The Wisconsin Technology Council will induct Ralph Kauten into its Investor Hall of Fame during the Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium taking place Nov. 5-6 at the Monona Terrace.

“Ralph brings commercial strategy, financial oversight and growth execution to science-led teams, bridging the gap between technical and academic innovation and market viability,” Tech Council’s Investor Network Representative Joe Kremer said in a statement. “He has long been an active mentor and partner in Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Kauten, the recent co-founder of the Valency Fund, has been an early backer, founder and executive in a handful of Wisconsin biotech sciences including Promega, PanVera and Mirus Bio. He also sits on the boards and advisory boards of several private biotech companies, including BellBrook Labs.

Mark Bakken, Founder of HealthX Ventures, was inducted in 2024.