Chicago Startup Events: Year One
Founder Celebration + TechChicago Week Kickoff
One year ago, Chicago Startup Events launched with a simple goal: help founders discover opportunities, build relationships, and navigate Chicago's startup ecosystem more effectively.
Since then, we've shared hundreds of founder-relevant events and opportunities, highlighted dozens of startup stories, and connected founders, operators, investors, and community builders across the city.
Now it's time to celebrate.
Join us for an evening of founder stories, community recognition, meaningful conversations, and new connections as we celebrate one year of Chicago Startup Events and kick off TechChicago Week.
This event is designed for founders, operators, investors, startup banking professionals, ecosystem leaders, and those committed to supporting entrepreneurship in Chicago.
Event Details
📅 Wednesday, July 15, 2026
🕠 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Three Cities Social | River North
What to Expect
Light bites and beverages
Community appreciation and recognition
Curated networking and relationship-building
Conversations with founders, investors, operators, and ecosystem leaders
A celebration of the people helping build Chicago's startup community
Thank You to Our Partners
Host Partner
Three Cities Social | River North
Built around the belief that meaningful relationships create stronger communities, Three Cities Social is the perfect setting for an evening focused on connection, collaboration, and the people shaping Chicago's startup ecosystem.
Supporting Sponsor
Vidar Law helps founders and growing companies navigate legal decisions with practical, business-minded guidance. Their support helps us continue creating opportunities for founders to learn, connect, and grow within Chicago's startup community.
Dessert Partner
Founded by Alexandria Alstork, Alstork's Lil Bundles creates handcrafted mini bundt cakes that bring people together through memorable experiences. We're excited to feature another founder-built Chicago business as part of the celebration.
Supporting Partner
Workbox is a national coworking community designed for growing businesses, offering flexible workspace, founder programming, and a network of entrepreneurs and professional partners. Their support gives every attendee the opportunity to experience Workbox firsthand while helping founders discover another valuable resource within Chicago's startup ecosystem.
Official Mocktail Partner
Five Corners Beverage Co. is a family-owned, Chicago-based non-alcoholic drinks maker. We craft n/a cocktails featuring the five foundational tastes - salty, sour, savory, bitter, and sweet - and drawing inspiration from the five corners of the globe - north, south, east, west, and home.
Experience Sponsor
CustomerXSuccess partners with organizations to build high-performing Customer Success teams through leadership development, team enablement, and strategic consulting. Their support of the Founder Celebration reflects a commitment to investing in founders and creating meaningful experiences that strengthen Chicago's startup community.
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Attendance is limited to help create meaningful connections and a high-quality experience for all participants.
We look forward to celebrating with you.
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*This event will be photographed and filmed. CSE reserves the right to use photos and video from the event for marketing and communications purposes. By attending the event, you consent to the use of your image for these purposes.
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