
What we’re about
See ALL the startup events in Orange County at https://OCStartupCouncil.org
Entrepreneurship is empowerment - and social capital is currency.
If you're working on business #1 ... or even business #100, this community is here to help make valuable connections with potential business partners or investors, as well as learn from experts regarding the skillsets and mindsets necessary to succeed in today's entrepreneurial environment.
Our members include but are not limited to: entrepreneurs, small business owners, corporate executives, company representatives, tech professionals, creative arts professionals, angel and accredited investors, startup experts, revolutionary startup entrepreneurs looking to change the world - or their local community (lean, bootstrap, crowdfunding, or venture capital focused), and people seeking to expand their professional development and/or network.
The Harvard Business Review has noted: "Face-to-face communication is the broadest bandwidth communication you can have in professional life", and we believe the current business environment will continue a transition towards what thought leader Seth Godin refers to as the "connection economy" - where value is increasingly created through the connections we make and less so through industrialism.
Therefore we endeavor to provide networking and educational events that will be uniquely effective in initiating professional connections, developing important relationships, and leveraging social capital to grow a business and increase personal influence.
It only takes one person to change our personal or professional lives. Undoubtedly, you will make new connections at our events likely to change yours... forever. Every event will have its own unique opportunities. Every. Single. One. It's "about time" to enhance your Networking ROI:
- Return on financial investment.
- Return on time investment.
- Return on emotional investment.
- Return on influence.
- Return on integrity.
- Return on ideas.
Thank you for your consideration in sharing this group with your network, and/or bringing a friend or business associate with you to our events. As author and thought leader Simon Sinek noted:
"We do not become great leaders, we do not fulfill our potential when we work to see ourselves grow or rise. It is when we devote ourselves to seeing those around us rise that we actually grow. And when the people we care about also work to see us grow, then they too will grow... The only true way for any of us to grow, to truly fulfill our full potential, is when we work to help others do the same."
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- IGNITE 22: Global Tech Showcase 5/1/25Braid Theory, Los Angeles, CA
IGNITE22: Global Tech Showcase contributing to build a stronger blue economy.
RSVP for the Event using the link- https://ignite22.eventify.io/t2/tickets
Braid Theory is excited to announce the latest edition of IGNITE22.
Join them Thursday, May 1 from 8:00AM to 5:00PM at Braid Theory at AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles Berth 60, San Pedro, CA.
This highly curated event brings together innovators in the blue economy shaping the 22nd century:
- entrepreneurs showcase their blue economy solutions;
- industry leaders discover emerging technologies;
- and investors seize opportunities to back viable, sustainable ventures.
Want more events? Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.
And, get startup events emailed to you automatically by joining the Free Startup Events Email List here:https://www.ocstartupcouncil.org/startup-news
- [ONLINE] EE Business Networking @Lunch (free!)Link visible for attendees
Why go it alone? It only takes one person to change our lives personally or professionally. Who will you meet today at "EE"?
Exceptional Entrepreneurs is one of the largest business networking organizations in Southern California - and one of the best values in business networking. At EE:
- There is no membership required.
- There is no attendance requirement.
- There is no business profession or category exclusivity.
ALL business professions are welcome to attend!
Virtual Meeting Agenda (Pacific Time):
- 11:30am - 12:00pm; Login, check a/v, networking breakout rooms open.
- 12:00pm - 1:00pm; Structured agenda, with introductions + more!
We end at 1:00pm sharp.
Interested in being the featured speaker for this event? Information and registration is at:
http://EEspeaker.comInfo to join the EE virtual networking meeting Thursdays and Fridays:
#######################################
http://nroi.us/eeonline
(the shortlink above will remain updated with the current Zoom link)Passcode: 7772021
#######################################- Limited to the first 100 participants.
- We will be live-streaming this event (12p-1pm portion) in our EE FB Group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/networkingeesd
The meetings (including chat) will be recorded to the cloud and made available - temporarily - afterwards. Link to these will be in the FB live stream comments following the meeting.
Exceptional Entrepreneurs was founded in November, 2008 by David & Gina Demangos. Since then, "EE" has become one of Southern California's largest business networking organizations, due to the Demangos' vision and leadership to provide "exceptional" opportunities for connecting local professionals. David Demangos is an eXp real estate agent based in San Diego, CA. For more information on David, please see Awesome San Diego Real Estate at:
http://www.awesomesandiegorealestate.com"Effective networking is a learned skill. Exceptional Entrepreneurs are highly trusted professionals who share ideas and know that in order to receive you must first be willing to give." - David Demangos
Thank you for your continuing support of "EE"! See you at the next event.
- Survivor™ XI SoCal Startups Competition by TCVN™ at OC Innovation Week 5/6/25The Cove at UCI, Irvine, CA
Join TCVN for the 11th Annual Survivor™ Fast Pitch Competition during Orange County Innovation Week (OCIW).
THIS IS A PAID EVENT – YOU MUST BUY A TICKET USING THE LINK. https://lu.ma/survivor
All attendees will have the opportunity to present their 30-second lightning fast pitch to the audience for a chance to advance to the semi-finals.
Join them Tuesday, May 6 from 5:00PM to 9:00PM at The Cove at UCI, 5270 California Ave # 100, Irvine, CA 92617.
Watch as this year's finalists compete on the largest Survivor stage in history for a chance to win cash prizes, a coveted golden skull, and a golden ticket to be one of a dozen startups to pitch at Octane's Main Stage Pitch Event on Wednesday, May 7.
Save 50% off all tickets with this promo code: OCSC50
Want more events? Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.
And, get startup events emailed to you automatically by joining the Free Startup Events Email List here: https://www.ocstartupcouncil.org/startup-news
- Tech Innovation Forum - Part of OC Innovation Week 5/8/25 - 5/9/25AV Irvine, Irvine, CA
The Tech Innovation Forum is where Southern California’s boldest innovators, disruptors, and forward-thinkers gather to explore what’s next in technology—and how to shape it.
THIS IS A PAID EVENT – YOU MUST BUY A TICKET USING THE LINK. https://www.octane-oc.org/event/TIF/home
Hosted in the heart of Orange County, this flagship event brings together a powerful mix of founders, investors, industry leaders, researchers, and startup teams for a day of bold ideas, authentic conversations, and real-world insight.
Join them Thursday, May 8 to Friday, May 9, 2025 from 7:30AM to 1:30PM (Day 1) at AV Irvine, 16500 Scientific, Irvine, CA 92618 and (Day 2) at Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663.
This year’s Forum dives deep into the technologies transforming how they live and work: artificial intelligence, digital health, smart infrastructure, clean energy, sustainable innovation, and more. Attendees will gain front-row access to cutting-edge trends through high-impact keynotes, candid fireside chats, and thought-provoking panels featuring leaders who are actively building the future. From early-stage entrepreneurs to global enterprise executives, every voice in the room adds to the collective momentum.
Want more events? Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.
And, get startup events emailed to you automatically by joining the Free Startup Events Email List here:
https://www.ocstartupcouncil.org/startup-news