CEO Roundtables New York

Startup Pitch Events NYC: 5 Founders on Stage

Join founders, investors and tech talent at this curated **startup networking event in New York.** Meet ambitious builders, exchange ideas and discover new opportunities in a dynamic community environment. **RSVP: [Use this link](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-pitch-events-nyc-5-founders-on-stage-tickets-1999715171910?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **Please note that RSVP is managed via Eventbrite to control attendee lists — don’t ignore it to avoid issues with on-site payment.** **You've been running the idea past ChatGPT. ChatGPT has never once told you it wouldn't work. Tonight you get a room that will.** Five founders, five minutes each, on a Fifth Avenue rooftop in Manhattan. Wednesday. **Three reasons people come back** * You get a table, not a lap of the room. You pick a topic the room voted on and stay there for the hour, instead of wandering with a drink looking for a gap in somebody else's conversation. * You get a stage short enough to be honest. Five minutes each, no slides read out loud, then the room asks questions. The questions are the good part. * You get the hour after. The stage ends, nobody's performing any more, and the floor stays open. That's the hour people actually remember. **Your ticket is also a login** Most events end when you walk out. This one hands you a link: your profile, who else is coming before you get there, a group chat for this specific Wednesday, and a recap afterwards of who you actually met. Then you land in the New York space and stay there. That's where the second conversation happens, the one you meant to have before the room got loud. Free with your ticket, on the web or in Telegram: [ascentvalley.com/community](https://ascentvalley.com/community "https://ascentvalley.com/community") **Is this your room?** Yes, if you're building something, anywhere from the first line of code to Series A. Or you run a function at a company that's scaling, write the code, do the hiring, or you're still deciding whether to start. Probably not, if what you're picturing is a room full of investors. How that actually works is further down, and it's better than the picture. **Want the stage?** Apply at ascentvalley.com/pitch. Five founders an evening, and we answer everybody, including the people we don't pick. Applying is free, but you do need a ticket, because we check the order number. Never pitched before? Five minutes is short enough that it's over before the nerves have finished arriving. **What we don't promise, and what we do instead** We don't promise an investor will be in the room on any given Wednesday. Angels and people who work at funds come, some Wednesdays several of them, and we won't tell you in advance who's coming, because we don't know. We don't run a judging panel, hand out a prize, or keep a leaderboard. Here's what doesn't depend on who walks in that night. Your application to the stage becomes your profile in our startup directory, and a person reads it, not a scoring script. Once you're verified, that profile sits in front of the funds and angels in our network, and they ask for the introduction themselves when your company matches what they're actually looking for. You choose whether you're in the weekly digest and you can leave it any time. We never sell your details, we don't take equity, we don't take a cut of your round, and we don't give investment advice. Which means the room on Wednesday isn't the whole opportunity. It's the part you can see: [ascentvalley.com/pitch](https://ascentvalley.com/pitch "https://ascentvalley.com/pitch") **Why it's worth a Wednesday** Watching somebody explain their company in five minutes teaches you more about explaining yours than another evening alone with the deck. You'll hear the question you've been quietly avoiding get asked out loud to somebody else, and you get to watch how they handle it. That skill travels. It works on a first date, in a performance review, and at the dinner where somebody asks what you do and you've got twenty seconds before their eyes move on. So bring the friend who keeps saying they have an idea. Five minutes on that stage is the shortest distance between having an idea and finding out what a room full of strangers thinks of it.

Founders, Investors & Talent Networking Mixer NYC

**Startup networking event in NYC for founders, investors and tech talent**. Meet builders and connect with Ascent Valley community. Join founders, investors and tech talent at this curated startup networking event in NYC Manhattan. Meet ambitious builders, exchange ideas and discover new opportunities in a dynamic community environment. **RSVP:** [Use this link](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-networking-new-york-founders-investors-talent-mixer-tickets-1987708214778?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true) ***Please note that RSVP is managed via Eventbrite to control attendee lists — don’t ignore it to avoid issues with on-site payment.*** **💡 Why This Event Is Different** Most networking events end with exchanged LinkedIn profiles. This one focuses on real conversations and real opportunities. We bring together founders, investors, engineers, operators and talent in a curated environment designed to create meaningful connections. Through interactive networking rounds, open conversations and pitch opportunities, participants can share challenges, exchange insights and build relationships that last beyond the event. 🤝 **What to Expect** **Interactive Networking** Structured networking rounds where participants briefly introduce themselves, share current challenges and explore collaboration opportunities. **Talent Corner** Recruiters and hiring managers can briefly share open positions, while engineers and operators can introduce their skills and interests. **Startup Conversations** Open discussions about fundraising, product development, growth and startup challenges. **👥 Who Should Attend** • Startup founders • Investors and angels • Engineers and builders • Operators and product managers • Recruiters and HR professionals • Sales and business development professionals • Job seekers interested in startups • Newcomers to the NYC Manhattan tech ecosystem **🎤 Want to Pitch?** A limited number of founders will have the opportunity to present their startup. Selected founders will showcase their pitch deck to the audience and attending investors, followed by a short Q&A where participants can ask questions and share feedback. [Apply by sending your pitch](https://ascentvalley.com/pitch) ***Spots are limited and founders will be selected in advance.*** **💼 For Investors** We invite local investors, angels and venture capitalists to join the event. Investor participation is complimentary. After verification, investors receive access to the Ascent Valley ecosystem, including: • curated startup introductions • access to our startup digest • access to our platform and founder community [Interested investors can request verification](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0FOsbIU0WPT79m90Xy4Q8IqDkaZAydjQ1DGpfYDKhJy7cLA/viewform)

Meet & Greet on the Rooftop Terrace of the SNF Library

**Meet & Greet:** Bring a topic question to discuss with friends and we'll discuss the most popular one. Let's enjoy the pleasant weather on the 7th floor Rooftop Terrace of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. Inspired by Christopher and Cecilia Phillips, founders of Socrates Cafe. https://youtu.be/3JKrJGIe4d0 (3 minutes) Let's explore the intersection of decision-making, cognitive biases, and social influences on behavior. Whether you are new in town or a seasoned intellectual looking for stimulating discussions, this event is for those interested in learning and connecting with like-minded individuals. We will be using the Socratic method developed by Christopher Phillips & Cecilia Chapa Phillips, this format encourages curiosity and deep exploration of complex ideas. Participants will propose questions, which will be voted on to determine the topic question for discussion. **Topic Ideas or Suggest Your Own:** **Truth and Deception:** \- In an era of misinformation\, what strategies can we employ to become more adept at separating fact from fiction? \- Are there ever situations where deception is not only acceptable but also necessary for the greater good? If so\, what are the ethical boundaries? **Happiness and Fulfillment:** \- Is happiness a fleeting desire or an essential need that drives our lives? What does it truly mean to be happy? \- How do we define and pursue genuine happiness in a world filled with distractions and superficial pleasures? **Moral Frameworks:** \- If you could design the ultimate moral system\, what principles would it be based on\, and why would it be superior to existing ones? \- How do different moral systems influence our decisions and shape society\, and which one do you believe is the most effective in promoting a just and harmonious world? **Love and Connection:** \- What does the concept of a "soulmate" mean in today's world\, and how has the idea evolved over time? \- Is the idea of a soulmate a romantic ideal or a realistic expectation\, and what role does it play in modern relationships? **Family Dynamics:** \- How have the traditional notions of family changed\, and what does the modern family look like in today's society? \- What are the challenges and benefits of the evolving family structures\, and how do they impact individuals and communities? **Changing Wisdom:** \- Which pieces of conventional wisdom have become outdated or irrelevant in our rapidly changing world\, and what new insights should replace them? \- How can we discern which traditional beliefs are timeless and which are in need of revision or replacement? **Wealth and Prosperity:** \- What does wealth truly mean beyond just financial abundance\, and how can it be created in a way that benefits both individuals and society as a whole? \- How do different cultures and societies define and pursue wealth\, and what can we learn from their approaches? **Education Reform:** \- How can we redesign the traditional education system to better prepare students for the current challenges and opportunities? \- What are the most innovative and effective education reform initiatives being implemented around the world\, and what can we learn from them? **AI:** Jeffrey Hinton, "The Godfather of AI," https://youtu.be/OD8fMvRSyDU Let’s enjoy the beautiful weather together! Come ready to connect, learn, and engage in thought-provoking discussions! #SOCRATESCAFE #COFFEE #PHILOSOPHY #MEETUP

Meet & Greet - Blood Donation Meetup

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

Building AI Capability: Internal vs. FDEs: opportunity for people analytics?

Monthly Non-Monogamy Roundtable: Autonomy and Interdependence

The Business of WE 11th Annual Entrepreneur Summit

### **LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY. BECAUSE BEING IN THE ROOM MATTERS!** ### **The Business of WE Celebrates its 11th Annual Entrepreneur Summit on MONDAY, OCTOBER 26th, 2026, in FiDi NYC.** ### **Spend a productive MONDAY with us, and join 200+ entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners for a full day of insights, connections, and strategies to help you grow and scale your business in today's rapidly changing marketplace. Topics include AI, Marketing, Finance & Growth Strategies.** ***... You don't need more confusion and overwhelm... You need concise information, RAPID-FIRE implementation strategies, and a strong network to grow with! Business professionals understand the importance of 'showing up' and the value of connecting organically to build strong relationships. Be part of the action and join our 11th annual Small Business and Entrepreneur Summit!*** Our annual B2B event, **open to both men and women**, equips entrepreneurs with strategies to thrive in today's evolving business landscape and offers maximum ​networking opportunities that double as an all-day business mastermind in the heart of New York City. ***We fully expect this event to sell out quickly. SECURE YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE TODAY!*** **INVESTMENT: *Full-Day Access - includes workbook, breakfast, and lunch*** **Non\-Members: $297 \| Members: Included in your Annual Membership** DISCOUNT CODE: MEETUP2026\* CONNECT AND EXPERIENCE THE FULL DAY: ARRIVE EARLY! * 8:30:00am-9:00am: Registration Doors Open & Check-in Begins * 9:00am-10:00am: Networking, Breakfast & Vendor Floor * 10:00am - 1:00pm: Morning Speaking Sessions, Panel Discussions & Mastermind * 1:00pm - 2:00pm: LUNCH BREAK & NETWORKING * 2:00pm - 5:00pm: Afternoon Speaking Sessions, Panel Discussions & Mastermind * 5:00pm - 6:00pm: Networking Mixer *Note: No walk-in admissions available. You must be registered in advance (registration closes 24 hours prior). A photo ID is required to enter the building. For integrity and capacity, please register before the virtual door closes 24 hours before the event.* ***\*By registering for the event, you commit to attending the full day. Your participation is an integral part of the roundtable conversations and mastermind experience. Maximize your time, investment, and relationship-building efforts.*** **SPONSORSHIP, SPEAKING & VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!** **REGISTRATION: https://bizofwesummit.eventbrite.com/** \*\*EVENTBRITE DISCOUNT CODE: MEETUP2026\*\* **____________________________________________________________________________________** At The Business of WE Summit, you INVEST IN YOU for the future of your business. Get ready to receive concise content and RAPID-FIRE information from our amazing line-up of industry expert speakers. Activate your business goals and strategic action plan at our **roundtable mastermind discussions.** Curated to address the issues most relevant to today’s business minds from the BEST AND BRIGHTEST in business leadership today! Stimulating new ways of thinking and provoking inspired action among our community and attendees - our participants understand what it takes for minority-owned businesses to break through the barriers of sustainable growth. **Activate Your Strategic Action Plan, Expand Your Connections, and Elevate Yourself and Your Business! REGISTER TODAY!!** **INVESTMENT: $197** *($297 value)* \*$100 OFF FOR MEETUP MEMBERS! *Full Day Access to Speakers & Panel Sessions (includes breakfast & lunch)* ***\*Each Attendee Will Receive a BONUS WORKBOOK to Implement the Speaker's Topic Tips of Proven Concepts and Growth Strategies.*** **REGISTRATION: https://bizofwesummit.eventbrite.com/** \*\*EVENTBRITE DISCOUNT CODE: MEETUP2026\*\* ***\*By registering for the event, you commit to attending the full day. Your participation is an integral part of the roundtable conversations and mastermind experience. Maximize your time, investment, and relationship-building efforts.***

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.**

AI AFTER: NYC Founders & Entrepreneurs Afterwork Rooftop Hangout

**4th EDITION!** An informal AFTERWORK meetup for **entrepreneurs, founders, and builders working with AI** — or simply excited about where it’s heading. **LOCATION: 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar** \- the best way to find us is to **join the 📲 [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GitXj1CYsro5zpuw7WFzyW) or ask the host for directions.** ***We'll have a designated area on the rooftop. When you get to the rooftop, turn right and look for the sign: AI AFTER!*** Come meet like-minded people, exchange ideas, talk projects, and make new connections in NYC and the global AI scene. No pitches. No presentations. Just **AI, ideas, drinks & good conversations.** 🚀 \-\-\-\-\- **AI CIRCLE:** [an online global community of entrepreneurs](https://www.skool.com/ai-circle/about) exploring, building, and making money with AI. Online & offline, home-based in NYC, Barcelona, London, Dublin, and more 🌍

Making Better Bets: A Field Guide to Product Strategy with Andrew Skotzko

“Be more strategic” is advice every product leader has heard. But knowing what to actually DO? That's the hard part. Join us for an early look at *[The Strategy Cycle](https://thestrategycycle.com/)*, the new book from product leadership coach [Andrew Skotzko](https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewskotzko), which is a practical guide to turning a messy set of research, goals, stakeholder opinions, and competitive pressure into a real product strategy. Andrew frames strategy as a theory of winning, expressed through a cycle of bets. Plans, roadmaps, and goal lists all have their place, but a real strategy gives them direction and makes planning season suck a lot less. Mind the Product founder Martin Eriksson says the book shows you what to do on Monday morning—and “what to do in week 7 when the strategy is quietly falling apart.” Andrew will walk through the two halves of the cycle: **Craft the strategy.** Start with a two-page strategy sketch, distill what’s really going on in your market, name the challenge that matters most, and define why customers will choose you and keep choosing you. Then turn that into a portfolio of bets with a clear line between what’s in and what’s out. **Live the strategy.** Crafting the strategy is only about 40% of the work. The rest is deploying it, keeping it alive when shiny new things start arriving in week two, and evolving it as you learn. You’ll walk away with: * A practical way to frame strategic choices as bets * A starting template for your own strategy sketch * Tactics for keeping strategy alive after planning season ends This session is built for anyone responsible for setting direction in a fast-moving environment. Bring your hardest strategy questions. **Sponsored by:** * **[Askable:](https://www.askable.com/)** the UX research platform that grounds fast product decisions in real human evidence * **[Pendo:](https://www.pendo.io/)** Product Context for your Apps and AI Agents

ASPIRE 2026 - MICROSOFT CONFERENCE CENTER NYC

[RESERVE NOW!](https://www.emazzanti.net/pages/aspire-2026) Join eMazzanti Technologies for ASPIRE 2026 — a full day of technology insights, expert-led sessions, networking, and real-world strategies at the Microsoft Conference Center in Times Square. What’s next for your business, your technology, and your team? Find out at ASPIRE 2026, eMazzanti Technologies’ annual customer conference, taking place October 21, 2026, at the Microsoft Conference Center in Times Square, New York City. Spend the day connecting with technology leaders, exploring emerging solutions, and discovering practical strategies you can put to work in your organization. What to expect 💡 Inspiring Keynotes Hear from industry leaders and technology experts on the trends shaping the future of business and IT. 🎯 Expert-Led Sessions Dive into focused sessions covering the technologies, strategies, and challenges that matter to today's organizations. 🤝 Meaningful Networking Connect with fellow business and technology professionals, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships. 🚀 Real-World Solutions Explore practical approaches and proven technologies designed to help organizations innovate, secure their operations, and move forward. Why attend? ASPIRE 2026 is designed to be more than a conference. It's an opportunity to: • Discover what's happening next in technology • Learn directly from experienced industry professionals • Explore practical solutions to today's business challenges • Connect with peers and technology leaders • Take away ideas you can apply in your organization 📅 October 21, 2026 🕗 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST 📍 Microsoft Conference Center — Times Square, New York City Learn. Connect. Build. What’s Next. 👉 [Reserve your place for ASPIRE 2026](https://www.emazzanti.net/pages/aspire-2026).

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.