Meet Your Co-Founder: Startup Builders Night in Chicago

Looking for a co-founder or startup collaborators in Chicago?

Join founders, engineers, product builders and entrepreneurs for a curated evening designed to help people connect and build startups together.

Many people have ideas.

But building a startup alone is difficult.

The best startups are built by strong teams.

This event is designed to help ambitious founders, engineers and builders meet potential co-founders and collaboratorsin a structured networking environment.

Instead of random conversations, we create opportunities for participants to share ideas, discuss projects and discover people they might build something meaningful with.

• Interactive Co-Founder Networking

Before the session begins, participants vote on the topic or challenge they want to explore together.

The most popular topic becomes the focus of the networking session.

Participants are then divided into small groups to work around that shared challenge.

This format helps people quickly connect, understand each other’s thinking, and discover potential collaboration opportunities.

It’s networking with a purpose — not just introductions.

• Startup Pitches

Selected founders present their startups to the audience and investors.

Each pitcher shares their idea, product, or progress and receives visibility, feedback, and potential connections with investors and collaborators.

This is an opportunity to showcase what you’re building and spark meaningful conversations after the session.

• Chill Networking

After the structured part, participants can continue conversations in a relaxed environment.

• 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

2137 W Walnut St, 2137 West Walnut Street, Chicago, United States

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

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