Meet Your Co-Founder in Chicago | Startup Networking Event

Meet founders, engineers, product builders and entrepreneurs in Chicago who are actively looking for co-founders, startup teammates and people to build with.

This event is for people who want more than small talk. Come to meet ambitious builders, test ideas, find potential partners and start real conversations that can lead to something bigger.

A lot of people have ideas.

Very few find the right people to build with.

This event is designed to help founders, engineers and builders meet potential co-founders, startup teammates and collaborators in a more intentional setting.

Instead of random networking, the focus is on meaningful conversations, shared interests and real opportunities to build something together

• Interactive Co-Founder Networking

At the start of the event, participants choose the topics, problems or startup ideas they want to discuss.

The strongest themes shape the networking session, helping people connect around shared interests, complementary skills and real startup intent.

This makes it easier to move beyond introductions and quickly discover who you may actually want to build with.

• Startup Pitches

Selected founders will present their startups, ideas or early progress to the room.

It is a chance to show what you are building, get feedback, attract interest and start conversations with potential collaborators, early team members and investors.

• Open Networking

After the structured part, the evening continues with more relaxed networking.

This is the time to go deeper with the people you connected with, exchange contacts and explore next steps.

• Entrepreneurs with startup ideas

• Engineers and technical builders

• Product managers and designers

• Growth and marketing specialists

• People looking for a co-founder

• Early-stage founders building their first startup

• Anyone interested in joining a startup team

📍 Chicago

👥 40–80 curated participants

⏳ 3-hour experience

⚡ Limited spots available

This event is part of the Ascent Valley ecosystem — a global community where founders, builders and investors meet to share ideas, collaborate and build meaningful projects.

Our mission is to create environments where ambitious people connect, collaborate and grow together.

Info: Check in, grab a drink, and start meeting fellow founders, builders, and investors before the program begins.

Info: A structured networking format designed to help participants share challenges, exchange insights, and connect with people who can help solve real startup problems.

Info: Time to recharge, continue conversations, and prepare for the startup pitch session.

Info: Selected founders present their startups to the audience and receive feedback from founders, operators, and investors.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Staley, 1736 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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