Partners.

Our partners are individuals and organizations that support the sustainability of Colorado's scale-up ecosystem through their generous contributions. See below for different tiers of partnerships:

  • Cornerstone Partner: $100K+ (Philanthropists, Foundations, Large Govt. Orgs)

  • Visionary Partner: $50K+ (Large Corporate Partners)

  • Marketplace Partner: $25K+ (Professional Service Providers)

  • Entrepreneur Partner: $25K+ (Successful Core Members)

  • Scale Up Partner: $10K+ (In Network CEOs, Alumni)

  • Bootstrap Partner: $500+ (Friends of BEN)

Our Catalyzing Partner.

 
 
 

In 2014, The Blackstone Charitable Foundation committed a $3 million gift to fund the formation of Blackstone Entrepreneurs Network: an initiative to help Colorado jump-start the development of high-growth companies with the greatest potential to create new jobs in the region. We are grateful for their commitment and service.

 

Our Cornerstone Partners.

 

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) creates a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. We advance the state’s economy through financial and technical programs under the leadership of the Governor and Executive Director.

Our Founders.

BEN Colorado Founders

Michael Bennet has represented Colorado in the United States Senate since 2009. Recognized as a pragmatic and independent thinker, he is driven by an obligation to create more opportunity for the next generation. Read more here.

Brad Feld has been an early-stage investor and entrepreneur since 1987. Before co-founding Foundry Group, he co-founded Mobius Venture Capital and, before that, founded Intensity Ventures. Brad is also a co-founder of Techstars. Read more here.

Amy Stursberg is Chair of the Board of the Blackstone Charitable Foundation and CEO of Schwarzman Scholars and the Stephen A. Schwarzman Education Foundation. Read more here.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has dedicated his life to the law, justice, and public service. Before running for office, Weiser served as the Hatfield Professor of Law and Dean of the University of Colorado Law School, where he founded the Silicon Flatirons Center for Law, Technology, and Entrepreneurship and co-chaired the Colorado Innovation Council. Read more here.

 

Our Marketplace Partners.

 
The Colorado Impact Fund (CIF), a Denver-based venture capital firm, invests in Colorado companies with high-growth, scalable business models and a commitment to make their community better in areas such as healthcare, education, and the environment.

The Colorado Impact Fund (CIF), a Denver-based venture capital firm, invests in Colorado companies with high-growth, scalable business models and a commitment to make their community better in areas such as healthcare, education, and the environment.

Jim Kelley, Managing Partner

Jim Kelley, Managing Partner

Carly Abrahamson, Venture Capital Investor

GLC Advisors & Co. is a leading independent investment banking advisory firm focused on senior-level expertise, long-term relationships, and objective guidance to national and international clients.

David Bluth, Managing Director

Plante Moran is among the nation’s largest certified public accounting, tax, consulting, and wealth management firms. Because they stand at the intersection of personal service and industry expertise, their clients understand that working with them …

Plante Moran is among the nation’s largest certified public accounting, tax, consulting, and wealth management firms. Because they stand at the intersection of personal service and industry expertise, their clients understand that working with them is more than a professional transaction; it’s a personal experience, they aim to make a human mark on everything they do.

Brent Peterson, Audit Partner

Brent Peterson, Audit Partner

PMCF, a U.S. registered broker/dealer, is an investment bank providing merger and acquisition services to companies throughout The Americas, Europe, and Asia. Since their inception, they have successfully completed more than 300 financial advisory engagements for a wide array of clients in virtually every business sector, including individual and family-owned businesses, large public companies, and private equity firms.

PMCF, a U.S. registered broker/dealer, is an investment bank providing merger and acquisition services to companies throughout The Americas, Europe, and Asia. Since their inception, they have successfully completed more than 300 financial advisory engagements for a wide array of clients in virtually every business sector, including individual and family-owned businesses, large public companies, and private equity firms.

Adams Price, Managing Director

Adams Price, Managing Director

FirstBank began its journey in Lakewood, Colorado, in 1963, with a commitment to superior customer service, convenience and loyalty to its employees. FirstBank has grown through consumer and commercial lending, superior banking services and a remarkable standard for community investment.

Derek Longwell, Market President - Denver

TriNet (NYSE: TNET) provides small and medium-size businesses (SMBs) with full-service HR solutions tailored by industry. To free SMBs from HR complexities, TriNet offers access to human capital expertise, benefits, risk mitigation and compliance, payroll and real-time technology.
From Main Street to Wall Street, TriNet empowers SMBs to focus on what matters most—growing their business.

Alex Metz, Executive Director, Greater West

Lisa Reeves, Chief Product Officer

 

Learn More.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a partner, please email our Head of Ecosystem & Partnerships at Alicia@bencolorado.org.