Chicago Startup Founder 101

If you have a startup idea or a growing company and you want to expand your network in Chicago, then join us for the in-person 'Founder Night Out' event. At this informal networking event, you can connect with other early-stage entrepreneurs, startup mentors, and advisors from the Founder Institute network. Socialize over drinks with potential co-founders, advisors, mentors and partners. Most of all, get away from the computer and have fun!

❯ Who should Attend?

• Anyone interested in entrepreneurship
• Anyone who has a pre-seed tech company or a startup idea
• Anyone interested in joining a startup accelerator

❯ What is the Agenda?

• Networking, Socializing and Drinks

To launch a great startup, it is critical to get feedback on your ideas from entrepreneurs who have been there and done that. On this live online event, we will gather several startup experts ready to provide feedback for entrepreneurs who aspire to be investor-ready. The event will start by providing guidelines to create a compelling elevator pitch, and then attendees will have the opportunity to share their pitch with other entrepreneurs, advisors, and investors at virtual tables for instant feedback. Even if you don't want to share your pitch, you can still join to hear other startup ideas and witness how the experts review a pitch.
This event focuses on helping founders refine their investor pitch decks through targeted feedback in breakout rooms, where they’ll present for 3 minutes followed by feedback. The agenda also includes a fireside chat with entrepreneurs, a Q&A session, and networking opportunities.

❯ What You'll Learn:

• How to give a concise, yet compelling, elevator pitch
• What investors are looking for in a startup pitch
• Specific advice and feedback on your pitch and startup ideas

❯ To get the most out of this Pitch for Feedback event:

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to be inherently creative or experience a magical 'aha' moment to come up with a great startup idea. In reality, anyone can generate innovative business ideas by following a structured process. In this live event, Jonathan Greechan (Co-Founder & CEO of Founder Institute) will share a proven framework for crafting great startup ideas, drawn from his experience working with over 10,000 startups worldwide. Attendees will also have the chance to share their ideas and connect with aspiring entrepreneurs in their space. If you have rough ideas and aren't sure what to do next, this is the event to attend!
❯ Who Should Attend:

• Anyone who has an early-stage company or a startup idea
• Anyone who would like feedback on their idea or pitch
• Anyone that is interested in joining a new startup or looking for a co-founder

❯ What You'll Gain:

• Common mistakes and misconceptions around startup ideas.
• The methods startups use to consistently find great ideas.
• Six frameworks to come up startup ideas.
• Structured Networking and Idea-Sharing Session.

❯ Featured Expert:

Do you have a startup that needs funding? Do you want to learn how startup funding works, what you need to do before raising capital, and where to find it? At this live online event, you'll gain practical, step-by-step advice from experienced entrepreneurs and investors. Featured speakers include Kevin Taylor, a seasoned entrepreneurship professor, and Laurence Hayward, a venture partner at Independence Equity. Learn expert tips, pitfalls to avoid, what investors are looking for, and how equity works. If you want to secure funding, don't miss this event—register today!

❯ What You'll Learn:

• Key metrics and pre-requisites for raising funding.
• How to make yourself more attractive to investors.
• The best ways to source different funding resources such as Angel investors, Venture Capitalists, grants and loans.

❯ Featured Speakers: