CSE Year 1: The Founder Celebration

Over the past year, Chicago Startup Events has:

• Shared more than 800 founder-relevant events, workshops, and opportunities

• Built a LinkedIn community of 1,600+ founders, operators, investors, and ecosystem supporters

• Featured dozens of Chicago founders and startup stories

• Connected founders to educational, funding, and community resources across the city

What started as a simple way to help founders discover relevant startup events across Chicago has grown into a platform for founder visibility, stage-aligned education, ecosystem connection, and community-building.

This summer, we’re bringing Chicago founders together for a milestone gathering that celebrates one year of CSE and helps kick off TechChicago Week with intention.

We’re currently seeking sponsor partners who want to support Chicago’s early-stage founder community and be part of the room.

Event: Founder Celebration + TechChicago Week Kickoff 

Audience: 40–75 founders, operators, and startup ecosystem leaders 

Date: Wednesday July 15th, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Format: Founder-centered gathering with networking, light programming, and ecosystem connection 

Location: Three Cities Social River North

This event is designed for organizations that want to be closer to Chicago’s active early-stage founder community. 

As a partner, you’ll help create space for founders to connect, reflect, and build momentum heading into one of Chicago’s most visible startup weeks. 

Ideal partners are organizations that care about:

• Supporting early-stage founders
• Expanding access to startup resources
• Building meaningful ecosystem relationships
• Increasing visibility with founders, operators, and community leaders
• Contributing to Chicago’s innovation community in a practical way

We're seeking organizations interested in helping offset event costs and support Chicago founders.

Suggested Contribution

• $500–$2,500+

Examples of Support

• Refreshments
• Founder giveaways
• Event materials
• Photography or content creation
• General event support

Chicago Startup Events will

• Recognize sponsors before, during, and after the event
• Include sponsor logos on event materials
• Provide opportunities to connect with attendees
• Highlight sponsor support across promotional channels

We're seeking organizations interested in contributing resources, services, or in-kind support that help create a meaningful experience for Chicago founders.

Suggested Contribution Value

• In-kind support valued at $250+

Examples of Support

• Food and beverage

• Photography or content creation

• Founder gifts and giveaways

• Printing and event materials

• Community resources

• Other in-kind event support

Chicago Startup Events Will

• Recognize sponsors before, during, and after the event

• Include sponsor logos on event materials

• Provide opportunities to connect with attendees

• Highlight sponsor support across promotional channels

This opportunity may be a fit for:

• Innovation centers
• Community organizations
• Universities
• Coworking spaces
• Startup service providers
• Professional service firms
• Economic development organizations
• Founder-support organizations
• Companies seeking meaningful founder engagement

We’re beginning partner conversations now and expect to finalize the sponsor structure soon.

If your organization is interested in sponsoring or supporting this event, we’d love to connect.

Contact: Krystal Rogers

Email: info@chicagostartupevents.com