13 Mar IU Angel Network invests in The Wisory, a membership-based platform that connects executives with advisors
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The IU Angel Network, an investment vehicle of IU Ventures, today announced an investment in The Wisory, an innovative membership-based platform that connects business executives with a network of highly experienced and accomplished advisors.
Co-founded by Jason Wadler, an IU alumni with 30 years’ experience building brands and businesses, and his business partner Jerome Peraud, The Wisory launched on February 25, 2025. The Wisory connects middle market executives with Advisors composed of Fortune 1000 leaders and world class professors to expand their networks in order to get answers to pressing needs in an ever-changing marketplace.
“Accessing top-tier talent is often a challenge for executives, particularly due to high costs and limited networks,” said Olivia Schmitt-Metz, senior analyst at IU Ventures. “Jason recognized the gap for middle-market companies and developed a unique and differentiated solution to address it. His vision for The Wisory promises better outcomes, faster insights, and a more cost-effective approach for elite executives to tap into market expertise.”
The idea for The Wisory came out of a similar initiative Wadler built 10 years ago as part of his company Leapfrog Online, one of the largest independent digital marketing companies in the country (acquired by Dentsu in 2017). The Leapfrog Marketing Institute brought together Fortune 500 CMO’s, CIO’s and professors to help navigate the evolving technology landscape.
“Technology evolves every three to five years in terms of how consumers interact, such as the introduction of mass email and texting, and how businesses transact with them through social media, e-commerce and mobile devices,” said Wadler. “It was the reason for the Leapfrog Marketing Institute and now The Wisory goes further with a platform that matches business executives with Advisors who can address their specific business needs.”
That said, Wadler sees The Wisory providing value beyond the technology of the moment, and helping the members with any questions their existing networks can’t answer.
“The goal is to help people advance their business and career, on both sides,” he explained. “For middle-market executives, it helps them to get the connections and advice they need to take their career to the next level. For our Advisors, it is an opportunity to build their networks, add additional income streams, and give back.”
The Wisory will use this round of investment to make enhancements to their proprietary technology platform and to expand their team.
“We plan to build out our concierge team, to enhance the conversations between the Advisors and members,” Wadler noted. “We will also continue to build our technology and analytics capabilities as the business continues to grow.”
Wadler has been involved with the IUAN almost since its inception, in varying capacities including advisor and investor.
“My connection with IU and the Angel Network is pretty deep, and this is an important investment in the business,” he explained. “The people involved with the Angel Network are amazing, and even beyond the investment, it is wonderful to have the opportunity to interact with and gain insights from the angels.”
While Wadler was the first in his family to go to IU, it is now a family affair. His sister quickly followed and his son is currently an IU student. Wadler was part of the Dean’s Advisory Board at the Media School for seven years, and is currently in his third semester as a visiting professor of entrepreneurship at the IU Media School.
“It was the campus tour that made me go to IU,” said Wadler. “I was going to go to Cornell, but I fell in love with the campus and the people. Obviously, I had a great tour guide!”
Wadler is optimistic about the future and sees this venture as a third chapter for him, one that will blend his love of IU and entrepreneurship.
“My first chapter was building products at Fortune 500 companies, my second chapter was building companies, and now my third chapter is about building leaders,” he said. “Teaching my IU students how to become empathetic leaders early in their journey and helping established leaders take their careers and businesses to the next level with The Wisory.”
About IU Ventures:
IU Ventures is a 501 (c)(3) that invests in and supports IU-affiliated early-stage companies and connects alumni, investors, and donors to these opportunities. The organization’s mission is to generate significant and long-lasting social and economic impact for IU, Indiana and beyond by accelerating and supporting the positive impacts that IU affiliated entrepreneurs already achieve around the world. IU Ventures further supports founders through an Executive in Residence program, educates students through its Venture Fellows program, and connects and educates entrepreneurs, innovators, investors and students through its Founders and Funders Network, educational offerings, and regular programming. www.iuventures.com
About The Wisory:
The Wisory is an exclusively curated Expert Membership platform that provides fast access to highly credible and sought after Advisors with Fortune 1000 expertise, along with world class professors from premier universities. This on-demand, pay-as-you-go model provides senior-level middle market executives with strategic expertise and answers to specific questions that fill potential gaps in their network. www.thewisory.com
Media Contacts:
Jon Barada
IU Ventures
jbarada@iu.edu
Maeve Levy
The Wisory
maeve@thewisory.com