12567 members
USA
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:
Give First
Make Friends
Help Others
Startup Grind Chicago is part of the global Startup Grind family, which spans over 600 cities and 125 countries.
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.
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.
Apply for global Startup Grind membership - an unlock exclusive savings and content.
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 firm. 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!
🚀 Need help raising your next round? Join the Startup Exhibition at the SG Conference in Silicon Valley on April 27-29, 2026! Our top 100 exhibitors from past years have raised over $1.5B, and we can't wait to see what deals come from the 2026 batch. Don’t miss your chance to showcase your startup to 5,000+ entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. Apply now as a startup or scaleup for 2026!!
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10 jun 2025
Community [External]
Startup School: Agentic AI
Google's Startup School: Agentic AI offers a cutting-edge curriculum focused on helping startup organizations adapt and scale AI agents. This hands-on training series enables teams across the startup ecosystem to learn how to build generative AI applications on Google Cloud.
20 jun 2025
Community [External]
MASTER Your 1-Minute Pitch! [Webinar]
Join us for a virtual masterclass on mastering your 1-minute pitch!
24 jul 2025
Community [External]
F(o)under Forum
We've partnered with Midwest Founders Community and Startup Hypeman for an IRL daytime event bringing together founders ...
24 jul 2025
In-Person Event
9th Annual Pitch Battle and Summer Party
Join us for the biggest party of the summer and the most unique pitch competition ever held, live from Workbox LOOP!
Contact us
In-Person Event
Treating Founders as HUMANS: Fireside Chat with 11 Tribes VC Kristina Chapple
Community [External]
AI’s Future, VCs’ Bets: Insights from Top Investors for Startup Founders
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This is Startup Grind. We are the world’s largest startup community.
Our Mission
To give startups everywhere the education and opportunities they need to build, grow, and scale their companies.
Our Values
We believe in making friends, not contacts. We believe in giving first, not taking. We believe in helping others before helping yourself.
Tools & Discounts for Startups
Take advantage of resources and offers provided by organizations we know and love, designed to help you navigate the startup journey.
Startup Grind Conference
Our annual flagship event in Silicon Valley brings together thousands of startup teams, investors and organizations from all over the world.
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This membership gives you free access to networking, events, mentorship, office hours, and other exclusive opportunities curated by Startup Grind HQ.
