Colorado Startup Week 2025: A Hub of Innovation and Community Spirit

Artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and more AI took center stage at Colorado Startup Week, which wrapped up with a closing happy hour on Thursday, though some community events continued into Friday. The event, rebranded from Denver Startup Week, adapted to current trends, much like it did with crypto in 2018 and IoT in earlier years.

Colorado AI Builders held their monthly meeting at the main venue on Sept. 17, 2025.

Organizers estimated that 75% of sessions had a tie-in to AI, with quantum computing also drawing interest due to Colorado's federal designation as a quantum hub in 2023. Attendance, though down from the peak of 20,000 in 2019, saw growth this year, with registrations projected to hit about 10,000.

Keynotes featured well-known local founders, emphasizing community over out-of-state celebrities. The volunteer-run event, costing just $300,000, relies on contributions from sponsors, companies, and individuals, showcasing the power of collective effort.

Techstars Boulder Relaunch: A Focus on Better, Not Bigger

David Cohen, co-founder of Techstars, announced plans to revive the Boulder accelerator program after its controversial departure last year. The new approach involves local investors and mentors, aiming to raise $10-15 million to support startups with better terms for founders.

The crowd responds to David Cohen during a panel on Techstars.

Shay Har-Noy was named the new managing director, tasked with rebuilding the program with a focus on community involvement. Cohen emphasized, "Bigger isn't better. Better is better."

Denver's Tech Ecosystem by the Numbers

According to the Downtown Denver Partnership's 2025 report:

• 1,516 tech startups in downtown Denver, a 153% increase from 2014.
• They employ 7,397 people, about 12.8% of the downtown workforce.
• Denver ranks No. 8 in North America for tech talent, with a workforce growth of 12.6% from 2018 to 2023.

A renovated stretch of Denver's 16th Street, ready for business.

Additional Highlights and Reader Engagement

A reader poll on AI questions was launched to understand how Coloradans are adapting to AI proliferation. Other news bits include Colorado's unemployment rate dropping to 4.2%, Amazon employing over 20,000 people in the state, and an AI company moving its HQ to Colorado Springs with state incentives.

RTD advertising job openings with signing bonuses.

The event underscored the global nature of the founder community, with attendees from as far as Iceland highlighting the shared drive to innovate and support each other.