Boulder Startup Week: What I’m Showing Up For

Every year, Boulder Startup Week rolls through town, transforming Boulder into a vibrant mix of founders, creatives, investors, and those who definitely have a startup idea they've been sitting on for three years. It’s free, chaotic, and surprisingly useful—if you don’t treat it like a week-long coffee date. With over 200 sessions, thousands of attendees, and dozens of venues across downtown, there's something for everyone. This year, I’m not wandering aimlessly. I’ve got a plan—or at least… a curated set of intentions.

What I Signed Up For

🧠 Build + AI + “Let’s See What Happens”

From Idea to Live App in 60 Minutes – Hands-On with Claude Code

Because apparently, we’re all just one prompt away from becoming software engineers now.

Your Vibe Coded App Rules. Now what?

Translation: “Cool, you made something… now can you make it not suck?”

Mastering Generative AI for Business Growth

This one hits close to home. I’m already deep into content systems and AI workflows, but I want sharper tools, better leverage, and fewer “this almost works” moments.

🎯 Strategy, Content, and Actually Making Money

Craft Your Brand’s Social Strategy in 60 Minutes

Bold claim. I’ve spent 20+ years doing this, so I’m either about to learn something new or quietly judge everyone in the room.

Learn Vibe Build

Honestly, anything with “vibe” in the title in Boulder could go either way. It could be genius or a guy named River talking about energy alignment. I’m going.

💰 Niche Plays + Opportunity Hunting

AI Builders and Niche Sports Opportunities

This feels like one of those sleeper sessions where someone casually drops a $10M idea, and everyone pretends they already knew it.

🌿 Let’s Not Pretend This Isn’t On Brand

Cannabis to Enhance Your Pursuits in Life

Professional curiosity. Obviously.

High-Performance Founders Using Psychedelics (Legally)

Boulder stays Boulder. Also… let’s not act like half the room isn’t already doing “research.”

⛓️ Tech + Future + Probably Some Crypto Bros

Boulder Blockchain

I’ve been around Web3 long enough to know this could be brilliant or a room full of people explaining why their token is “different.” Still going.

🕺 Networking (But Make It Fun)

420 Happy Hour and Dance Party

If you’re not building relationships here, you’re doing Startup Week wrong. Deals don’t happen in panels. They happen when someone’s two drinks in and suddenly thinks you’re a genius.

Why I Actually Go to This Thing

Here’s the truth most people won’t say:

You don’t go to Boulder Startup Week for information. You go for proximity.

• Proximity to people doing interesting things.

• Proximity to ideas before they’re obvious.

• Proximity to opportunities you didn’t know you needed.

  
  

And yeah… a little bit of ego checking too. Nothing like sitting in a room full of killers to remind you where you’re sharp and where you’re coasting.

What I’m Looking For

• Better ways to productize what I already do.

• Smarter AI workflows that actually save time.

• People building things that need content systems (hello, Fresh Mints).

• One or two ideas that make me go, “damn… I should be doing that.”

  
  

What I’m Probably Avoiding

• Panels that sound like LinkedIn posts.

• “Thought leadership” with no actual results.

• Anyone who says “we’re building community” but can’t explain how they make money.

  
  

Your Turn

If you’re going this year…

👉 What sessions am I missing?

👉 What’s actually worth showing up early for?

👉 And where are the real conversations happening?

Because let’s be honest…

The best part of this week isn’t on the schedule.

If you see me there, say what’s up. I’ll probably be the guy bouncing between AI, cannabis, content strategy, and wherever the most interesting conversation is happening. Or the bar. Let’s not rule that out.

Embracing the Future of Innovation

As I dive into Boulder Startup Week, I can't help but think about the future of innovation. The blend of technology and creativity is more important than ever. We’re at a crossroads where traditional methods meet the new digital frontier. This is where brands can truly shine and connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.

Imagine a world where your ideas come to life seamlessly, where AI tools enhance creativity rather than replace it. This is the future I’m excited about. It’s not just about being part of the conversation; it’s about leading it.

So, if you're looking to elevate your brand or project, consider how you can leverage these emerging technologies. The opportunities are endless, and the time to act is now.

Collin Christenbury is the Founder of Fresh Mints, a Boulder-based creative studio specializing in content strategy, video production, and SEO-driven growth systems for modern brands. He helps businesses turn attention into actual revenue through scalable content engines.

Explore more at *https://www.freshmints.online/