Madison startups continue to make a statement in the local economy, as they employ 675 full-time employees, including 215 new ones in 2015, according to the Capital Entrepreneurs‘ year-end summary.

In addition, tech startups raised $66.5 million in funding, making it the third-consecutive year that the sector raised more than $40 million. Also, 15 companies raised $1 million or more, including EatStreet ($15 million), Healthfinch ($7.5 million) and Shoutlet ($5 million). This marks a 50 percent increase from 2014.

On the events side, the annual Forward Festival exceeded expectations, with more than 3,000 attendees while nearly 1,000 people attended Capital Entrepreneurs’ events, including the Madison Startup Fair, CE Open Social and the Startup Showcase.