A Decade of Impact: Startup Week’s Biggest Year Yet
September 15, 2025
A Record-Breaking Anniversary
The 10th anniversary of Launch Dayton Startup Week Presented by Fifth Third Bank was the largest gathering in the event’s history. On September 9–10, 57 speakers led 46 sessions across two packed days at The Hub, bringing together entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders for the most-attended Startup Week yet.
Setting the Stage
The event kicked off with a surge of energy in The Square, where the excitement was tangible as the community came together to celebrate a decade of Startup Week. That momentum carried straight into the first session of the day, led by Nate Sowder of Fifth Third Bank. His talk, “Vibe is a Balance Sheet,” challenged attendees to think beyond the numbers: “If people can’t feel you, they can’t fund you. Everyone here tracks a balance sheet. Cash in, cash out. But the one that decides if you make it or not isn’t financial. It’s emotional.” It was the perfect tone-setter for two days of learning and connection.
Keynotes That Inspired
Among the highlights were this year’s keynote sessions. Amit Gupta of Aeroseal shared the company’s remarkable journey from Dayton roots to raising more than $100 million in venture capital to expand globally, underscoring why the founders chose to build in Dayton and the impact their work continues to make. Brent Johnson and Josh Stucky of Square One Salons and Spas & RubiGirls brought 25 years of small business experience to the stage, offering powerful insights on leadership, team building, and how great businesses are built on people first.
A Packed Pitch Competition
Another standout moment was the Startup Week Pitch Competition, held at Yellow Cab Tavern. The venue was a packed house as founders competed for top prizes in both Tech and Main Street categories. Lunnie secured the $15,000 first-place prize in the Tech track, with Travelling Pendants earning $5,000 in second. On the Main Street side, Victory Medical Alliance took home the $2,500 top prize, and Rent to Home earned $500 for second place. The energy and excitement reflected Dayton’s deep commitment to backing its entrepreneurs.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, the Launch Dayton team is excited to continue building year-round momentum in 2026. From LaunchPad events that provide tools and connections to Startup Weekend, where ideas come alive in 54 hours, every program builds toward Startup Week—the region’s biggest celebration of entrepreneurship and the place where ideas grow into lasting businesses.
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