Entrepreneurship
for All
Future Founders is building the nation’s largest inclusive community of intentional young entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial-minded leaders.
About Us
Bring Future Founders to You
Learn more about the custom entrepreneurial learning opportunities that fit your organization’s unique needs and goals.
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Welcome
Startup Bootcamp
Phase Two Founders
Say hello to the 22 rising entrepreneurs selected to continue in Phase Two of the 2026 Future Founders Startup Bootcamp!
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Meet
Fellowship Cohort 12
Say hello to the incredible young founders joining our this year's national Fellowship cohort.
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Youth Served
0
Revenue Generated
$ 0 M
CAPITAL RAISED
$ 0 M
Jobs Created
0

ABOUT US

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Future Founders immerses youth in experiences that inspire and empower them to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset and create their own opportunity. For our middle and high school students, Future Founders provides the first meaningful experience with entrepreneurship. And for our 18- to 30-year-olds, Future Founders offers the validation, skill-building, and network young founders need to start and grow profitable businesses.

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Future Founders is building the nation’s largest inclusive community of intentional young entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial-minded leaders. Our programs immerse youth in experiences that inspire and empower them to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset and create their own opportunity. We believe this leads to a generation more determined, hopeful, and equipped as they engage the future.

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Future Founders supports its students and founders wherever they are on their entrepreneurial journeys with the confidence, skills, and guidance they need to grow their businesses and grow as leaders. We offer access to real entrepreneurs, opportunities to engage with the startup community – both in Chicago and across the country – and the chance to develop a community of like-minded peers who provide a safe place to build confidence, discuss challenges, and celebrate successes.

Ready to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs?

Our Champions

Jeni Britton Bauer

Jeni Britton

Jeni's Splendid
Ice Creams

Jeni Britton

Founder of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Jeni Britton redefined artisan ice cream with inventive flavors and a focus on quality and sustainability.
Daymond John

Daymond John

Fubu & shark Tank

Daymond John

Daymond John, FUBU founder and Shark Tank star, is a fashion pioneer, investor, and author inspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.
Peter Rahal

Peter Rahal

RXBAR

Peter Rahal

Peter Rahal changed protein forever with RXBAR, which he sold to Kellogg for $600 million. He's back again with David, the most effective portable protein on the planet.

Kim Lewis

CURLMIX

Kim Lewis

Kim Lewis, CEO of CurlMix and expert on alternative funding, built a multimillion-dollar beauty brand for curly hair without taking a single dollar from venture capital.
Steven Galanis

Steven Galanis

Cameo

Steven Galanis

Steven Galanis completely transformed fan interactions with Cameo, landing him on Goldman Sachs’ list of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs.
Wes Schroll

Wes Schroll

FETCH

Wes Schroll

Wes Schroll, Co-Founder and CEO of Fetch, has grown the company to 700+ employees, processing millions of receipts and saving users millions along the way.
George Burciaga

George Burciaga

ELEVATE CITIES

George Burciaga

George Burciaga is a smart city innovator, advising mayors globally, and driving digital transformation that's impacting communities worldwide.
Emerson Spartz

Emerson Spartz

DOSE

Emerson Spartz

Emerson Spartz, “The Virologist” (The New Yorker), is an internet virality expert and founder of Dose, a media company with billions of views.

Who We Serve

Age Groups

We serve middle and high school students, and 18- to 30-year-old founders. We also run custom programs for all ages.

Racial Identity

While our community of founders is inclusive to all, we place enormous emphasis on diversity.

Gender Identity

Gender Identity

We aim to bridge the gender gap by encouraging and supporting female, nonbinary, and trans founders.

Socioeconomics

We prioritize founders from underestimated communities, as they are often excluded from the startup ecosystem.

Thank you to our incredible supporters!

CHA Logo
Goldman Sachs Homepage Logo 2

Featured News and Press

We've Been Featured In

Forbes
NBC new
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Entrepreneur
CNN-Money-New
Financial Times

Ready to get Involved?