The Weinert Center for Entrepreneurship is pleased to announced that Ross Freedman has been inducted in to their Hall of Fame.
Ross, an accomplished entrepreneur, began his journey at UW-Madison in 1993 where he chose to pursue a business major focusing on technology. His academic path led him to major in Information Systems, combining computer science and business — a decision that would shape his future career. After graduation, Ross worked as a software developer at Arthur Andersen before taking the entrepreneurial leap to start his first company, Wired Matrix, with his college friend. Over the years, they co-founded and scaled several successful ventures, including Rightpoint, a 900 person global digital consulting company, and one of the largest in the US, which was sold to Genpact (NYSE:G) in 2019. Ross’ most recent entrepreneurial endeavors are investment and advisory firm, 367 Ventures and tech consulting company, Origin, both in Chicago.
Ross’s career has been defined by his passion for entrepreneurship and his ability to scale companies. His journey reflects both the challenges and rewards of starting and growing businesses, with key lessons learned along the way. One of his most significant realizations was the importance of building the right team. Ross emphasizes the need to hire carefully, especially when it comes to finding people who align with the company’s culture and values. His entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond his businesses, as he is also deeply committed to fostering future entrepreneurs. As a member of the Weinert Center’s WAVE Advisory Board, Ross mentors’ students and helps guide them through the process of creating business plans and navigating the challenges of launching a startup.
In 2015, Ross was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year in the Midwest. Several years later, he was awarded Mentor of the Year by the Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) for his outstanding contributions to startup founders in the CDL-Wisconsin Risk Stream. Ross has consistently provided valuable guidance and his commitment to helping others is evident through his enthusiastic involvement and the quality of support he offers to the next generation of entrepreneurs, earning him recognition as a standout mentor in the CDL community. Most recently, Ross was awarded UW’s Luminary Award, which recognizes alumni who serve as aspirational examples for others through their accomplishments in the areas of leadership, discovery, progress, and service.
Being inducted into the Weinert Center Hall of Fame is a momentous recognition for Ross, as he is now part of an esteemed group of individuals who have made significant contributions to their industries and communities. For him, this honor is not only a reflection of his professional accomplishments but also of his ongoing commitment to the university and its students. In addition to his professional endeavors, Ross founded Badgers in Tech, a nationwide network connecting University of Wisconsin alumni working in technology to foster career opportunities and mentorship. His induction into the Weinert Center Hall of Fame highlights his continued influence, both in the business world and at his alma mater, where he remains an integral part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Congratulations Ross!
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