CEO Roundtables New York

Advanced Founder Roundtable Lunch: Series A+ and Scaling

**🚨 NO RSVP ON MEETUP. [Complete your RSVP here](https://luma.com/e6obcay2) in order to attend.** ### A Founder Peer Group for the Scaling Phase You're past finding product-market fit. Now you're managing the messy reality of scaling: * Organizational design that needs work * Sales compensation you're making up as you go * Technical debt threatening to collapse the system **This is a closed-door session for founders dealing with scaling problems right now.** 📅 Friday, March 6th • 12:00-2:00 PM A private members club near Gramercy Park. 24 founders working to solve problems with peers in the same phase. **✅ You're likely a fit if:** * This is your full-time focus * $15M+ in revenue or funding raised * You're managing managers, not just ICs * Your company has meaningful traction (*Series A/B stage, scaling revenue*) * You're dealing with operational complexity (*GTM strategy, org design, unit economics, hiring executives*) **🤝 What happens:** * Meet founders like you * Share your current bottleneck * Get specific input from founders who've solved similar problems * Build relationships with peers you can call when you need a sanity check 🏢 **Sector agnostic.** Fintech, SaaS, marketplaces, D2C—the scaling challenges are the same. **📍 Details:** * 24 seats (strict cap) * No pitches. No panels. * $100 (includes lunch and bar) * Business casual dress * Application required for stage alignment **Apply if:** You're dealing with scaling problems and want peers who understand the specific challenges of this phase (not requests for advice from founders three stages behind you). **You MUST [complete your RSVP here](https://luma.com/e6obcay2) in order to attend.**

Dine Around the World

2026 Kickoff Happy Hour: Jersey City Tech Meetup Annual Community Social

[YOU ​MUST REGISTER ON LUMA TO ATTEND](https://luma.com/7b9izu9h) \-\-\- **Fundraising in 2026 is a different game.** ​Founders are flooded with advice, yet few have a direct line to the source. **Inside the Startup Investor Mind** cuts through the "founder-speak" to bring you directly into the conversation with the people writing the checks. ​We’re here to break down how investors evaluate companies today and which signals are actually moving the needle in a shifting landscape. ## ​What We’ll Explore ​The conversation will focus on questions founders are navigating right now: ​• What traction actually matters to investors today • AI saturation vs defensibility • Common mistakes founders make when preparing to raise • Signals that make investors lean in (or walk away) ​Expect practical insight, candid discussion, and thoughtful perspectives from experienced investors. *** ## ​Event Format ​**5:00 – 6:00 PM** Arrival + networking ​**6:00 – 6:15 PM** Opening remarks ​**6:15 – 6:25 PM** Opening Keynote by [Victoria Yampolsky](https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriayampolsky?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios), President & CEO of [The Startup Station](https://thestartupstation.com/?utm_source=luma) ​***Why Investors Say No: 5 Mistakes Founders Make (Fast)*** ​**6:25 – 7:00 PM** ***Inside the Startup Investor Mind Panel ft.*** **[Ben Yurcisin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/benyurcisin/?utm_source=luma)**, CEO & Founder JCTM, Intu Global (moderator) **​[Bhuva Shakti](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhuvashakti/?utm_source=luma)**, CEO & Founder, Wallet Max **​[Justin Murray](https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinmurray2577/?utm_source=luma), Investor, Plug and Play Ventures​** **[Davion Louis](https://www.linkedin.com/in/davion-louis-62147766/?utm_source=luma), Private Markets Fundraising Professional** ​[Eileen Kim](https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileen-kim-ny-ventures/?utm_source=luma)**, Program Manager, New York Ventures** **​7:00 – 8:00 PM** Networking and fun! *** ## ​Who This Event Is For ​We are intentionally curating the room to ensure meaningful conversations. ​You may find this event especially valuable if you are: ​• A founder preparing to raise or actively fundraising • An investor looking to connect with builders in the region • An operator working closely with scaling startups *** ## ​Hosted By [​](jctechmeetup.com)**[Jersey City Tech Meetup (JCTM)](jctechmeetup.com)** Learn Cool Tech. Earn More Money. Meet People Who Make Sh\*t Happen. Jersey City Tech Meetup isn’t just for techies — it’s for builders, creators, and visionaries who take action and shape what’s next. Whether you're in AI, design, music, media, or just chasing a bold idea — this is where futures get made. Connect with the Founder **[Ben Yurcisin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/benyurcisin/)** ​\*\*[Bhuva Shakti](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhuvashakti/?utm_source=luma)\*\* Former Wall Street investment banker and Columbia Business School alum who now advises startups and hosts founder/investor events focused on helping founders build and scale investor-ready companies. ​ **[Wallet Max](https://www.getwalletmax.com/events?utm_source=luma)** is an inclusive global community of corporate executives and venture capitalists with a mission to expand fundraising access for high-growth startups in the technology, AI, fintech, and climate sustainability sectors. ​With more than 10 investments directly in impact entrepreneurs thus far, Wallet Max’s network of 2,000 innovators and 60 partners regularly meet in person and virtually throughout the year to mutually exchange connections and drive collective action. ​Learn more and join **Fundraising Mastermind** cohort for seed-stage founders: **[getwalletmax.com/mastermind](https://www.getwalletmax.com/mastermind?utm_source=luma)** ​ ## **Thank You to Our Sponsors** ​**[Connectd](https://www.connectd.com/us?utm_source=luma)** ​Connectd is a people-first platform that connects startups and scaleups with experienced **fractional executives and strategic advisors**. ​With a network of **6,500+ professionals** who support companies on a **pro bono basis for six months**, startups gain access to high-quality expertise that would typically cost **$40,000+** through traditional hiring or consulting arrangements. ​*Making over 5,000 connections per year across the UK and US, Connectd enables organisations to move faster and scale smarter through curated talent that delivers when it matters most.* ​**[introstars](https://www.introstars.com/?ref=the-generative-ai-network&utm_source=luma)** ​For founders and sales professionals seeking deal flow and revenue, **introstars** helps you track, monetize, and receive high-value business introductions. Join for free ## ​**About Our Partner Communities** ​**[Tranquilla AI](https://tranquilla.ai/?utm_source=luma)** Tranquilla is the world’s first Compassionate Digital Assistant, blending high-touch with high-tech to deliver empathy, memory, and personalization at scale. Unlike traditional AI, the Compassionate Digital Assistant is designed for organizations that help people, ensuring no person is ever left unseen, unheard, or unsupported. ​**[Intu Global](https://intu.global/?utm_source=luma)** ​Join Our Global Network of 150k+ Startups, Enterprises, Futurists, Investors and Disrupters Seeking Continuous Learning, Power Networking, Services and Support ​**[PAOS](https://paos-app.vercel.app/?utm_source=luma)** ​As a founder, you face constant chaos—PAOS is here to change that. The Personal Advancement Operating System (PAOS) helps founders regain control, align priorities, and amplify their impact. With PAOS, you move from scattered days to focused progress. Less chaos, more PAOS—so you can build the future you set out for. [Sign up for the waitlist](https://paos-app.vercel.app/?utm_source=luma) ​**[The Startup Station](https://thestartupstation.com/?utm_source=luma)** ​The Startup Station is a CFO advisory and financial education platform for early-stage startups. We help early-stage founders build investor-ready financials and tell their funding story with confidence. In the past decade, we’ve helped 150+ founders raise over $50M and educated 20,000+ entrepreneurs worldwide. \-\-\- Hosted by our friends at **[AndCo](https://andco.work/)**

Elevate - North Jersey Real Estate Investors Group

### Welcome All Investors! Event is from 6:30 to 9:30 PM **Guest Speaker - David Choi - 7:30PM.** Topic: TBD David Choi is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and private equity fund manager. Over the last decade, David has been a key member in acquiring, financing, and managing over $4 Billion AUM. As the CEO and Founder of Leverage Companies and various subsidiaries, David currently owns over $60MM in assets and is on pace to deploy over $800MM in both debt and equity into the SFR and small to mid-cap multifamily space in 2025. In his spare time, David founded Leverage Cares, a philanthropic company focused on bringing financial literacy to the city of Newark. He also teaches Real Estate Finance as an adjunct professor at Rutgers Business School. David graduated Cum Laude from Rutgers Business School with a Finance degree, concentrating in Real Estate. **Open Networking - 8:00 - 9:30 PM** Event is FREE, beer and food will be provided. Looking forward to networking with all of you! **Need help? Check out our awesome partners below:** Residential Mortgages: Michael Chuyan - michael.chuyan@movement.com Title Insurance: Maria Ospina at Nu World Title - mospina@nuworldtitle.com Hard Money: Matthew Weber at Alpha Funding - matt@alphafunding.com Property Insurance: Mohamed Kandil at Goosehead Insurance - mohamed.kandil@goosehead.com Reminder- if you have real estate books you want to pass along, bring them to share with others!

Meet & Greet - Blood Donation Meetup

Bill, Oriane, and Kilaya will be donating. Hosts: Yen & Bill. Give blood - "One pint of blood can save 3 lives. Bring a friend & save 6 lives." [Pay It Forward](https://youtu.be/MqUfHAOdn30) [https://youtu.be/MqUfHAOdn30](https://youtu.be/MqUfHAOdn30) * 62% of the U.S. is eligible to donate blood. The #1 reason people don't donate is they were never asked. * Did you know that platelets support blood clotting and give those with leukemia and other cancers a chance to live? * Did you know that blood loss victims of car accidents may need transfusions of 50 pints or more of red blood cells? * More than 25% of the blood supply is used by cancer patients. "Red Cross declares first-ever national blood crisis." https://youtu.be/ZUmbgpmNixg #GIVEWITHME [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/red-cross-blood-crises-united-states-covid-19/](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/red-cross-blood-crises-united-states-covid-19/) Make your reservation here: [https://donate.nybc.org/donor/auth/signin](https://donate.nybc.org/donor/auth/signin) We'll be donating at the Grand Central Donor Center Chanin Building 115 East 41st Street NEW YORK, NY 10017 +18009332566 (this is NOT to be confused with the Metro North Donor Center) Information for first-time donors, including eligibility criteria: [https://www.nybc.org/donate-blood/](https://www.nybc.org/donate-blood/) "The need for blood is ongoing, but COVID-19 has destroyed the foundation on which the community donates blood to patients served by New York Blood Center. Every week, more than 75,000 blood donations and 1,700 donated platelet units are needed to meet patient need. To ensure we are prepared to support health agencies in our communities and across the country, NYBCe strongly urges individuals who feel healthy and well to make an appointment at a donor center or find a new community blood drive. DONORS PRESENTING: " Regardless of vaccination status, ALL donors MUST wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose Must be 14 days symptom free if recovered from COVID-19 May NOT donate if they have a positive diagnostic test or experienced symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days May not donate if they have been told to self-quarantine due to exposure risk, including travel. We follow current State and CDC travel recommendations. CDC - Travel (cdc.gov) COVID\-19 Travel Advisory \| Department of Health \(ny\.gov\) If you are unsure whether to donate, or if you have donated recently and you develop symptoms of COVID-19 or you test positive for COVID-19, please contact us at 800.688.0900." https://nybc.org/donate-blood/covid-19-and-blood-donation-copy/ #SAVEALIFE #GIVEWITHME #DONATEBLOOD #NYBLOODCENTER #REDCROSS #VOLUNTEER #BLOODSHORTAGE

Venture Garden for Founders

Founders and builders in Jersey City meeting over tea to connect, share ideas, and turn them into real businesses.

Joseph's Bday Karaoke Night Get-Together on April 22

**Let's do another karaoke night this month and a birthday celebration!** Join your fellow members from Success Circles, NY Powerteam, and Impact Entrepreneurship for an unforgettable Karaoke Night on Wednesday, April 22nd from 7:15 PM to 9:15 PM ET at the Aloft LIC Hotel. Here's what makes this event extra special: We've got TWO amazing spaces for you to enjoy, AND we're celebrating Joseph Varghese's birthday! 🎈🎤🥳🎉 🎤 **Downstairs at W XYZ Bar (Lobby Level):** Belt out your favorite songs or cheer on the brave souls taking the mic 🌃 **Upstairs on the 18th Floor Rooftop Patio:** Network with stunning Manhattan views and deeper conversations **You choose your experience, or enjoy both!** Move freely between karaoke fun and meaningful networking throughout the evening. **Why You Should Be There:** ✨ **Authentic Connection** Build real relationships whether you're sharing a mic or a conversation under the stars ✨ **Two Venues, One Amazing Night** Get the best of both worlds in one event 🎤 **Zero Pressure** Sing if you want, network if you prefer, or do both 🌆 **Stunning Rooftop Views** Experience one of NYC's best rooftop patios while connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs 🎉 **Celebrate Community** Join us in celebrating another year of connection, growth, and impact (and maybe sing "Happy Birthday" if you're feeling it!) 🎂 **Flexibility is Key** This isn't a rigid schedule. Flow between spaces as you feel inspired 📸 **Create Memories** These are the moments that make community special **Event Details:** * **Karaoke** will take place **downstairs at the W XYZ Bar, located in the hotel lobby**. Sing your heart out in our lively bar atmosphere and enjoy signature cocktails. * **Networking** will be held **upstairs on the Rooftop Patio, on the 18th floor**. Take in spectacular Manhattan views as you mingle with fellow guests and unwind. Whether you’re joining us for karaoke, networking, or both, please check in at the Aloft lobby on arrival. Bar staff will direct you to the correct floor. **📍 Location:** Aloft Long Island City-Manhattan View Hotel 27-45 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 **📅 Date:** Wednesday, April 22, 2026 **⏰ Time:** 7:15 PM - 9:15 PM ET (feel free to stay longer!) **Want a preview?** [Check out these photos from the venue](https://photos.app.goo.gl/zTZso9QtLCUF65pS7) to get excited about the space we'll be enjoying together. **How It Works:** This is designed to be flexible and fun. You can: * Start downstairs with karaoke energy, then head upstairs for rooftop conversations. * Begin on the rooftop for networking, then join the karaoke fun when you're ready. * Spend your entire evening in whichever space calls to you. * Float between both areas all night. There's no wrong way to experience this event! **Who Should Come?** This event is perfect for: * Members of Success Circles, NY Powerteam, and Impact Entrepreneurship * Entrepreneurs looking to build genuine connections in a dynamic setting * Anyone who wants to mix business relationships with genuine fun * Introverts who prefer meaningful rooftop conversations * Extroverts who want to own the karaoke stage * Everyone in between. This event truly has something for everyone **Pro tip:** Arrive early if you'd like to settle in and grab a drink before we kick things off! **Can't Find Us?** We'll have presence in both the **W XYZ Bar (lobby level)** for karaoke and the **18th Floor Rooftop Patio** for networking. Look for our community in either location. If you need help, text or call Joseph at **917-745-5313**. **Ready to Join?** **RSVP below and let's make this a night to remember!** Bring your energy, your voice (or your support!), and get ready for an evening that goes beyond typical networking. With two incredible spaces to explore, you'll find exactly the vibe you're looking for. And yes, if you feel inspired to help celebrate a birthday while we're at it, we won't stop you. 😊 See you there. Downstairs, upstairs, or both! *P.S. Feel free to invite a friend who would love our community, share [NYPT.rocks](http://NYPT.rocks) with them to explore more upcoming events!*

Rethinking Knowledge Work in the Age of AI

We invite you to an in-person session in Seattle exploring the real impact of AI on knowledge-driven industries — from shifting economics and the disruption of traditional SaaS and consulting models to where organizations can still build lasting competitive advantage. As AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini continue to redefine how work gets done, organizations face a critical question: how can they adapt, remain competitive, and create lasting value? We’ll discuss practical strategies for integrating AI while preserving human expertise, along with actionable approaches to upskilling teams for an AI-driven workplace. Drawing on real-world experience from training thousands of professionals and deploying AI solutions, this session will provide clear, applicable insights for today’s evolving landscape. Following a short presentation, the session will open into an interactive discussion where attendees can share perspectives and explore key questions around the evolving role of humans, organizational adaptation, and staying competitive in an AI-first world. **Who should attend:** • Executives and managers in SaaS, consulting, and knowledge-driven organizations • Professionals exploring AI upskilling and workforce transformation • Anyone interested in the future of AI and knowledge work 📍 **Location:** Data Science Dojo, 5010 148th Ave NE, Suite 200A, Redmond, WA, United States 🔗 **Google Maps:** [https://lnkd.in/d8WA-yNc](https://lnkd.in/d8WA-yNc) **💻 Online Access:** A livestream will be available for those unable to attend in person; however, the full interactive experience is reserved for in-person participants.

"Hot Take" 30s & 40s Speed Dating (Comp Drink for Ladies) + Free After Party

TICKETS - [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hot-takes-speed-dating-30s-40s-after-party-tickets-1987568105708](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hot-takes-speed-dating-30s-40s-after-party-tickets-1987568105708) (\*Limited # of Women save $5 using discount code "5" at checkout. Must purchase a ticket in advance to attend.) As written up in the latest \*USA Today, check out the newest and "hottest" type of speed dating! Skip the small talk and share your personal opinions on some interesting topics! The idea is to accelerate finding compatibility by being your true authentic self. Forget awkward speed dating. Forget another night of swiping dating apps. This "hot takes" night makes dating fun again with a room full of people who actually match your energy. **How it works**: Ladies will receive a complimentary drink upon before a 7:30 pm arrival time. During the speed dating, ladies will sit and men will rotate. At the beginning of each round, there will be a question/topic in which each participant will offer their “hot take” on the subject matter and question posed. As you sit across from your new potential match, each person will have a minute to offer your personal opinion/viewpoint, and then both participants will have 3 minutes to ask further clarifying questions and have a conversation on the matter in a respectful, light hearted manner. Your matches will be delivered the next day, and everyone will receive a complimentary after party going on in the same venue until 10 pm. \* [https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2026/01/20/hot-take-dating-trend-explained-daters-singles/88216787007/](https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2026/01/20/hot-take-dating-trend-explained-daters-singles/88216787007/) **What To Expect:** * New and innovative speed dating concept which accelerates true compatibility * Ladies receive complimentary drink upon entry before 7:30 pm arrival * Ages of the speed dating will be eligible singles who are in 30s & 40s * Complimentary after party with additional singles in the same age range * Your matches delivered the next day via email or text As The Cloud One is waiving their large group rental fee, a one item spend is required for ladies and a 2 item spend is required for men Dress code: Dress to impress/business casual. No t-shirts, sneakers, hats For more fun events follow: [https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283](https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283)

Tech Happy Hour by Startup Grind

This is the monthly Startup Grind tech mixer. It's a low-key way to **connect with the NYC tech and startup community** to discover shared interests, explore areas for collaboration, and find your next co-founder or key hire. ​Join us for a casual happy hour to build real relationships and make friends, not just contacts. **No pitches. No presentations. No agenda.** ​ **This happy hour is for:** * ​Startup Founders & Employees * ​Technologists, Developers & Tech Workers * ​Product Managers & Designers * ​Investors, VCs, Advisors & Mentors * ​Anyone curious about the NYC tech scene ​ **Agenda:** * ​5:00 PM: Happy Hour starts. Come and go as you please. ​We're at the new **[Time Out Market at Union Square](https://www.timeout.com/time-out-market-union-square?utm_source=luma)**. It features a selection of the city's best food and drink together under one roof, offering a wide variety of options to choose from throughout the event. ​ **Look for Startup Grind table signs toward the back near the outdoor terrace.**

First Tuesdays - Emerging Entrepreneurs Meetup

We merged with [Beers and Data](https://meetu.ps/c/2xp6j/3pPcv/a)! Excited to bring the Entrepreneurial spirit into this large group of data nerds :) Welcome to the group and check out both postings for this event.

Raising Your Seed Round: How Investors Actually Decide If You're a Good Bet

👉 **[CLICK HERE](https://www.startupgrind.com/e/mzk49h/) TO RSVP** 👈 Most fundraising advice focuses on surface-level networking and directory awareness. **[Charlie O’Donnell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceonyc/)** thinks this approach is a waste of time. As the founder of **[Brooklyn Bridge Ventures](https://www.brooklynbridge.vc/)** and a faculty member at NYU, Charlie has spent **twenty years at the center of the New York City startup ecosystem.** He was the first analyst at **Union Square Ventures** and helped launch the **First Round Capital** office in New York. He has backed more than 100 local companies, including **Hungryroot**, **GroupMe**, and **Radformation**. On **Thursday, April 23rd**, Charlie joins Startup Grind at **[Civic Hall](https://www.civichall.org/)** to share insights from his new book, **[Founder Unfriendly](https://www.thisisgoingtobebig.com/founder-unfriendly-book)**. This session is **a brass-tacks breakdown** of the honest mechanics of venture capital that investors usually keep hidden. Until now. 👉 **[CLICK HERE](https://www.startupgrind.com/e/mzk49h/) TO RSVP** 👈 **WHAT YOU’LL LEARN** * **The Decision Logic:** Understand the specific mechanics of how VCs decide to fund a company or pass. * **Influencing the Room:** Strategies to shape the conversations investors have when you aren't there to defend your idea. * **Shifting a No to a Yes:** Practical tools to move skeptical investors toward an enthusiastic commitment. * **Beyond Clichés:** Skip the recycled wisdom and focus on granular, specific tactics that transform your deck into an asset. **WHO SHOULD ATTEND** * **Early-Stage Founders:** Builders preparing to raise their first institutional checks. * **First-Time Entrepreneurs:** Professionals weighing whether to pitch themselves on a new idea. * **Technical Operators:** Practitioners who want to align operational math with fundraising success. Tickets for this event include food and drinks, as well as **direct access to the most accessible early-stage investor in New York.** 👉 **[CLICK HERE](https://www.startupgrind.com/e/mzk49h/) TO RSVP** 👈 **RSVP now to pre-order the book** and pick it up at the event. If you're lucky, Charlie might even sign your copy. 🖋️ 🚨 Selecting the book bundle ticket guarantees you a copy of **Founder Unfriendly.** This ticket also includes exclusive access to **8 live virtual AMA sessions with successful founders**. This is a series of candid conversations about starting up from an extremely experienced group of entrepreneurs. Getting a ticket guarantees admission. **No waitlisting.** You'll also meet dozens of other high-performing entrepreneurs who are creating their next big thing. **Seriously, it's some of the best founder networking in the city.** **AGENDA** * 6:00 PM: Networking, Food & Drinks * 7:00 PM: Fireside Chat with Charlie O'Donnell * 8:00 PM: Meet the Speaker * 9:00 PM: After Party at Time Out Market 👉 **[CLICK HERE](https://www.startupgrind.com/e/mzk49h/) TO RSVP** 👈