Chicago

Welcome to Startup Grind Chicago – the city's longest-standing startup community and your gateway to the world’s largest startup network!

We operate on 3 core values:

1. Give First

2. Make Friends

3. Help Others

Since 2012, we've been on a mission to educate, inspire, and connect the startup ecosystem across the Chicagoland area. As part of the global Startup Grind family, which spans over 600 cities and 125 countries, we bring investors, builders, and operators together to raise money, share knowledge, and spark new partnerships.

Our monthly events range from intimate fireside chats with industry leaders to high-energy pitch competitions like our annual Summer Pitch Battle. We also host themed showcases highlighting sectors like AI, edtech, food & bev, and more.

Whether you're scaling your startup, launching your first venture, looking to invest in Chicago's next big thing, or just curious about the scene, you're welcome here. Join our community of over 12,500 members.

KEY LINKS & RESOURCES: 

• Click the 'Join' button down below to officially become a chapter member (FREE!) and get our newsletter where you'll never miss an event, perk, or announcement.

• Take our quick survey so we can bring the right resources to you.

• Join our chapter Whatsapp group.

• Got a startup of your own? Join our global Startup Grind membership - the most connected startup network in the world.

LOVE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT:

Startup Grind Chicago events and more are made possible in part by the support of our friends at CodeLaunch - the only equity-free accelerator providing software development, a massive pitch stage, exposure to hundreds of investors and stakeholders, and the opportunity to win capital investment -- all for FREE -- all wrapped into a Venturetainment spectacle.

Apply for the CodeLaunch USA regional today (application deadline July 6)

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Thank you to System Seltzers and Big Star Cocktails for being official beverage partners of Startup Grind Chicago. System Seltzers is the world's first inclusive drinking system, offering hard seltzers at 0%, 5%, and 8% abv. Big Star Cocktails include Margaritas, Spicy Margaritas, and Palomas from your favorite Chicago taco joint, ready-to-drink straight from the can. Just pop the top and get the party started! 21+ only. Please drink responsibly

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Startup Grind Chicago is led by Rajiv 'RajNATION' Nathan and Sid Khaitan. RajNATION is the Founder of Startup Hypeman, a globally-recognized Pitch Artist helping startups refine their pitch to attract investors, increase revenue, and become the GOAT to Market. Sid is Sr. Product Marketer at Beekeeper, Content Artist at Startup Hypeman, and a top SaaS content marketer.

Connect with us on Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivnathan/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidktan/

We can't wait to see you at the next event!