Events That
Build Momentum
Where Founders, Funders, Talent, Policy, and Culture Collide
Founder45 events are designed to accelerate the journey from idea to Series A. Each experience brings together the people and energy that make our region’s startup ecosystem thrive — founders, investors, and future builders who believe in what’s next.
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45Fest is where the Midwest shows what it’s made of. Across one week, we bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem leaders from across industries for panels, debates, workshops, live pitches, and after-hours events that create connections and opportunities. 45Fest sparks conversations that shape the future of our regional economy.
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At Angels in the Outfield, we flip the traditional investor event on its head. Instead of stiff rooms and cold calls, we bring angels and founders together in an environment built for genuine conversation and shared vision. Think local investors, national funds, and emerging founders — all connecting over innovation, not intimidation. It’s deal flow meets community energy.
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The Talent Pitch bridges the gap between founders hungry for talent and students, recent grads, and startup-curious corporate types eager to get in the game. Founders have three minutes to pitch their business, vision, and current opportunities.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Each of these events is more than a date on the calendar — it’s a step toward building a stronger, more connected startup ecosystem. Whether you’re a founder, investor, policymaker, or future builder, you belong here.