Boulder Founders Summit connects students with the local startup ecosystem

The inaugural Boulder Founders Summit—a cross-sector, collaborative effort between CU Boulder, the Boulder Chamber and the local founder community—brought together 70 student entrepreneurs and members of Boulder’s thriving startup ecosystem for a day of learning, connection and inspiration.

CU Boulder students Jayden Kazantsev and Sam Jones, student leaders for the Boulder Founders Summit, were instrumental in developing the inaugural event. Photo: Lorikeet.

The Summit led up to the New Venture Challenge Finals (NVC) at the Boulder Theater, where six CU Boulder teams pitched their innovations and competed for a record $325,000.

Throughout the morning, students pitched their startups, received feedback, and heard from fellow student founders about their experiences. 

During afternoon roundtable mentoring sessions, students met with seasoned startup founders and industry innovators, who shared their journeys and offered guidance. 

Capping off the day, approximately 60 students and community members attended a pre-event dinner featuring entrepreneur and author, Dan Caruso. During a fireside chat, Caruso shared insights from his entrepreneurial journey and lessons in leadership.

"The Boulder Founders Summit is noteworthy in that students and seasoned founders connected over innovating in several areas including deep tech, AI and high-tech," said Stan Hickory, director of CU Boulder's Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative and the New Venture Challenge. "This event reflects the synergy and scope of our ever-expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the strong level of support for innovation and entrepreneurship at CU Boulder."