All startups who have launched, planning to launch, probably should launch, dream of launching, contemplating to launch, wondering if they should launch, or wish they had a startup to launch are invited to THE 6th Annual Startup Grind Chicago Launch Party - Summer 2022.
In our first live IRL event since February 2020, we're going BIG! This night includes:
How it works...
PITCH COMPETITION
The Startups. We will give 8 startup founders the mHUB stage for 3-minutes each to pitch to the audience and judges' table. There will be investors, so be prepared to answer questions!
The Judges. We are lucky to have three impressive guest judges: Kaili Emmerich from Google for Startups, Nishad Parmar from LOUD Capital, and Ale Breuer from Network Ventures to provide insights and feedback on each pitch. They will help founders understand what worked, what could be done better, and what it takes to land an investment from an investor like them.
Everyone Else. You play a huge role in this. You will receive $1,000 (fake money) to "invest" in the startup or startups you like best. Whichever startup "raises" the most (fake) money wins real cash and prizes!
The Winning Startup. The winning startup takes home a $3,000 equity-free cash prize courtesy of the Startup Hypeman pitch fund, access to the Startup Grind Startup Membership Community, and a free ticket to the Startup Grind 2023 Global Conference.
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LIVE MUSIC
The Artists. It ain't a party without music, right?! We've got 2 very special live performances on this night:
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JOIN US.
Who: Founders, Co-founders, Team Members & Startup Enthusiasts
What: Launch Party - Summer 2022
Where: mHUB 965 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
When: Tuesday, July 21st, 6-9:00 pm CDT
Blazian Sensation
Vocalist & Songwriter
Blazian Sensation Aya Ito is a striking songstress with an incredibly amazing sound. A native of Tokyo, Japan, Aya is a multi-genre vocalist and songwriter. This Japanese and African American singer has been dubbed a force of nature. Pulling influences from Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, H.…
Blazian Sensation Aya Ito is a striking songstress with an incredibly amazing sound. A native of Tokyo, Japan, Aya is a multi-genre vocalist and songwriter. This Japanese and African American singer has been dubbed a force of nature. Pulling influences from Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, H.E.R., Frank Ocean, Whitney Houston, Robert Glasper, Zedd, Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Jhene Aiko, Aya Ito has created her signature Pop/R&B/Soul fusion sound. As an artist, Ayahas fused her talents of singing and playing the guitar and piano while incorporating her trilingual abilities (English, Spanish and Japanese) into her art.
Aya has toured the US and Japan, performing in many venues that have attracted a huge following. For many years, this standout has been wowing crowds with her spirited performances and dynamic sound. Aya has been lauded for her absolute beauty and undeniable talent. In August 2020, she made her television debut on ABC7’s broadcast special of the Bud Billiken Parade. Performing her single, "Don't Take My Life," released by SmashTown Records, Aya poured her heart out to the world in song while addressing the senseless acts of violence that have plagued this country, causing many lives to be taken unjustly.
With a focus on positivity, Aya hopes to reach her fans in a way that makes them feel good about themselves and everything they do or go through. Aya states “Music is something that will always be there for you. There is a song for every mood, emotion,and occasion. Being someone who creates music means that you can be a person to influence others and help them through whatever they are going through, whether it be having fun at party, a breakup, a fight with a friend, etc. It's a great feeling to know that you’ve made an effect on someone’s life, even strangers.”
Google for Startups
Head of Google for Startups, North America
Network Ventures
VP of Platform
LOUD Capital
Senior Partner & Chief Investment Officer
Kaili leads Google for Startups in North America. In the US, her team supports Black, Latinx, and military veteran startup founders through direct funding efforts like the Black and Latino Founders Funds, as well as deep wraparound support. She's passionate about personal finance, alternative funding types, and sending memes to her sisters. She serves on the board of 1871. She lives in Pilsen with her husband and three daughters.
As the VP of Platform at Network Ventures, Ale works with portfolio founders to help them scale their businesses and navigate the unique challenges of entrepreneurship by providing tailored resources and support. As a former founder, she is passionate about innovation and building community among entrepreneurs and investors.
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Startup Grind Chicago
Co-Director
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