What we’re about
The Startup Traction & Funding Network brings together aspiring and experienced tech entrepreneurs to discuss, meet, and collaborate to build great new startups, and to push the local startup ecosystem forward.
This group hosts numerous free events throughout the year where you can learn the best practices of starting a company from people who have been there and done that. You’ll have the opportunity to meet local founders and investors, exchange ideas with experts, get feedback on your idea, participate in startup workshops, and more.
Typical startup event topics include:
• Refining your startup idea
• Startup legal basics
• How to pitch your startup
• How to launch a global company
• How to raise funding for your startup
• And much more!
Join the group to be invited to our next event!
For information about the investors, incubators, and tech events available, see our list of Startup Resources (https://fi.co/startup_resources). Interested in perfecting your pitch? Read our Pitch Deck Guide (https://fi.co/pitch_deck) and download templates.
Upcoming events
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•OnlineFI Midwest Fall 2025 Graduation: Meet the New Portfolio Companies
OnlineJoin us for the most recent Midwest Graduation, where you can see an inspiring talk by and a few debut presentations from the new Alumni. Learn about some of the companies that will go onto seed-accelerators, raise funding, and build the next great Midwest startups. There will also be an opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs and celebrate the new Graduates.
❯ Graduation Keynote Address:
- Nick Farina - Co-Founder & CEO of EeroQ - Nick Farina is co-founder and CEO of EeroQ, a Chicago-based company building a highly differentiated quantum computer using trapped electrons above the surface of liquid helium. Nick is also a founding member of the U.S. Quantum Industry Coalition. Prior launching EeroQ, Nick founded and exited GiftedHire, a job platform.
❯ We Proudly Announce the Following Graduating Companies:
- CraftPath - Skills based training and certification for trades people
- Createmyai - Tactical AI operator for backend workflow automations
- Doomsday Mode - The video-meeting platform that rebuilds how meetings work — restoring time, focus, and humanity to the workday
- DustOff Reset - Early warning system to prevent workplace burnout at call centers
- WAiK - Connected clinical checklist and narrative to capture data for nurses in senior care living facilities
❯❯ This is a live, interactive online event, so be sure to RSVP at https://fi.co/e/385015/meetup to receive the Zoom URL to join us live!
3 attendees
Past events
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