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Welcome to Startup Grind Chicago โ the city's longest-standing startup community and your gateway to the worldโs largest startup network of over 125 countries and 600 cities! We host monthly events to connect, inspire, and educate the Chicago ecosystem.
We operate on 3 core values:
Give First
Make Friends
Help Others
KEY LINKS & RESOURCES:
Click the 'Join' button down below to officially become a chapter member (FREE!) and get our newsletter where you'll never miss an event, perk, or announcement.
Take our quick survey so we can bring the right resources to you.
Meet the 2025/'26 Chicago Rising Startup of the Year, Collars! Cofounded by Cheri and Rocco Molfese, Collars is the tradesworker app bringing blue collar BACK. Watch their winning 1-minute pitch video from Startup Grind All-Stars 2025!
LOVE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
Thank you to System Seltzers and Big Star Cocktails for being official beverage partners of Startup Grind Chicago. System Seltzers is the world's first inclusive drinking system, offering hard seltzers at 0%, 5%, and 8% abv. Big Star Cocktails include Margaritas, Spicy Margaritas, and Palomas from your favorite Chicago taco joint, ready-to-drink straight from the can. Just pop the top and get the party started! 21+ only. Please drink responsibly
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Startup Grind Chicago is led by Rajiv 'RajNATION' Nathan and Sid Khaitan. RajNATION is the Founder of the global pitch firm Startup Hypeman, and a touring hip-hop artist. Sid is Sr. Product Marketer at Beekeeper, Content Artist at Startup Hypeman, DJ, and founder of Milan.
Connect with us on Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivnathan/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidktan/
We can't wait to meet you!
๐ Need help raising your next round? Join the Startup Exhibition at the SG Conference in Silicon Valley on April 27-29, 2026! Our top 100 exhibitors from past years have raised over $1.5B, and we can't wait to see what deals come from the 2026 batch. Donโt miss your chance to showcase your startup to 5,000+ entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. Apply now as a startup or scaleup for 2026!
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2026ๅนด5ๆ12ๆฅ
In-Person Event
Built to Exit
Jillian Lorenz built The Barre Code into a national franchise. Then she sold it. On May 12, sheโll share what it actually takes to build a company worth exiting, and stay WHOLE while doing it.
Contact us
Virtual Event (Free)
From Conviction to Reality: Lessons from Building AI Infrastructure Early
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This is Startup Grind. We are the worldโs 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.
Startup Grind 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.
