CONNECTED IDEAS x Startup Grind Event for Rochester Startup Week
Connected Ideas | November
A Special Night Highlighting Founders in Partnership with Startup Grind Rochester For Rochester Startup Week
Join us for a special November edition of Connected Ideas, hosted by Connected Know in partnership with Startup Grind Rochester as part of Rochester Startup Week.
This night is all about founders — the people who take an idea, build something from it, navigate the uncertainty, and keep moving forward.
We’re bringing together founders from across the region for an evening of candid conversation, meaningful connections, and a look at what it really takes to build and grow a company.
At the center of the evening will be a Founder Panel featuring entrepreneurs with different backgrounds, industries, and experiences. We’ll talk about building from the ground up, finding opportunities, navigating setbacks, growing a business, knowing when to pivot, and the lessons that only come from actually doing it.
Founder Panel
Karen Skuse — Entrepreneur & Founder Exited | LinkedIn
Colin Floom — Serial Entrepreneur & Producer | IMDb
Ryan Mosher — Sports & Entertainment Entrepreneur/Executive | LinkedIn
Mike Thaney — Director, Startup Grind Rochester | LinkedIn
Moderator: Kayte Malik — Founder, Connected Know | LinkedIn
And we're not stopping with the panel. We'll also be featuring some of the most promising Startup Grind companies from across the region, giving attendees a chance to discover the founders and startups worth watching.
Come meet the founders building what's next in Rochester. Featured Startups:
Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: The Inn on Broadway - Vanni's Speakeasy
November Community Partner: Startup Grind Rochester
Tickets are $15 per person includes light hor d'ourves/ Cash Bar
Are you a student? Message us about our limited allotment of FREE student tickets. A valid university-issued email address is required.
Bulk ticket rates are available. Once purchased, the Connected Know team will follow up to confirm your guests.
This is a ticketed event, and a valid ticket is required to attend. A limited number of tickets may be available for purchase at the door on the day of the event.
Your ticket includes light hors d'oeuvres, the Founder Panel, networking, and an opportunity to connect with founders and members of Rochester's startup and innovation community.
A portion of every ticket sold will support Startup Grind Rochester and its work to connect and strengthen the local startup community.
Whether you're already building a company, thinking about starting one, supporting founders, or simply interested in the people creating what's next, this is an opportunity to hear directly from entrepreneurs who have been through it and connect with others building across the region.
And we're not stopping with the panel. We'll also be featuring some of the most promising Startup Grind companies from across the region, giving attendees a chance to discover the founders and startups worth watching.
Come meet the founders building what's next in Rochester.
Thank You to Our Location Partner: The Inn on Broadway