STL Startup Week returns as it revives long-standing startup showcase event

STL Startup Week is back for another year and it includes the revival of a long-standing local startup showcase event.

Scheduled for Sept. 18-22, STL Startup Week features a broad range of programming focused on entrepreneurship and startups. First held in 2019, the weeklong event highlights the region’s entrepreneurial sector through events focused on connecting the startup community and providing educational resources to local entrepreneurs. STL Startup Week is organized by TechArtista Foundation, the nonprofit arm of local coworking space operator TechArtista.

The flagship event for this year’s STL Startup Week is Startup Connection, marking the return of the annual event that features local startups. First held in 2008, Startup Connection hasn’t been held since 2019. This year’s Startup Connection, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 20, and being co-hosted by Washington University’s Olin Business School, will be held at WashU's Bauer and Knights halls. Admission for the Startup Connection event is $25 and free for students to attend.

Startup Connection is the only STL Startup Week event that requires paid admission to attend. This year’s STL Startup Week schedule includes a variety of programming, with events featuring speakers, panel discussions, workshops and networking. A full schedule can be found here.

As with last year’s STL Startup Week, organizers have each day’s events, with some exceptions, located at the same venue to make it easier to attend them. With that, STL Startup Week is hosting its programming at the following venues:

In addition to Startup Connection, other notable STL Startup Week events include a kickoff block party Monday at Cortex; “Tales from the Tank,” a panel event featuring St. Louis entrepreneurs who have appeared on ABC reality TV show “Shark Tank”; and a closing party Friday at TechArtista Downtown. There also will be keynote speakers each day Sept. 18-22, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.: a panel discussion with executives of Major League Soccer franchise on Monday; a talk from Michael Kiel, founder and CEO of Boat Planet, on Tuesday; Danni Eickenhorst, CEO of Hustl Hospitality Group, speaking on Wednesday; Guy Friedman, CEO of SteadyMD, will keynote Thursday’s session; and Jenny Bristow, CEO of Hedy & Hoop, will speak Friday.

Other local organizations are incorporating their own programming into STL Startup Week’s scheduling, including Venture Cafe St. Louis, OPO Demo Day and 1 Million Cups.

This marks the second year in which TechArista Foundation has managed STL Startup Week. Lead Organizer Matt Menietti said the organization seeks to build off the momentum of last year’s programming, with a focus on events that bring people together and offer variety in the topics covered. One change from last year: STL Startup Week was moved to September this year from November as the event had been scheduled in the past. Menietti said moving it up to September ensures STL Startup Week doesn’t overlap with the start of the winter holidays and offers better weather for events.

Menietti said he believes STL Startup Week offers interested entrepreneurs a forum to learn more about starting and building a business, while also giving entrepreneur support groups and startups a chance to connect and further build community. For seasoned entrepreneurs, STL Startup Week provides a chance to offer others help, connections and networking to others, he said.

“Philosophically, the startup community works because people are selfless,” Menietti said.

STL Startup Week is being supported by a number of sponsors, including: Anders CPAs + Advisors, BioSTL, Block Inc., CIC St. Louis, CMA Global, Cortex Innovation Community, Enterprise Bank & Trust, EO St. Louis, Experience Fresh, Faro Law STL, Greater St. Louis Inc/STLMade, Grow with Google, Husch Blackwell, Lewis & Clark Ventures, Missouri Technology Corp., Occhio Search & Recruitment, Olin Business School at Washington University, Omniskope, Rockwell Beer Co., SCORE, St. Louis Arch Angels, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, STL Bucket List, Technology Partners, The St. Louisan, Verizon and Woodford Reserve.