled sessions, founders are expected to dedicate significant time to working on their ventures, applying the knowledge gained, and leveraging the resources and network provided. The program fosters a collaborative environment, with ample opportunities for networking and peer learning within the vibrant StartingBlock community.