The Illinois Startup Manifesto
A Founder-First Call to Action for the Next Generation of Innovation
We are in a liminal space. The time between what is, and what can and will be.
And while we sit here in this moment, we hold in our hands the most powerful thing imaginable: choice.
We can choose to stay where we are. To be proud of our past — which we absolutely should be — but if we dwell too long on past wins or past failures, or if we remain content in the comfort of where we are now, then we are doing ourselves a disservice. More importantly, we are doing the next generation of startup founders and entrepreneurs a massive disservice.
But there is another choice.
The Illinois Startup Manifesto lays out a bold vision for a more connected, generous, and founder-first ecosystem. And now, we’re asking you to help make it real.
Whether you’re a founder, investor, mentor, educator, or community ally—if you believe in building an ecosystem that puts people over ego and collaboration over competition—this is your call to action.
Read the Oath. Sign it. Live it.