Techstars' Startup Changemakers Richmond
February 20 - 22, 2026
Startup Weekend is a global, 54-hour event where entrepreneurs, developers, designers, and other professionals collaborate to turn an idea into a startup in just one weekend.
Perfect for emerging executives developing an entrepreneurial mindset.
In this three-day program, aspiring entrepreneurs experience startup life. It is a creative, collaborative educational event spanning Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Open to the public, anyone can develop and pitch new startup ideas. From executive product owners to independent inventors, all are welcome.
Techstars is a global investment business that provides access to capital, one-on-one mentorship, a worldwide network, and customized programming for early-stage entrepreneurs.
- Techstars has invested in 3,700 early-stage startups.
- Venture portfolio with a market capitalization of $8.1 billion.
- Startup Weekends have been held over 7000 times in over 150 countries.
- Attracting 19,000 community leaders and reaching over 428,000 entrepreneurs.
- Engaging an array of stakeholders – government agencies, universities, and nonprofits
Community engagement and experiential learning are vital to the University of Richmond's mission. This collaboration is a part of our broader effort to “enhance and grow meaningful opportunities for engagement in our city, region and the world.”
Innovation and entrepreneurship are vital aspects of both student learning and our regional economy. Advancing this public event demonstrates our continued commitment to product development, business growth, job creation, income mobility, and cooperation across the agencies and organizations supporting entrepreneurs.
Ways to Participate
- Pitch Leader. Share your idea in 30 seconds on Friday evening and build a team of students and other community members. Build your venture over the weekend. Please plan on full-time participation over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Teammate. Come on Friday evening, hear the pitches, and select a team of community members and students to join. Please plan on full-time participation over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Apply to Mentor or Sponsor. Individuals interested in mentoring a team, as well as organizations and family offices interested in serving as Event Sponsors, should contact Dale Fickett, Entrepreneurship Professor, at dfickett@richmond.edu or (804) 335-7198.
- General Admission. There are a limited number of seats available for those wishing to observe the Friday evening open pitches, the Saturday evening keynote speaker, and the Sunday evening competition.
Sponsors
