Summary:
Colorado Startup Week has expanded statewide, with sessions in multiple cities beyond Denver, including outdoor activities like hiking and painting.
75% of the 230 sessions are focused on artificial intelligence, featuring talks on AI usage, building, and ethical considerations.
The event is volunteer-run and free, with a new decentralized model allowing community-organized sessions to reduce barriers for participants.
Notable AI startups like MagicSchool and Zed Industries are highlighted, both having raised significant funding recently.
Registrations are lower than pre-pandemic levels, but the event remains a key gathering for tech and innovation networking in Colorado.
Colorado Startup Week Expands Beyond Denver with a Focus on AI
Formerly known as Denver Startup Week, the event has been rebranded to Colorado Startup Week, reflecting a broader reach across the state. The five-day event kicks off on Tuesday, September 15, 2025, with sessions now hosted in various locations including Fort Collins, Boulder, Littleton, and even outdoor spots like Mount Falcon Park in Jefferson County for unique networking experiences like hiking and painting classes.
Abstract Adventures founder Sarah Leistico leads a popular session combining hiking and painting, emphasizing creativity and risk-taking.
This shift to a decentralized model is driven by a new "Community Events" initiative, allowing volunteers and local entrepreneurs to organize their own sessions with minimal oversight, as long as they relate to innovation and entrepreneurship without self-promotion. Ben Deda, a co-founder, highlighted that this approach reduces barriers and leverages community energy, with 190 out of 230 sessions being community-driven this year.
AI Dominates the Agenda
A staggering 75% of sessions are tied to artificial intelligence, covering topics from practical AI usage and platform building to philosophical discussions on AI's impact on jobs. Key sessions feature local AI leaders like Adeel Khan of MagicSchool, which raised $45 million to combat teacher burnout, and Nathan Sobo of Zed Industries, which secured $32 million for AI collaboration tools.
Networking at AI-focused events, showcasing the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the startup community.
Despite the AI focus, the annual job fair is absent this year, possibly due to current labor market conditions and controversies around AI replacing workers. Additionally, there are no specific sessions on Colorado's upcoming AI law, which mandates disclosures for AI systems affecting consequential decisions, though related topics like IP and data usage are covered.
Event Statistics and Trends
Registrations are estimated in the "high four figures," a decline from pre-pandemic highs of 20,000 attendees and 350 sessions in 2019. Last year saw about 12,000 participants, indicating a gradual recovery. Top sponsors include Amazon and Caruso Ventures, underscoring the tech-centric nature of the event.
An overview of Colorado Startup Week, highlighting its volunteer-run, free format that encourages grassroots innovation.
Networking opportunities extend beyond Denver, with events like wellness breaks and happy hours in Littleton, organized by Impact Initiative to provide a relaxed environment for connections. This expansion aims to make the event more accessible and engaging for a diverse entrepreneurial community.
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