The Wisconsin Technology Council hired Madison-native Dan Blake to succeed Zach Brandon as director of the Wisconsin Angel Network, the organization announced Wednesday.

“I am excited to work with Wisconsin’s angel groups and early stage investors to help them find and connect with promising entrepreneurs, startups and emerging companies,” Blake said in a statement. “This sector is vital to Wisconsin’s continued growth.”

WAN’s goal is to build early-stage capital capacity throughout Wisconsin, increasing the number and amount of equity investments in the state’s entrepreneurs.

According to a release from the Tech Council, Blake has not held similar or related roles in the past, though he does have some experience in the startup world during his time in Denver and Chicago. His work history includes stints at Epic Systems and the Chicago Tribune.

Brandon was named president of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce last November.