Community Groups New York

Rummage Sale and Helpsy Recycling Bin

Here's an invitation to clean out your closets and more for our Rummage Sale and [Helpsy](https://www.helpsy.com/) recycling bin. **Rummage Sale:** Saturday, April 18, 10 am to 4:30 pm, and Sunday, April 19, 11 am to 2 pm. We'll accept kitchen wares, toys, baby items, clothing, tools, and collectibles. We cannot accept furniture, large electronics such as televisions, sports equipment, or books. **Helpsy recycling bin:** Sunday, April 19, 11 am to 2 pm. Helpsy, which works to keep clothing out of landfills, accepts clothing, shoes, sheets, anything made of fabric, and stuffed animals. Items do no have to be clean, but they should not be wet. **Drop-off Days/Times:** Items for both the Rummage Sale and Helpsy bin may be dropped off at the meetinghouse: * Tuesday, April 14, 6-7 pm * Wednesday April 15, 6-6:45 pm * Friday, April 16, noon to 6:30 pm In addition, Helpsy items may be dropped off on Sunday, April 19, 11 am to 2 pm. This Sunday is also the [SpringFest](https://ethicalfocus.org/event/sunday-gathering-springfest/) community service day, when we will refresh our indoor and outdoor spaces, then share a BBQ lunch.

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/founders-investors-talent-networking-mixer-nyc-tickets-1984594282924?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.*** **💡 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://forms.gle/F8w9U7djbyTGBvJHA) ***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)

Startup Founder Night: Where Ideas Meet | NYC

Startup networking event in NYC for founders, builders and investors. Meet the right people, share ideas and turn conversations into real opportunities. **RSVP:** [Use this link](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-founder-night-where-ideas-meet-nyc-tickets-1986040815542?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.*** **👥 Who This Event Is For** • Founders building startups or validating ideas • Aspiring founders looking to start or join a startup • Builders, engineers and operators open to collaboration • Investors and angels looking to discover early-stage opportunities • People new to the startup ecosystem and looking to connect **🎯 What You Can Get From This Event** • Meet founders, builders and people actively working on startups • Share your ideas and get direct feedback from the community • Discover collaborators, team members or potential co-founders • Connect with investors and people involved in the startup ecosystem • Access real conversations that can lead to opportunities Ascent Valley is a global startup ecosystem connecting founders, builders and investors through events, community and platform. We focus on building structured environments where people don’t just network, but collaborate, share ideas and create real outcomes. Our approach: **[Idea → Process → Result](https://ascentvalley.club/)**

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)** ​ **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) **​[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 ​ **[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/)**

Sunday Gathering: SpringFest

It’s been a long winter and it’s time to welcome spring together! Join us for SpringFest, a community day of service where we’ll refresh and renew our shared spaces, indoors and out. We will have a variety of projects for all interests, age groups, and ability levels, from outdoor gardening and landscaping to sprucing up the indoor nooks and crannies that make our space feel warm and inviting. Whether you’re an artist, carpenter, gardener, decorator, or simply someone who enjoys lending a hand, there’s a place for you. We’ll wrap up the day with a BBQ lunch on us as a thank-you for everyone’s help. Come ready to work, connect, and celebrate the start of spring! SpringFest is in person only, with no Zoom option.

Community Hour

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/founders-investors-talent-networking-mixer-new-york-tickets-1984594282924?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.*** **💡 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://forms.gle/F8w9U7djbyTGBvJHA) ***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)

Community Hour

Community Hour

Startup Founder Night: Where Ideas Meet | NYC

Startup networking event in NYC for founders, builders and investors. Meet the right people, share ideas and turn conversations into real opportunities. **RSVP:** [Use this link](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-founder-night-where-ideas-meet-new-york-tickets-1986667653431?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.*** **👥 Who This Event Is For** • Founders building startups or validating ideas • Aspiring founders looking to start or join a startup • Builders, engineers and operators open to collaboration • Investors and angels looking to discover early-stage opportunities • People new to the startup ecosystem and looking to connect **🎯 What You Can Get From This Event** • Meet founders, builders and people actively working on startups • Share your ideas and get direct feedback from the community • Discover collaborators, team members or potential co-founders • Connect with investors and people involved in the startup ecosystem • Access real conversations that can lead to opportunities Ascent Valley is a global startup ecosystem connecting founders, builders and investors through events, community and platform. We focus on building structured environments where people don’t just network, but collaborate, share ideas and create real outcomes. Our approach: **[Idea → Process → Result](https://ascentvalley.club/)**

Community Hour

Seeds Not Creeds: Help Document Invasive Species

Working with our partners at the US Fish and Wildlife Service at the [Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/wallkill-river), we will conduct a statistical sampling study of invasive Russian olive trees. This work is part of a 15-year restoration project, headed by Society Leader Curt Collier. You have the option of carpooling from the Society, leaving at 10 am, or meeting at the wildlife refuge visitors center, 1547 County Road 565, Sussex, NJ, at 11:15 am. All ages are welcome; participants must have the ability to walk about two miles in uneven terrain. You may [get all details](https://ethicalfocus.org/seeds-not-creeds-invasive-species) of this important environmental work. To sign up, please email info@ethicalfocus.org.