StartOut Demo Day

Tuesday, July 21st | Chicago

Demo Day Chicago

Join StartOut, in partnership with World Business Chicago, TechRise, Norton Rose Fulbright, and Innovare, for an evening celebrating innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in Chicago’s startup ecosystem during TechChicago Week 2026.

This special event will showcase a curated group of promising early-stage founders as they pitch their ventures to a panel of judges, followed by networking with investors, founders, operators, and ecosystem leaders from across the Midwest and beyond. The event will feature a spotlight on LGBTQ+ founders and the investors, partners, and organizations helping build a more inclusive innovation economy.

Whether you’re an investor seeking your next opportunity, a founder looking to expand your network, or a community leader passionate about entrepreneurship, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with some of the region’s most exciting startups and changemakers.

Applications to pitch due by July 3rd

Apply to Pitch
Register to Attend

Demo Day will take place at Norton Rose Fulbright | 1045 W Fulton St 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60607

Thank You to Our Event Partners

Prizes & Awards

  • 1st Place $15,000
  • 2nd Place $6,000
  • 3rd Place $4,000

Watch Previous Demo Day Events

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Since 2009, StartOut has built a community of 25,000 members. Every year, we provide support to over 700 individual founders. We connect them to expertise, peers, community, and capital. This powerful combination of financial support, skills development, and community contributes to helping fuel innovation, wealth generation and equal access to economic opportunity. Join our growing community today.

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