May 12, 10:30 PM – May 13, 1:30 AM (UTC)
Fabrik Chicago, 440 North Wells Street, Chicago, 60654
Jillian Lorenz built The Barre Code into a national franchise. Then she sold it. On May 12, she’ll share what it actually takes to build a company worth exiting, and stay WHOLE while doing it.
Get tickets
Most founders don’t think about the exit until it’s too late, or they push so hard to get there that they arrive depleted.
Jillian Lorenz did it differently. She co-founded The Barre Code, grew it into a national franchise that ranked in the Entrepreneur 500 for four consecutive years before getting acquired by Barre3, creating one of the largest women-owned boutique fitness brands in the world.
Now, as a Venture Partner at Exit Quotient Ventures and executive coach at SoulYou Coaching, she helps the next generation of founders do the same.
On May 12, we’ll sit down with Jillian to talk about balancing ambition with wellbeing. You’ll learn:
- How to scale without losing your soul
- When to start thinking about an exit strategy, and the playbook for doing so
- Negotiation advice when an acquisition is on the table
- Tips for keeping your physical and mental intact as you grow
- How Jillian and her team make investment decisions
Part of Startup Grind’s global commitment to Mental Health Month. If you want to build up without burning out, this is the room to be in.
Exit Quotient Ventures
Venture Partner
May 12 – 13, 2026
10:30 PM – 1:30 AM (UTC)
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.

Global Conference
Our annual flagship event in Silicon Valley brings together thousands of startup teams, investors and organizations from all over the world.

Join the Startup Membership
This membership gives you free access to networking, events, mentorship, office hours, and other exclusive opportunities curated by Startup Grind HQ.