StartOut Awards

October 10th | New York City

13th Annual StartOut Awards

Join us in New York City for the entrepreneurial event of the year!

The StartOut Awards is the premier celebration of the nation’s LGBTQ+ entrepreneurial community. Our signature event recognizes outstanding LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs across industries.

By recognizing and honoring business leaders for outstanding representation of the LGBTQ+ community, the StartOut Awards bring further visibility and prominence to the dynamic, innovative, and exceptionally diverse field of LGBTQ+ community members fueling the American entrepreneurial spirit.

If you have questions, please email .

Interested in corporate sponsorship opportunities? Please reach out to us at info@startout.org.

This Event is Sponsored By

Emcee

Thorgy Thor

Thorgy Thor is a New York City based drag performance artist, entertainer, musician, and event host. Since appearing on season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and All Stars season 3, Thorgy has been traveling the world, bringing to audiences her trademark wit, sense of humor, and musical charm. 

Thorgy uses unconventional recording materials and music to create unique performances for theater, film, cabaret, and nightlife entertainment. An explosive performer who loves to lip-sync just as much as create collaborative performance art that combines drag, music and comedy.

In 2018, the show Thorgy and the Thorchestra was created in collaboration with Canadian conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, making its debut with Symphony Nova Scotia in Halifax in conjunction with Halifax Pride, with two nights of sold-out performances to rave reviews. The show blends orchestral performances of traditional and modern classical repertoire and contemporary pop songs. 

Afterparty DJ

DJ Dawson (he/him)

DJ Dawson, a Brooklyn-based music curator, boasts over a decade of crafting standout mixes that seamlessly blend lively house rhythms, soulful vocals, and cutting-edge electronic sounds. A respected fixture in the NYC club music scene, Dawson’s journey as a premiere DJ has garnered a following that extends across the nation and beyond.

Dawson’s wide-ranging appeal spans from intimate lounges and rooftops to large clubs and international festivals. From New York to London, Toronto to Las Vegas, and beyond, he consistently impresses with his infectious grooves. With successful stints at renowned venues, Dawson’s versatile talent shines at black-tie galas, underground raves, and festival main-stages alike. 

Previous Awardees

Missed previous StartOut Awards?

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Join StartOut

Since 2009, StartOut has built a community of 26,000 members. Every year, we provide support to over 700 individual founders. We connect them to expertise, peers, community, and capital. This powerful combination of financial support, skills development, and community contributes to helping fuel innovation, wealth generation and equal access to economic opportunity. Join our growing community today.