The Inclusion Initiative Is Back & We’re Doubling Down!
While many organizations across North America quietly cut back on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, Startupfest is taking a stand. This is a dangerous precedent to set, and one we refuse to follow.
We’re not scaling back—we’re doubling down.
Since 2011, we've been committed to breaking down barriers for underrepresented founders. Long before DEI was a marketing buzzword, inclusion was at the core of who we are. We’ve held these values since the beginning and no political shift will change that.
We’re proud of our work over the past 15 years.
Since day one of Startupfest, we’ve set aside tickets for founders facing barriers to entry, and have championed gender parity on our stages since 2018 (read more about our commitment here). Our Women in Tech Bootcamp has tackled the unique challenges female entrepreneurs face. We offer $100k Investment prizes for female, Black, and 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs—funding those who are too often overlooked.
This year, we’re expanding our efforts. Through our Inclusion Initiative, we’re offering twice as many tickets as before because real change doesn’t happen by retreating. Inclusion isn’t a trend for us. It’s who we are. It’s who we’ve always been. And it’s who we’ll continue to be.
Apply before March 27th for the opportunity to receive a Startupfest ticket at a 90% discount ($50 commitment fee)!
Apply here
Here’s how you can become an Inclusion Initiative Patron
We’re thrilled to have partners and patrons that support our inclusion initiative. These contributions allow us to offer free tickets (well free + $50 commitment fee) to underrepresented and underfunded founders.
This year we're doubling our efforts, for every patron ticket purchased this year, we will give away 2 passes to founders. Being a Patron of the Inclusion Initiative can happen at any scale; with a single ticket purchased on behalf of an underrepresented entrepreneur, or with a larger contribution that allows us to expand our impact. Patrons are recognized at Startupfest for their contributions!
Get in touch with us to explore the different ways you can support underrepresented groups at Startupfest!