Alternative Investments

**🎉 Happy New Year, Startup Berlin! 🎉** First of all: happy new year to everyone in the community – founders, builders, operators, and the startup-curious 👋 I’m excited to step in as a new organizer and help keep Startup Berlin a practical, founder-first network. To kick off 2026, I’m thinking about a **casual “Happy New Year” get-together** in Berlin: * 🍕 Pizza & 🍺 beer * 🤝 relaxed networking * 🎓 a **30-minute practical intro session**: **“Anatomy of a … agreement”** (no legalese, no theory – just what actually matters in practice) After the short session, plenty of time to hang out, meet people, and exchange war stories. **Update: It is going to be about the Convertible Loan Agreement!** Further topics to be covered in future sessions: * Shareholders’ Agreement – control, vetoes, deadlocks, exits * Employment Agreements – early hires, ESOP/VSOP, typical pitfalls * Founder Agreements – equity splits, vesting, break-ups * Something else? (tell us!) If there’s enough interest, I’ll organize a date and venue shortly (presumably Feb 6th). Depending on the turn-out we might have to restrict participation due to available space (we will find a way for doing it fairly and no worries, there will be more sessions and I am happy to repeat). Looking forward to hearing what would be most valuable for the community – and hopefully seeing many of you in person soon. 🚀

Berlin Rebels Alternative Pub Crawl: Dive Bars, Back Alley Beats & Insider Stories. Experience Berlin’s underground nightlife like a true rebel. Experience Berlin’s underground nightlife like a true rebel. This alternative pub crawl takes you beyond the typical tourist circuit and into the beating heart of the city’s subcultures — punk, goth, squatters, techno heads, and creative misfits. In intimate groups, we explore lesser-known venues across Prenzlauer Berg, Neukölln, Kreuzberg, and more. Leave behind the commercial party strip and join the alternative crawl. On this 5-hour nighttime adventure, you’ll discover Berlin’s rebellious spirit through its grungiest, weirdest, and most unforgettable nightlife spots. Our route changes nightly but could include: • Ping pong matches with locals in hidden bars • A secret rock or metal bar with horror-movie décor • Absinthe lounges, beach bars, techno bunkers, or surreal basements • Squatter spaces turned legal venues and hidden alley speakeasies Your guide — a true Berlin nightlife insider — will take you to places most tourists never hear about. You’ll also uncover the stories behind these venues: how post-wall Berlin became a global nightlife capital, how music scenes shaped entire neighborhoods, and how many of these bars still operate just under the radar. Whether you’re into indie rock, dark-wave, hip hop, punk, or Berlin-style techno, this crawl adapts to the vibe of the night. Nothing cookie-cutter. No two nights are the same. Please bring valid ID and a public transport ticket (Zone AB).

Today we are working in a beautiful location at Alexanderplatz with desks, power sockets, free WiFi, available food/drinks and air conditioning. We will be working on the second floor of the building with a beautiful view of the Fernsehturm. NOTE: We don't share the venue location publicly. Find out where it is by joining our Telegram chat group: **[https://spam-destroyer.com/check/jelly](https://spam-destroyer.com/check/jelly)** 😴 Tired of working by yourself? 🌡️ Too hot or too cold to work at home? 🍫 Contents of your fridge or the laundry distracting you? 💻 Come join other freelancers and remote workers for coworking! ☕️ There are no membership requirements, free WiFi, some power sockets, a large desk, some affordable coffee, toasted sandwiches and drinks! ⏰ We'll be there from the start time, but feel free to stop by any time. • WHAT TO BRING • Whatever you need to work on your own project / tasks :) • QUESTIONS? • Join our Telegram chat group to ask any questions: [https://spam-destroyer.com/check/jelly](https://spam-destroyer.com/check/jelly) • MORE EVENTS? • To have more events, we need more organisers. If you would like to help out, please get in touch [😀](https://emojipedia.org/grinning-face/)

To find us, look out for "The Red Stonker" which looks like: https://meetu.ps/3mjhSm [Use a web browser, as the App does not go to the right place] Every Friday evening we gather for an English speaking meetup for some social drinks. The venue varies from week to week, so please check the location for each event. If you have any suggestions for where you might like to meet next time, please send me a message. If you run a biergarten, bar, or other suitable location and would like some customers, send me a message. The number of attendees varies as you can see from the past events, but there is usually at least 50. We have a mix of nationals and internationals working, studying, visiting, or just living in Berlin. Free to attend, everybody is welcome, so grab a drink and come say hi.

Berlin is dark. Especially in winter. That's why it's important to catch those rays of sun, while they are still there. At lunch time the sun is the strongest. While walking together we can enjoy a nice conversation, get those steps in, increase our serotonin production as well as sync the circadian rhythm. It's also a lovely break from work. I would like to invite you to our mental health walk event. Agenda: 12:10 We meet at Schöneberg Park next to the fountain with the golden deer statue ("Der goldene Hirsch"). 12:15 We walk to Volkspark Wilmersdorf 12:45 We arrive back in Schöneberg Park, at the golden deer statue. We walk at every weather, so make sure to dress properly! Looking forward to meeting you at our lunchtime walk. Marija

It’s time to unwind, sip some wine, and connect with fellow founders in Berlin! Our next event is all about **casual conversations and meaningful connections** in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just getting started, this is your chance to meet like-minded people and share ideas over a glass (or two) of wine. **What to Expect:** • **Meet & Greet**: Chat with other startup founders, swap stories, and find potential collaborators. • **Wine & Network**: Enjoy great wine (available for purchase at the bar 🍷) and let the conversations flow. • **Inspiring Connections**: Share challenges, brainstorm ideas, and grow your network in Berlin’s vibrant startup scene. This event is all about keeping it simple, social, and stress-free. So come as you are, grab a glass of your favorite vintage, and let’s build some great connections in the Berlin startup community! **Pitch Your Startup & Find Cofounders:** Join our Berlin founders-only startup community on Slack - [https://join.slack.com/t/startupsberlingroup/shared_invite/zt-38iro2d1e-ykoEtiW6LVfKV2~U2nu_YQ](https://join.slack.com/t/startupsberlingroup/shared_invite/zt-38iro2d1e-ykoEtiW6LVfKV2~U2nu_YQ)

Network and get inspired with entrepreneurs from diverse disciplines and cultures every first Friday of the month. The idea is collective contribution. Everybody bring 🥨🍷🙋 share their skills and experiences. Agenda 18:00-18:30 Boarding 18:30-19:15 Intro-Round Everybody 1-2 min: Tell your name, what you do and how we cam help you Pause (15 min.) 19:30-20:15 10 min pitches + 10 min feedback/discussion Pause (30 min) 21:15-22:00 Final-Round ***** Event is free of charge! Bring 🥨🍷🙋‍♂️ instead. ***** Let’s networth through a common community project in 2026:😀 Let’s build together a 🔥 FirstFriday 🔥Youtube-Channel! 🎦 from 0 to hero! With SHORTS of our events, TUTORIALS and even PODCASTS from our experts. 😀 We are opening doors to discover new talents, who are willing to participate in any way they choose (equipment, editing, sharing, creating content…). Join us!

**Silent Reading Book Club** A new way to enjoy reading! Ditch the old book club, where everyone has to read the same book…this is better! It works like this: Bring your own book. Come chat, have some tea or coffee, get to know your neighbors. Then we quietly read together, side by side, for about one hour, each one reading their own book, and afterwards we talk with each other about what we are reading. You may read in any language, you may read any book. We are a group of international residents of Berlin from many different countries, of all ages, and we converse in English. We welcome you! no registration needed- the event is donation based

At [All About Berlin](https://share.google/FEEvMFylKF2OFDDRZ) we’re gathering seekers and believers who resonate with the Law of Attraction, the teachings of Abraham-Hicks, Joe Dispenza, and the idea that we consciously create our own reality.✨ Over coffee and good food, we’ll share experiences, insights, and practical ways to manifest our desires in daily life. Whether you’re new to these ideas but deeply interested in this topic and want to start practicing, or you’re already a seasoned practitioner, this is a relaxed, supportive space to connect with like-minded people. Let’s inspire each other and co-create joy, abundance, and purposeful living together! ☕🥐

This week we are discussing **Eva Baltasar:** Boulder. We look forward to seeing you! If you have book suggestions, would like to vote on our next reads, or join us for additional activities, please ask someone at the meeting to add you to our WhatsApp group. **Also, if you're unable to attend, please update your RSVP so that someone from the waiting list can take your spot.**

I swear it's a sport! Let's meet and play! **VERY IMPORTANT :** * Please keep reading comments and/or direct messages as long as you are on main OR waiting lists. * Sign-out as soon as you know you won't participate (even from waiting list). * Non-replied direct message ==> declined participation on Friday. **HOW TO JOIN** 1. Sign up to the event 2. Paypal on signup, 12€/person to https://paypal.me/berlinhorizon (use Friend&Family option !) 3. Join on Sunday * Guaranteed refund until cancellation deadline : -48h (=> Friday 1PM). * If **waiting list**, please **don't pay until** you get contacted and **moved to main list**. Contact if needed : berlin.horizon22@gmail.com **__________________________________________________________________________________** **Alternative no paypal (Cash, EXACT AMOUNT please)** 1. Reply 'Y' to RSVP question 2. Join on Sunday * Cancellation deadline (Friday 1PM) remains. * Late cancellation will be asked to pay. **__________________________________________________________________________________** **Timing :** * **13.00** : Meeting outside of main hall (or inside if rain) -> Introduction -> Desk registration (shoes check, rental...) * **13.15** : START PLAY * **14.45** : END PLAY !! Every 10th session you attend is for free !! (in form of a later refund. Still have to pay on the actual participation) **Facility :** TiB 1848 e.V, Columbiadamm 111 (close to Templehofer Feld) **Equipment :** * RACKET : Bring your own or rent one there (2€). * SHOES : checked at desk. Rental for 2€ -> Non-marking -> Light sole -> Not worn outside * Shower, locker available. * Sauna open at TiB discretion. Last but not least : no worries about level, we play for fun before all. The keyword of the event is sweet & sweat ! Looking forward to see you on the court :)

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 35+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats) **Stay updated**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads**®**, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php Rob will lead this month's meeting in my absence. Mark Vonder Haar

#### Turning Rentals Into Income: How Investors Pay Off Properties Faster #### **Featuring Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** **👉 Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** #### A lot of people get into real estate because they want freedom. Then they buy a rental…and realize most of the rent goes straight to the bank. They technically own property, but the mortgage controls the income. And waiting 30 years for properties to be paid off doesn’t feel realistic. This meetup is about understanding a different way to think about rental properties… one that focuses on paying them off sooner so the income is actually usable. **Featured Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** We’re excited to welcome John Blackburn as our guest speaker for this event. John has been actively investing in real estate since 2006 and has: * Been involved in **5,000+ real estate transactions** * Helped investors **acquire over $150 million in rental property** * **Raised more than $100 million** in private capital John didn’t start with family money or shortcuts. He built his portfolio by focusing on clear systems, real numbers, and long-term strategy. For this meetup, John will walk through how investors shift their focus from simply owning rentals to building properties that eventually pay them…without a mortgage attached. **What You’ll Learn** John will break down, in simple terms: * Why most rental properties don’t produce much usable income early on * Why buying more rentals isn’t always the answer * How investors structure their properties to pay off mortgages in a fraction of the time * How properties can work together to eliminate debt faster * What changes once rentals become free and clear This approach is often referred to as an accelerated paydown strategy — using rental income intentionally to reduce debt sooner, rather than waiting decades for mortgages to run their course. John will also share a simple calculator you can use to see how this works with real numbers and realistic scenarios. **The Core Idea** When a rental has a mortgage, the rent has one job: **pay the bank.** When a rental is paid off, the rent has a different job: **pay you.** Most people only see one timeline…30 years. This session shows how investors shorten that timeline and gradually increase their income as properties become free and clear. **Who This Event Is For** This event is for people who want more than just “owning rentals” on paper. * Rental owners who are tired of most of the rent going to the bank and want a clearer path to real, usable income * New investors who want to understand how rental properties actually build wealth over time before jumping in * People with capital who want to invest in real estate with intention and a long-term plan * Anyone serious about freedom and curious how rental properties transition from debt-heavy assets into income-producing ones **Event Details** **Location:** Ohio Brewing Company - 421 E 2nd Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 **Date & Time:** January 25th, 6–8 PM (Doors open at 5:30) **Cost:** Free (Seats are limited - RSVP required) **👉 Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** If you’ve ever wondered how rental properties actually turn into freedom —this is the room to be in.

This is not just a money class. This is a restoration space. The I AM Worthy of Ownership™ Path is a 12-step, sister-centered journey for women who are ready to build financial stability without shame, fear, or pressure—and to do it in a way that honors both wisdom and the spirit. Many women don’t struggle with money because they lack discipline or intelligence. They struggle because of unhealed experiences, survival patterns, and the quiet belief that they are “behind” or “disqualified.” This series gently challenges those beliefs while offering practical tools for peace, clarity, and long-term planning. Together, we will talk honestly about: Releasing shame and money anxiety Building stability as a form of self-respect and spiritual discipline Understanding money as a tool, not a source of worth Managing debt with clarity instead of condemnation Preparing for life’s unexpected moments without fear Laying a calm foundation for future ownership and legacy Each session blends practical financial education with reflection, conversation, and encouragement. There is no pressure to share personal numbers or experiences. You are welcome to speak, journal quietly, or simply listen. This is not about hustle. This is not about perfection. This is about alignment, wisdom, and peace. Who this series is for: Women who are starting over or rebuilding Women who want stability without stress Women preparing for future ownership or housing decisions Women who want their financial lives to reflect wholeness, not fear No prior financial knowledge is required. Come as you are. Bring a notebook. Leave a little lighter than you arrived. Light refreshments will be served along with 30 minutes of networking.

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

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!