Share This Article
StartupCincy Week 2025 is officially underway, and it’s already making Cincinnati the center of gravity for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators across the Midwest.
As the city’s largest and most anticipated innovation event of the year, StartupCincy Week 2025 is more than just a calendar item—it’s a movement. A movement that’s accelerating the region’s transformation from a hidden gem into a nationally recognized startup hub.
With over 70 events hosted throughout Over-the-Rhine and downtown, this weeklong festival blends energy, access, and ambition. Whether you’re a first-time founder looking for funding, a corporate innovator scouting partnerships, or a student discovering your next big idea, there’s something here for everyone.
StartupCincy Week brings together a diverse mix of players—startup teams, venture capitalists, university researchers, economic developers, and community champions—to celebrate what’s working and confront what’s next.
This isn’t just a networking week. It’s Cincinnati’s live blueprint for how the Midwest builds and scales innovation.
If you’re not paying attention to what’s happening here, you’re about to get left behind.
What Is StartupCincy Week?
StartupCincy Week 2025 is an annual conference and celebration of Cincinnati’s entrepreneurial community. Hosted by a coalition of ecosystem partners—including Cintrifuse, Flywheel, Main Street Ventures, Alloy Growth Lab, The Brandery, and UC Venture Lab—the event serves as a platform for collaboration, storytelling, and deal-making.
The goal? Accelerate the region’s startup growth and position Cincinnati as a top-tier destination for building new companies.
From main stage keynotes and expert panels to happy hours, investor forums, and product showcases, StartupCincy Week is where strategy meets serendipity.
Still Time to Register
Whether you’re a founder, investor, or community supporter, it’s not too late to get involved.
👉 Click here to register for upcoming sessions, including panels, pitch competitions, and after-parties.
You can also check out the full agenda to plan your week around the topics that matter most to your growth.
Key Themes of the Week
1. Founders First
This year’s theme is all about centering the people who are actually building. Cincinnati has no shortage of startup talent—from first-time founders launching from university labs to serial entrepreneurs scaling regionally.
Several events throughout the week are focused specifically on founder challenges, including early-stage fundraising, product-market fit, and hiring top-tier teams.
2. Capital Access + Investor Readiness
Cincinnati’s funding landscape continues to evolve, with more angel groups, pre-seed funds, and regional VCs getting active. Events like the Founders + Funders Forum are helping make those connections real.
Early-stage companies will also get their shot at the StartupCincy Pitch Competition, where selected finalists present live to a room full of investors and community leaders.
Why It Matters: A Regional Startup Hub Emerges
As we outlined in our earlier preview, StartupCincy Week isn’t just a conference—it’s a symbol of transformation.
Cincinnati is evolving from a corporate-heavy city into a dynamic, founder-driven economy. That transition is supported by:
-
A growing bench of experienced operators
-
Increased corporate engagement with startups
-
World-class institutions like the University of Cincinnati
-
Real estate assets that allow for affordable growth
-
A collaborative civic environment focused on innovation
This isn’t just talk—it’s becoming tangible. Events like StartupCincy Week showcase real startups, real funders, and real traction.
Ecosystem Collaboration: A Real Competitive Advantage
Unlike some major markets where startups feel siloed, Cincinnati is doubling down on collaboration over competition.
StartupCincy Week is a perfect example of this ethos in action. Rather than a single organization controlling the agenda, dozens of partners across accelerators, universities, and nonprofits contribute to the programming.
Even better? The week includes events like Pitch Empower Hamilton County, which are intentionally designed to expand access to capital for historically underserved founders.
This isn’t just good for PR—it’s good for business. Inclusive ecosystems perform better over time.
Building for the Future: The StartupCincy Week Strategy
One of the key topics we’ve explored on The Cincinnati Exchange is how our region is shifting from a “BigCo” economy to a startup-forward strategy.
That means:
-
Encouraging Fortune 500s to buy from and invest in local startups
-
Training the next generation of technical talent through UC and local bootcamps
-
Offering flexible real estate, like coworking spaces and innovation hubs
-
Building bridges between Main Street and tech-driven innovation
StartupCincy Week puts that strategy into motion—live and in real time.
Top Events You Shouldn’t Miss
If you’re short on time, prioritize these standout sessions:
Pitch Competition
Watch local founders compete for funding in front of a live audience. It’s fast-paced, high-stakes, and one of the most popular events of the week.
Founders + Funders Forum
A rare chance for local startups to connect directly with investors—from early-stage angels to regional VCs.
Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship Track
Panels and networking opportunities for women founders and leaders—plus programs designed to fund and accelerate women-led companies.
Happy Hours and After-Parties
Where a lot of real connections are made. Don’t underestimate the power of a casual conversation.
Why You Should Attend StartupCincy Week
Whether you’re a first-time founder, a seasoned executive, or just startup-curious—StartupCincy Week is built for you.
You’ll walk away with:
-
Actionable insight from people who’ve done it
-
Real connections (not just LinkedIn adds)
-
Visibility into the startup landscape here in Cincinnati
-
A renewed sense of momentum and possibility
Be Part of Cincinnati’s Future
StartupCincy Week 2025 is the heartbeat of our entrepreneurial ecosystem. It’s a space where ideas take shape, partnerships are born, and bold bets are made.
There’s still time to be part of it.
