StartInCLE Wraps Up First Year with Inaugural Founder Fest, Wins Startup Catalyst Award

While Ohio’s economic development initiatives continue their banner year driving the economy forward from the top down, one grassroots organization is quietly architecting a bottom-up community of startup founders and business owners.

This fall, StartInCLE wrapped up its first year of operations comprised of 22 events ranging from pitch practices, to co-founder speed dating, to founder dinners, to community office hours, and more.

Tom Donelan, Founder & CEO of DECK of DICE Gaming said, “StartInCle has created a sense of community among founders that is essential both for personal support and for cultivating a collective voice in regional economic development conversations.”

In addition to events, the organization manages a thriving online community via Facebook groups and Slack channels with hundreds of members of the Northeast Ohio entrepreneurial ecosystem taking part.

“As a founder myself, it’s important to me that the entrepreneurially minded in Northeast Ohio have a medium to get to know their peers.” Ed Buchholz, co-creator of StartInCLE said. “We’re proud to have hundreds of students, young and first-time entrepreneurs, and seasoned startup veterans taking part in our events and platforms.”

This October StartInCLE put on its first annual “Founder Fest”, a full afternoon of founder-led panels, networking, and deep discussions on the challenges of starting and running a business in the NEOhio area. 70+ founders of local businesses came to take part in the discussions held at Jumpstart and The MidTown Tech Hive. Many stuck around for the organization’s monthly “Founder Dinner” where entrepreneurs get a chance to introduce their business and discuss their company’s “wins” and look for help from their peers with any “asks” they might have.

“It’s clear that there is a real demand for the types of events and efforts we’re bringing to the table. We’re excited to see dozens of busy business owners taking time out to connect and help one another.” said Anna Sauber-Buchholz, co-creator of the organization.

The broader Ohio startup and economic development ecosystem is taking note, as StartInCLE was named “Startup Catalyst of the Year” at VentureOhio’s annual VentureDinner and Awards Gala this September.

“Recognition is always great, but to receive an award on stage in front of hundreds of Ohio’s entrepreneurial ecosystem leaders was amazing. We’re doing this all with a few unpaid volunteers and the support of a community that obviously wants change.” said Rakesh Guha, StartInCLE’s co-creator.

About StartInCLE

StartInCLE is Northeast Ohio’s premiere founder and startup community. This volunteer, grassroots organization\’s mission is to drive deeper awareness, grow the entrepreneurial network, and expand business knowledge in the region. StartInCLE serves more than 600 students, founders, and community members annually. For more information, visit startincle.com or @startincle on twitter.