The CEO of Skyline Chili, a president at Procter & Gamble and two Cincinnati Bengals – including the team’s current backup QB and a former linebacker – will lead the charge at this year’s StartupCincy Week, the region’s marquee event for local entrepreneurs.
Registration is open now. StartupCincy Week, presented by Cintrifuse, is scheduled for Oct. 7-10 in Over-the-Rhine. The four-day-long celebration will include a variety of events, happy hours and workshops, highlighted by appearances from Dick Williams, chairman and CEO of Skyline; Guy Persaud, president of new business at P&G; Jake Browning, the Bengal’s backup quarterback and an off-field investor; and Dhani Jones, a former Bengals linebacker and current startup strategic adviser and board member.
To see a detailed list of speakers, scroll below.
StartupCincy Week, in its eighth year, is a celebration of the region’s top up-and-coming entrepreneurs and aims to foster collaboration and connections between business leaders and venture capitalists. The latter will be an increased point of emphasis this year, organizers said.
"StartupCincy Week will be a powerful convergence of the region's founders, investors, corporate leaders and startup enthusiasts, all coming together to connect, collaborate and thrive," Abby Grimm, director of engagement and experience at Cintrifuse and chair of the StartupCincy planning committee, said in a news release.
Each day of StartupCincy Week is curated to cater to certain segments of the entrepreneurial community. Overall, more than 80 sessions are on the docket.
- Monday, Oct. 7, kicks off with a focus on the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem, featuring an introduction to the StartupCincy network. Attendees can participate in partner workshops and explore startup showcases, which give a behind-the-scenes look at some of the startups building and growing in Cincinnati. The day will spotlight top regional founders, innovators and champions of entrepreneur support organizations.
- Tuesday, Oct. 8, is designed for high-growth tech founders, investors, and venture capitalists. The day's events include discussions on the state of venture in Cincinnati and curated matchmaking sessions for VCs, corporates and venture-ready founders. Speakers will share their insights and experiences.
- Wednesday, Oct. 9, caters to non-tech founders and early-stage startups. Events include panels on “Getting Started on Your Entrepreneurial Journey,” upskilling workshops and speed mentoring sessions. Industry and subject matter experts will offer their expertise.
- Thursday, Oct. 10, brings the focus back to the Cincinnati region as a whole. Highlights include a chamber expo and workshops focused on small and consumer packaged goods businesses. The day will feature regional StartupCincy ecosystem champions and brand leaders who will discuss strategies for growth and collaboration.
The week includes curated networking and happy hours, where startups, VCs and other leaders can further connect. New this year is VentureHaus: a dedicated workspace for VCs to lounge, work and connect (attendees must purchase a VC ticket to get access).
Hiring also remains top of mind: Cintrifuse will host a talent shop, an interactive installation focused on creating connections between talent and employers. Further, upskilling workshops will offer hands-on learning and strategies to advance local businesses.
Registration is available at three different levels: general admission ($50), corporate ($200) and VC investor ($300).
StartupCincy Week is sponsored by Fidelity Private Shares, P&G and others.
Key speakers include:
- Brent Gravlee, entrepreneur-in-residence, Blue North
- Chris Bergman, CEO, Gylee Games
- D. Sangeeta, founder and CEO, Gotara
- Dan Reynolds, co-founder and chief creative officer, Brave Berlin
- Dhani Jones, former Bengals linebacker and current strategic adviser and board member to venture investment firms
- Dick Williams, chairman and CEO, Skyline
- Guy Persaud, president of new business, P&G
- Isaac Hamlin, founder and CEO, Better Blend
- J.B. Kropp, CEO, Cintrifuse; managing director, Cintrifuse Capital
- Jake Browning, Bengal’s backup quarterback and off-field investor
- Jackie DiMonte, general partner, Grid Capital
- Jake Rouse, co-founder and CEO, Braxton Brewery
- Jeanette Renshaw, partner and head of startup growth, GrowthX
- Joe Lanni, co-founder, Thunderdome Restaurant Group
- Joe Medved, partner, Lerer Hippeau
- Josh Reid, founder and CEO, Lunchtable
- Kirsten Moorefield, co-founder, Cloverleaf
- Kristen Schlotman, executive director, Film Cincinnati
- Marcia Dawood, author, speaker and podcast host
- Mike Fitzgerald, partner, High Alpha
- Rachel DesRochers, CEO and co-founder, Power to Pursue, Incubator Kitchen Collective
- Sherry Sims, founder, Black Career Women’s Network, and executive coach
- Triet Nguyen, principal, Render Capital
- Tsavo Knott, CEO and technical co-founder, Pieces
- Vanny Mwamba, co-founder, Urban Hikers
