Founders Week

Founders Week 3 Founders Week

Join the University of Illinois for
Founders Week from October 17 – 19, 2024

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an exceptional track record of fostering entrepreneurial success. Consistently ranking in the top five in the number of companies founded, founders, and capital raised, we are a powerhouse of innovation. Small businesses are currently the backbone of the U.S. economy, accounting for over 60% of all jobs created in the U.S. We believe in cultivating entrepreneurship, producing founders, and preparing students for all aspects of new venture creation, and growth is imperative in meeting our land grant mission in today’s economy. Our graduate companies have founded successful companies, which are now leading players in their respective industries, demonstrating the real-world impact of our entrepreneurship initiatives.

Founders Week will celebrate our collective achievements in entrepreneurship, and highlight the innovative ecosystems that have fostered groundbreaking ventures, empowered countless entrepreneurs, and will define the future of Illini Entrepreneurship. Participants include Illini Angels (alumni in angel investing and venture capital), angel groups, investors actively supporting startups in Illinois, entrepreneurship ecosystem leaders, faculty, and students interested in entrepreneurship. Together, we’re building a legacy of innovation and growth, and Founders Week is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and strengthen our shared commitment to shaping the future of Illini Entrepreneurship.

Registration Here

Thursday, October 17

Summit on Capitalizing New Ventures in Illinois (12:00-2:30 p.m.)
    • Capitalization of startups throughout their growth from early stage to exit is an essential component of economic development in the state if these companies are to maintain a significant presence in Illinois. Speakers will lead discussions on capital formation, attraction, and allocation to fund companies as they grow through these stages.
Founders Sandbox (2:45-4:30 p.m.)
    • Innovators and entrepreneurs have various needs in the early stages of a new venture. This event will include a pitch workshop and an opportunity for participants to pitch to the audience with needs ranging from capital, co-founders, mentors, business development partnerships, and ecosystem support.
University of Illinois Campus Innovation Tour (2:30-4:30 p.m.)
    • The campus tour will take you through the places and spaces on our campus where the future is being invented, from the Beckman Institute to the Institute of Genomic Biology, Integrated Biology Research Lab, and EnterpriseWorks.
Community Tech Business Tour (2:30-4:30 p.m.)
    • The Champaign-Urbana area boasts impressive startups and businesses working on solutions to some of the world’s most vexing problems. This tour will allow you to see these businesses and learn about what they are working on.
TechRise Startup Pitch Competition (5:00-6:30 p.m.)
    • Join us for the first “live” TechRise pitch competition hosted in central Illinois. TechRise is a community that facilitates funding, mentorship and support for Chicago’s historically underrepresented founders. The pitch competition will showcase underrepresented or overlooked founders in the Champaign-Urbana area. Five companies will compete for a $25K cash prize.
EnterpriseWorks 20th Anniversary Homecoming Dinner (7:00-9:00 p.m.)
    • This event celebrates the 20th anniversary of EnterpriseWorks which is a technology business incubator that supports the University of Illinois and community entrepreneurs in all stages of their startup journey. By invite only: please contact Cathy McArthur. 

Friday, October 18

Illini Angels Meeting (7:30-10:30 a.m.)
    • After a little over a year in operation, Illini Angels has been a welcome addition to the University’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Illini Angels is a group of experienced entrepreneurs and investors who invest in and mentor Illini Founders. If you are interested in joining this group of Illini helping Illini or attending the October 18 meeting, please contact Paul Magelli. 
Founders Technology Showcase (11 a.m.-2:45 p.m.)
    • Wonder what will be the next big innovation to come out of Illinois? In this showcase, you’ll learn about the hottest technologies and companies being spun out of our university research labs in areas spanning Biotech and Health Innovation, Computing and AI, Quantum, Climate Tech, and more!
Networking Reception and Startup Expo (5:00-7:00 p.m.)
    • Join us at a reception and Startup Expo to meet more companies and help turn our Illini pride into the most connected community in entrepreneurship.

Saturday, October 19

Illinois Football Tailgate & Game vs. Michigan (kickoff time TBA)

Lodging Information

We have a limited block of rooms at the Illini Union Hotel for October 17-19, 2024 on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Address:          1401 West Green Street, Urbana, IL, 61801
Block Code:     ANGELS24