March 24-26 Columbus, OH




Ohio's Startup Week at Easton Hilton with Steve Wozniak

Startup Ohio celebrates innovation, entrepreneurship, and community growth in Ohio. The event connects entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses to share ideas, collaborate, and grow. Attendees will gain insights from industry leaders, network with peers, and experience the vibrant spirit of Ohio's entrepreneurial ecosystem.


When

March 24-26, 2025

Where

​Hilton Columbus at Easton, 3900 Chagrin Dr, Columbus, OH 43219

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Steve Wozniak
Keynote Speaker
Co-Founder, Apple Computer, In

Come hear from the man himself, kicking off StartUp Ohio as this year's keynote speaker.

Steve Wozniak is an American technology entrepreneur, electrical engineer, computer programmer, philanthropist, and inventor. In 1976, he co-founded Apple Computer with his early business partner Steve Jobs. 

Conference Tracks

Startup Ohio will have carefully curated tracks designed to meet you exactly where you are on your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're sketching your first business plan or planning your exit strategy, Startup Ohio brings together the minds, resources, and opportunities that turn visionaries into veterans.

Ideation

Every great startup begins with a powerful idea. In the Ideation track, attendees will explore the foundational phase of the startup lifecycle, where creativity meets practicality. This track will cover topics like identifying market gaps, validating your ideas, building a business model canvas, and creating a roadmap to bring concepts to life. Whether you’re brainstorming your next big idea or refining a promising concept, this track will inspire and guide you toward your entrepreneurial vision.

Startup

Once the idea is set, it’s time to launch! The Startup track focuses on the challenges and strategies of building from the ground up. From forming a team and developing an MVP to raising your first round of funding and finding your first customers, this track will provide actionable insights for early-stage entrepreneurs. Learn how to lay a strong foundation for your business, avoid common pitfalls, and set yourself up for sustainable success.

Growth

Scaling a business comes with its own unique challenges. The Growth track dives into how startups can expand efficiently and strategically. Topics will include scaling operations, managing growing teams, optimizing product-market fit, leveraging data, and securing follow-on funding. Whether you’re gearing up for rapid growth or navigating the complexities of scaling, this track will help you focus on building momentum while staying true to your mission.

Maturity

Reaching maturity is a pivotal moment in the startup lifecycle, but it’s not without its challenges. The Maturity track examines what it means to lead an established company, including discussions on long-term strategy, maintaining innovation, navigating market competition, and staying agile in a dynamic business landscape. Learn how to manage stability while continuing to evolve and position your business for sustained success.

Exit

The ultimate milestone in the startup journey is the exit. The Exit track explores strategies for acquisitions, mergers, IPOs, and other exit pathways. Hear from founders and experts who’ve been through it all, as they share insights on negotiating deals, maximizing valuation, and planning for life after the exit. Whether you’re considering your options or just curious about what’s ahead, this track offers a clear view of the finish line—and beyond.

Why Attend

Join entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders at Startup Ohio for three days of learning and connection. Get practical insights and meet the people shaping Ohio's business future.

What You'll Learn

Learn from experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders about what's working in Midwest tech and startups. Get real insights on funding, growth strategies, and emerging opportunities. Our speakers share practical knowledge you can use to grow your business in today's market.

Who You'll Meet

Connect with Ohio's entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals who are building and growing companies. Network with people who understand your challenges and opportunities. Meet others working to build successful businesses in Ohio's growing startup community.

What to Expect

Three days of practical sessions, including a keynote from Steve Wozniak, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops. Learn about funding, growth strategies, and business development through focused sessions. Take part in networking events and mentorship opportunities to build lasting connections in Ohio's business community.

Join us this March


Stay informed with events led by local founders, investors and experts, Startup Ohio is designed to bring us together to learn, share, and build a more vibrant startup community.

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