Startup Funding

With our next EUXMELB meetup on the 28th of May, I'm excited to announce that **Natalie Ellis, Partner and COO at The Product Bus, will be presenting 'Your skills *are* the product'.** According to Harvard Business School 95% of new products launched every year *fail.* Natalie is here to argue that the reason for these failures isn't a lack of talent or tools, but because no one stops to ask whether the market actually wants or needs these things before shipping them. Online rhetoric discusses how AI is transforming the design, product and engineering worlds, but from her perspective, Natalie believes AI is actively multiplying the rate of failure because it's now possible to build something no-one asked for in an hour from your Mac mini. Natalie is here to tell us why evidence-based, commercially focused product thinking is more critical than ever for countering the wasted time and resources spent shipping products no one asked for. She will explain why the skills designers and researchers already possess are the real commercial asset and how people in these roles can start treating them as such. Natalie has spent her career turning consumer insights into product and commercial decisions across startups, enterprise, government digital services and institutional programs. Following a decade rising through a global market research agency, she jumped ship to an early-stage market research startup before spending several years as a product strategist designing and delivering national digital health services. As Partner & COO at The Product Bus she is passionate about helping founders, teams and businesses make real progress through evidence based decisions and passionate about helping them stress-test ideas before they commit to building. She escaped the city for rural life in the Alpine Shire several years ago where she has become an accidental pumpkin farmer and enjoys crocheting while watching crime drama. Event will start at 5:30pm with Pizza, Drinks and networking with the talk starting at 6pm. We are at Stone and Chalk in the space just past where you sign in. This event is sponsored by [askable](https://www.askable.com/) ([https://www.askable.com/](https://www.askable.com/)) and Experience Design "UX" Agency [blueegg](http://www.blueegg.com.au/) ([http://www.blueegg.com.au/](http://www.blueegg.com.au/))

Melbourne BitDevs is an in-person meetup held monthly for discussing: Bitcoin software, tools, research, protocol upgrades (BIPs), mining and more. ⚡💻 Held on the last Thursday of the month. Current venue is upstairs at the Fox Hotel in Collingwood. Arrive anytime from 6pm, with a **prompt start at 6:30**. Website: https://bitdevs.com.au Telegram: https://t.me/btcmelbourne Discussion topics (please add!): https://github.com/MelbourneBitDevs/MelbBitDevs/issues/

* **Topic:** Real‑time & Batch on Microsoft Fabric * **Date:** Thursday 28th May 2026 at 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm * **Networking:** 6 pm - 6.30 pm and 7.20 - 8 pm * **Presentation Time**: 6.30 pm - 7.20 pm *(includes welcome, presentation 30 mins & community marketplace)* * **Location:** Thoughtworks HQ Level 35/360 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 * **Ticket:** Free of cost, however, registrations and RSVP are required! * **Sponsor:** Thoughtworks **Real‑time & Batch on Fabric** This session presents the end state of a mixed real‑time and batch analytics platform on **Microsoft Fabric**. Live event streams are handled using KQL/Eventhouse, enabling low‑latency dashboards and operational insights with minimal processing overhead. In parallel, near real‑time and batch data is processed using governed, lightweight Fabric patterns designed for efficiency and scale. The outcome is a single, capacity‑aware Fabric platform where real‑time and analytical workloads coexist cleanly, with Power BI as the unified consumption layer. **About The Speaker** Arjun Shankar has over a decade of experience turning data challenges into scalable, cloud-first platforms that drive real business decisions. He has worked across banking, finance, transport, insurance, and energy, specialising in the Azure stack: Synapse, Data Factory, Databricks, PySpark, and Fabric. From reducing platform costs, to accelerating delivery, and putting self-service analytics in the hands of the people who need it. Outside work, he's usually out on a trail, training for his next marathon, or keeping up with two young boys. We’re excited to bring the Data Engineering Melbourne Meetup group together for an evening with Arjun and his insights!

Located on Station Street in Fairfield, Narai Classic Thai Restaurant is a vibrant spot that perfectly blends tradition with innovation. Try their signature dishes like the special Thai noodle dish, red duck curry, and a delightful whole fish dish, all crafted with fresh ingredients. It's pretty reasonably priced in a great area. Why not come down and join us for some food and conversation. If you haven't been before, don't be shy. Still not sure? Why not check out their menu. https://www.canva.com/design/DAGzFmLIkS4/A7_q-xhXSs3zvhm5udmbeQ/view?utm_content=DAGzFmLIkS4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h6c983791ce#1 A $20 non refundable deposit is required for this event and will be refunded on the night. The deposit will be required 48 hours from RSVPing to the event or you will be moved removed from the event. Please make payment to the following account only if you are on the going list. Please note the new bank details. BSB 013125 Account 150808654 Please let me know once payment is made. PLEASE USE YOUR NAME AND VENUE AS YOUR REFERENCE. Please only RSVP to an event if you fully intend to show. Pulling out of a dinner or another booked event (with a venue) on the day is a kick in the teeth for both the venue and the organiser. I understand there are instances where this is unavoidable, but you are short changing the venue on the revenue they are reliant upon, especially when it comes to paying their staff. It may be too late to rebook those tables with other patrons. Not to mention the stress this puts the organisers under. Please be considerate.

**🍻 The Entrepreneur Club – Last Friday of the Month Drinks** **Not your average knock-off drinks.** Join us for a monthly gathering of entrepreneurs, builders, creatives, and self-starters who believe business is more than just work, it’s a personal growth journey. Whether you're scaling something or just starting out, this is a space to meet others who think like you do. **💬 What to Expect** ✅ Real convos with people building something ✅ A place to bounce ideas, swap challenges, and share wins ✅ Opportunities to give value and get it in return ✅ Chill vibes, no pitches, just smart people in good company You don’t need a title or a polished pitch, just curiosity and the willingness to connect. **🗓 Format** **6:30pm** – Arrive, grab a drink, join a convo **8:30pm** – We wrap, or roll on elsewhere 📍 **The Oxford Scholar** We take over a corner of the bar (Back Bar or Atrium), look for the crew with ideas in one hand and a drink in the other. **🎯 This is for you if** * You want more entrepreneurial people in your life * You’re building something, or want to be * You care about growth, not just small talk Bring a question. Bring a challenge. Bring your curiosity. Last Friday of every month. Let’s make it count.

**Tickets (Attendance and Raffle):** [https://events.humanitix.com/spill-the-tea-cosy-queer-social-fundraiser](https://events.humanitix.com/spill-the-tea-cosy-queer-social-fundraiser) Please join us for a cosy indoor social at the Ivanhoe Library & Cultural Hub, in the Clara Southern meeting room. This is part of an official "Biggest Morning Tea" event to raise funds for people living with cancer. You can support our goal by buying an attendance ticket, a raffle ticket, donating here, or donating directly on our Cancer Council page: [https://www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/lgbtsocialhubmelb](https://www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/lgbtsocialhubmelb) We'll be providing some late morning tea (you're welcome to bring something to share too if you'd like), giving out name tags, and inviting a range of activities, including: *\- BYO project \(crafting or otherwise \- no paint please\)* *\- Card and board games* *\- Conversation prompt discussion cards \(Esther Perel\)* *\- Optional wellbeing acvitity \(core values\)* *\- Raffle draw\!* 100% of the funds from attendance tickets, raffle tickets and direct donations go to the Cancer Council. Your host, Ben, is a mental health professional & experienced group facilitator who's passionate about bringing people together to socialise and make new friends. **Please note:** this is an alcohol free event. LGBT+ Social Hub Melbourne aims to provide a safe place for everyone. We ask that you be respectful to all attendees; harassment and discrimination will not be tolerated. The venue capacity is 20 people, so attendance tickets are strictly limited. Can't wait to see you there :) **About the Raffle** First Prize: *A professional family or portrait photoshoot, and signed matted print. This fine art photography experience is valued at $695 and has been generously donated by Tilnak Fine Art Portraits ([https://www.tilnak.com/](https://www.tilnak.com/))* Second Prize: *2x official cancer council mugs, 1x official cancer council tea towel, 2x handcrafted scented candles made by the host, postage to 1 location in Melbourne.* Please ensure your details are correct so that we can contact you if you're the winner! You do not have to attend the event to participate in the raffle.

Step into the room, not just to read, but to experience what happens when curious, learning minds gather in the same space. There’s something unexpectedly powerful about people arriving with different ideas, perspectives, and questions, then discovering what unfolds when they pause, explore, and reflect together. This isn’t a traditional book club—there’s no assigned reading, no pressure to perform—just a simple rhythm: 60-Minute Flow: **👋 0:00–0:15 \| Arrive & Introductions** **📖 0:15–0:30 \| Quiet Reading Time** Settle in with your book, article, or notes. Highlight something that stands out—a line, an idea, or even something you disagree with. This is your space to explore. **💬 0:30–0:45 \| Sharing & Insights** We come back together to share what we picked up. It can be a quote, a question, a new perspective—anything that sparked your thinking. Expect a mix of ideas and thoughtful discussions. **🤝 0:45–1:00 \| Open Networking** A wrap with relaxed conversation. Swap recommendations, continue discussions, or simply connect with others

This is a shared journey into healing sound, where we relax, connect, and create something beautiful together💫 **1\. Guided Sound Bath \+ Gentle Movement** We’ll begin with a calm, immersive sound bath using healing instruments to help you settle in, slow down, and tune into the space. **2\. Healing Instrument Exploration** You’ll have time to try Tibetan singing bowls, crystal bowls, handpan, and chimes, exploring their sounds and vibrations in your own way. No pressure, just curiosity. **3\. Group Sound Creation** We’ll come together to create a shared “healing piece,” layering sounds and building an immersive sound bath as a group. **4\. Recording the Sound** We’ll record what we create so you can take it home and use it later for sleep, relaxation, focus, or winding down at the end of the day. **Where we meet:** **📢Please arrive 10 minutes early** to settle in before the sound bath. We’ll meet at my studio in Richmond, located in a residential building just off Burnley Street. When you arrive, head up the stairs to **Level 1**. The studio is in **Unit 7**. **How to get here:** 5 minutes walk from tram 48/75, 10 minutes walk from tram 70 and Burnley Station. Street parking available. **Knowledge required:** Suitable for everyone, no experience needed. **What to bring:** Just yourself Instruments, mats, and pillows are all provided. You’re welcome to bring your own healing instruments to share, or your own mat if you prefer! **📞Contact:** Call/text 0433921416 if you're lost or wanna chat. 📩Please join our WhatsApp group for event updates, community connection & enquiries: **Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CFZcJMTWgCbFEjgkn9KQ7C](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CFZcJMTWgCbFEjgkn9KQ7C)

TO MAINTAIN A GENDER BALANCE ALL MALES MUST ATTEND WITH A FEMALE FRIEND, NO EXCEPTIONS. All females are welcome to attend alone but encouraged to attend with a female friend too for free drinks and food! MUST TAP “ATTEND” and include all guests. UNLIKE other meetups which are overwhelmingly male dominant, we provide ONLY gender balanced events where females also have a chance to meet other females, not only men. WE ARE COMMITTED TO EQUAL GENDER REPRESENTATION IN THE IT INDUSTRY. 8PM EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY (LAST ENTRY STRICTLY 8.30PM) AT 215 QUEEN’S

Friendly game of five a side indoor football (soccer). Indoor trainers/boots. No studs. Played on timber floor. Bibs will be supplied. Game Rules: Kick ins from the side. Goal keeper must throw the ball out when the ball goes behind. No slide tackles. After each goal a spot kick is taken and the opposing team must stand behind the white line (you'll understand when you get there). Keeper rotates every 6 minutes. If you need to pull out of the game for any reason, please RSVP no and then message the event so that another can potentially fill your spot. Please note that you should do this at least 48 hours (the sooner the better) before the game to allow the chance for someone to take your spot. If we are unable to fill the spot then I will not be able to refund you. Thank you.

☕ **Girl Who Boss Coffee Catchup!** ☕ Join us for a relaxed and casual coffee catchup, where like-minded women come together to connect, chat, and share ideas! Whether you're a career professional, entrepreneur, or creative, this is the perfect chance to meet other inspiring women in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. *** **Here’s the agenda:** 🕚 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Welcome & Mingle 💬 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Casual Conversations & Coffee 🤝 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Networking & Wrap-Up No formalities, no pressure—just a space to enjoy great company, share experiences, and make new connections over coffee. ☕💖 These meetups are a great way to ease into networking while building friendships in a laid-back setting. Looking forward to catching up with everyone! 🌟 Feel free to message me if you have any questions. See you there! 😊 Wondering why our events are sometimes ticketed, or have questions about our pricing? We've written about it [here](https://open.substack.com/pub/girlswhoboss/p/accessibility-sustainability-and?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=4apm4h).

(Note: RSVPing here on meetup does NOT reserve your seat. To do that, you’ll need to register at our website, **[HERE](https://www.coreerocks.com/Events.aspx?ID=In-Person-Columbus-Meeting-How-I-Get-Private-Lenders-and-Partners-to-Fund-My-Deals-14-6-2-2026)**.) Tuesday, June 2nd, 5:00–8:30 PM Eastern Central Ohio Chapter Meeting IN PERSON IN COLUMBUS How I Get Private Lenders and Partners to Fund My Deals If you can’t fund it, you don’t have a deal. And right now, funding is where more investors are getting stuck. Private lenders are more cautious. Partners are asking better questions. And deals that look good on paper still fall apart when the money doesn’t show up. That’s why we’re bringing in a panel of investors who are actually getting their deals funded right now. You’ll hear how they’re finding money, structuring deals, and building relationships that lead to repeat funding. Here’s what you’ll learn: * Where they’re finding private lenders today * How they start conversations that lead to funding * What makes lenders and partners say YES * How they structure deals to be fundable * The biggest mistakes investors make when raising money * How to build repeat funding relationships **Early Session (6:00–7:00 PM Eastern):** **Having Trouble Finding Tenants? How Community Shelter Board Can Help** Nicholas Brenner will walk you through programs designed to help rapidly rehouse tenants, including financial support that can stabilize your rentals. **The Deal Room (7:00–7:30 PM Eastern)** Bring deals, funding needs, buyers, and problems. This is where connections turn into action. This meeting is for serious real estate investors nationwide, and we’re known for our high-content, real-life education and our nationwide community of dealmakers. Members and non-members at all levels are welcome. Register below to reserve your seat. Remember, to actually reserve your seat, you have to go **[HERE](https://www.coreerocks.com/Events.aspx?ID=In-Person-Columbus-Meeting-How-I-Get-Private-Lenders-and-Partners-to-Fund-My-Deals-14-6-2-2026)** and register on our website!

Please reserve your spot by registering on the below link : **Reserve** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-biggest-community-investors-founders-columbus-online-tickets-1988563717610?aff=meetup **QUESTIONS ?** Pls Reach out to; Ridhi - +971504724873 ( WhatsApp Only)

**Let’s kick off our very first CBUS Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Karl Road Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

Dodgeball is back again! If you’ve been wanting to come out, this is an easy one to join. We’ll be playing for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you do not need to bring any equipment, and no experience is needed. We use a specific set of rules and equipment to make the games run better and keep them fun for everybody, not just people who already know how to play. If it rains, the event will be canceled.

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!