Kellogg Entrepreneurship Conference
April 18, 2026
About KEC
KEC brings together students, founders, and innovators to explore entrepreneurship as a force for impact and change. Through keynotes, panels, and a hands-on Startup Fair, we turn curiosity into action — connecting attendees with the people, ideas, and opportunities to take their next bold step.
Proudly supported by The Larry and Carol Levy Institute for Entrepreneurial Practice.
Mike Evans, Co-founder of Grubhub
In 2025, KEC welcomed Mike Evans, co-founder of Grubhub and author of Hangry, for our keynote fireside chat. Mike took the audience behind the scenes of his entrepreneurial journey — from struggling with student debt to building and scaling one of America's most recognized food-tech companies. He shared hard-earned lessons on execution, resilience, and what it truly means to define success on your own terms.
Building a Global Business with a Mission
Jason Barsema, Co-founder & President, Halo Investing
Jason Barsema opened KEC 2025 with the story of Halo Investing — from building a fintech MVP to transforming how protective investment solutions are used worldwide. He walked through the evolution of Halo's business model, balancing growth with capital efficiency, and building partnerships that scale. At the heart of it all: a mission to democratize access to financial markets.
From Suits to Startups
Julie Roth Novack (Partyslate) & Bill Fiely (Aligned Modern Healthcare)
What does it take to walk away from a corporate career and build something from scratch? Julie and Bill shared the challenges of becoming first-time founders — from building credibility to navigating funding — and how their corporate experience became a secret weapon. An honest, inspiring look at resilience and reinvention.
2026 Agenda
April 18, 2026
White Auditorium, Kellogg School of Management — 2211 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
View 2026 Full Agenda