DENVER (March 6, 2025) – Denver Startup Week was founded to spotlight the innovation and entrepreneurship happening in Denver and to bring the community together to build and strengthen connections. Since 2012, tens of thousands of people have participated in impactful keynotes, workshops and celebrations, as we’ve watched companies like Ibotta, Ping Identity, Guild, Sondermind, Havenly and SendGrid succeed and grow.

“Colorado is the best place to live, work, and start a business -- home to a vibrant business community that helps build our strong economy, and maintains our position as a leader in entrepreneurship and innovation. As someone who comes from startups and business, I am excited to continue celebrating the growth of new businesses,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.

From day one, great companies, investors and entrepreneurs from across the state have come together in downtown Denver to build, grow and learn. Attending Denver Startup Week offered the chance to connect with innovators from Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Golden, Pueblo, the Western Slope, and beyond. Many of these communities host their own thriving Startup Weeks, contributing to the state's overall momentum in entrepreneurship.

“Denver is the destination for dreamers and doers,” said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. “As the innovation hub of Colorado, we’re thrilled to welcome the state’s top entrepreneurs for an expanded, better-than-ever Startup Week. Together we are building, creating, and accomplishing the strongest economy in the country.”

From aerospace and quantum computing to AI, energy and SaaS, Colorado is leading the way in innovation across industries. This is a statewide movement, and it’s time for our Startup Week to reflect that.

That’s why we’re proud to introduce Colorado Startup Week—an expanded event designed to celebrate and connect entrepreneurs, investors and innovators across the state. The incredible companies and talent of Colorado have always been a part of this community, and with this evolution, transformative stories from across the state will be highlighted alongside Denver’s thriving ecosystem.

“Colorado Startup Week will be a great resource for startup founders across the country, looking for advice, inspiration, fellowship and sisterhood with other entrepreneurs,” said Bryan Leach, CEO of Ibotta.

As we have done for over 10 years, Colorado Startup Week will highlight the incredible companies and entrepreneurs across the state who have always been part of the event, now acknowledged alongside the great companies and innovations in Denver.

“Here in Denver, we have a culture that is authentically entrepreneurial and innovative,” said Kourtny Garrett, President and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. “The consistently strong attendance at Startup Week events across Downtown Denver reflects how deeply important this is to our community. As this spirit evolves and expands, we’re excited to see how this growing impact will strengthen Denver and Colorado’s entrepreneurial network and position as a powerhouse for innovation."

Startup Week has always been made possible by the support of outstanding partners, including the Downtown Denver Partnership, which has been with us since day one. As we embark on this next chapter, we are thrilled to announce our new Founding Partner, Caruso Ventures.

“At Caruso Ventures, we are committed to strengthening Colorado’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the incredible community that drives it,” said Dan Caruso, Managing Partner of Caruso Ventures. “Partnering with Colorado Startup Week allows us to support and elevate the innovators shaping the future of our entire state. We’re excited for what’s ahead and the opportunities this next chapter will create.”

We are also thrilled to welcome back Amazon and AWS for the fifth year as Presenting Sponsor of Startup Week. Amazon’s continued investment signals the strength of the innovative ecosystem in Colorado.

“Denver continues to be a hub for entrepreneurs and the business community. We are excited to support Colorado Startup Week in our fifth year on behalf of the more than 20,000 Amazon employees, many right here in Denver, focused on technology that delivers for customers and families. Our support keeps the event free for the public and the next generation of innovators from our community,” said Ian Conyers, Head of Community Engagement for Amazon.

“The core ethos of the Colorado startup ecosystem has been the community first (GiveFirst!) approach centered around being ambitious while supporting and helping each other. As Colorado continues to rapidly establish itself as one of the top innovation ecosystems, Colorado Startup Week will continue to be a tentpole event bringing the community together. It'll be one of the best weeks of the year," said Natty Zola, Partner at Matchstick Ventures.

Coming back to downtown Denver, September 16 - 18, Colorado Startup Week will continue to offer the same unparalleled opportunities to learn, connect and grow - now with an even broader reach. Whether you’re a founder, investor or startup enthusiast, we invite you to be part of this exciting new chapter.

“We have been telling the story of Colorado Startups through the lens of Denver since 2012. It was natural for us to align what the event has become over the years, a state-wide celebration of entrepreneurship, with the name, Colorado Startup Week. We hope this event unites all four corners of entrepreneurship with Denver as its stage,” said Erik Mitisek, Co-Founder of Colorado Startup Week.

“What sets Startup Week apart is the ability to hear from the best and brightest entrepreneurs and leaders who give you a peek into what the future might hold,” said Ben Deda, Co-Founder of Colorado Startup Week. “Colorado Startup Week will continue to showcase transformative leaders and companies from across the state of Colorado, as well as highlighting the incredible community that is leading the way.”

“Colorado Startup Week will continue to propel the innovative drive and collaborative spirit of Denver and Colorado’s entrepreneur community," said Tami Door, Co-Founder of Colorado Startup Week. "As we enter this new chapter, we're excited to bring together the brightest minds and most promising companies to share knowledge, inspire creativity, and foster the connections that will shape the future of business in the state.”

Welcome to Colorado Startup Week - where we celebrate innovation from every corner of our state. Learn more at costartupweek.org.

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Media Contact:

Apoorva Gundu

agundu@downtowndenver.com

720-862-9860