Financial Innovation

Speaker: **Tomislav Maričević** Title: **Nix ❤️ Python: Maybe you don't need devcontainers after all** Life is too short to wait for Docker image rebuilds during everyday development. This talk shows how Nix and devenv provide deterministic, host-native development environments that model compilers, runtimes, system libraries, and tooling as a reproducible dependency graph — eliminating much of the toolchain complexity developers often push into Docker and Docker Compose. We will compare the failure modes each approach addresses, demonstrate where devenv can replace Compose in local workflows, and clarify where containers remain the correct abstraction. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join us on **Tuesday** at MaMa for a fun technical deep dive. Drinks and, most likely, very opinionated discussion afterwards at [Old Pharmacy Pub](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AeaRdnBrMqPiRhvPA) 🍻🍷🥤☕️

We’re happy to announce the next **AWS User Group Zagreb meetup**, once again focused on a **recap of this year’s AWS re:Invent**, followed by a short startup spotlight. **Date**: February 12, 2026 **Time**: 18:00 **Venue**: Planinska 13a, third floor, Tellus [Google Maps Link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/bMHxbf56yZni87ip6) When you exit the elevator, the doors are on the right with a sign "Tellus". ### **Speakers** **Bojan Sovilj** Bojan is an active AWS community member and frequent speaker who regularly attends AWS re:Invent. He focuses on translating AWS announcements into practical insights, helping teams understand how new services and changes impact real-world architectures and development workflows. **Bruno Rožman** Bruno is part of the Sonder AI team and will briefly introduce the product and its motivation. **Ante Čerkez** Ante is the CTO at Sonder AI and will touch on how AWS is used to support the Sonder platform. *** ### **Agenda** #### **AWS re:Invent 2025 Recap** **Speaker:** Bojan Sovilj AWS re:Invent continues to grow every year, with a large number of announcements across infrastructure, application development, data, and AI. In this session, Bojan will deliver a **structured and practical recap of AWS re:Invent 2025**, focusing on the announcements and trends that are most relevant for AWS users today. The talk will cover: * The most important **service launches and updates** * Key **technology and architectural trends** introduced at re:Invent * Context on what is truly new versus incremental changes * How these updates may influence **application design, infrastructure, and operations** Rather than attempting to cover everything, the session will focus on **relevance and impact**, helping attendees decide what’s worth exploring further. *** #### **Startup Spotlight: Sonder AI** **Speakers:** Bruno Rožman & Ante Čerkez **Topic:** **Why networking is inefficient today and how Sonder is building a “personal connection system” using AWS** A short startup-focused talk on: * The problem Sonder is addressing in modern networking * How AWS supports their product development *** ### **Networking** After the talks, we’ll continue with informal networking, drinks, and discussions with fellow AWS community members. *** **Attendance is free, registration is required.**

Hi everyone! Join us for the RubyZG February. We'll hear about building a query builder with AI and what is like to work at a company where Ruby On Rails itself was created. This event is hosted by [DECODE](https://decode.agency/about-us/) who will be providing snacks and refreshments after the formal part of the meetup. Btw. they are hiring, so be sure to check [their open positions](https://decode.agency/open-positions/). For those coming by car, there is no dedicated parking but there should be plenty of parking at that time in the street in front of the building. See you at DECODE! \*\*\* How to use AI agents to build query builder by [Lovro Žmak](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lovro-zmak-22706253/) Does code generation with AI agents always help or is it better to manually write it sometimes ? How does Arel fit into the story and how did it influence the code design decisions ? This talk will bring you the story of building a query builder with AI agents, from initial wrong directions to the final solution. Through practical examples and live demos, you will receive guidelines on how to use AI agents to generate usable and sustainable code. **Working at 37signals: The birthplace of Ruby On Rails** by [Stanko Krtalić Rusendić](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanko-krtalic/) Last July Stanko started working at [37signals](https://37signals.com/), the company behind Basecamp, Hey & Fizzy and the place from which the very first version or Ruby On Rails was extracted back in 2004. It's still the company with the largest influence on the direction of Rails development with major contributions like ActiveStorage, SolidQueue, Turbo & Stimulus. We'll hear how the company works and what it's like to work there.

Franjo Kmet – Profesionalni planinski i gorski vodič Osnivač i voditelj brenda **Mountain Fit** – programa usmjerenog na planinarenje, alpinizam i outdoor aktivnosti. Voditelj planinarskih škola, visokogorskih tečajeva, ledenjačkih i sportsko-penjačkih programa. Strastveni prenositelj znanja i iskustava iz planinarenja i alpinizma. Organizator i vodič uspona, trekinga, ekspedicija i planinarskih izleta diljem svijeta – od Alpa do Himalaje i Patagonije. Planine su prirodni "terapeut" koji djeluje na više razina – od fiziologije (endorphini, serotonin) do egzistencijalne promjene. Najmoćniji efekt često dolazi upravo kroz smanjenje ega – kad ego prestane biti glavni lik priče, um postaje tiši, otvoreniji i sretniji. Teme LevelUp Meetup-a: **Smanjenje stresa i anksioznosti** Planine pružaju tišinu, ritmično hodanje i fokus na svaki korak – to brzo prekida krug briga i pretjeranog razmišljanja. * **Povećanje osjećaja prisutnosti i mindfulnessa** Hodanje po stazi, disanje na većoj visini, promatranje oblaka ili slušanja vjetra prirodno nas uvodi u „ovdje i sada“, smanjujući mentalni šum i preopterećenost mislima. * **Doživljaj strahopoštovanja i šire perspektive** Pogled s vrha, ogromnost planina i beskrajno nebo izazivaju duboki osjećaj strahopoštovanja. * **Povećanje samopouzdanja i osjećaja postignuća** Svaki uspješan uspon, savladavanje tehničkog dijela ili dolazak na vrh gradi unutarnju snagu i samopoštovanje. * **Povećana povezanost s prirodom i osjećaj smisla života** Boravak u planinama jača osjećaj da smo dio prirode. Napredak je nemoguć bez promjene, i oni koji ne mogu promijeniti svoj um ne mogu promijeniti ništa! 📍 Pivana, Ilica 222, Zagreb 🗓 11.02.2026. u 18:00 h Organizator: Međunarodni institut za emocionalnu zrelost – zajednica poduzetnika, stručnjaka i znanstvenika posvećenih razvoju pojedinaca i društva.🌐 http://emotionalmaturity.eu

**Autogenic training** is a method that, by directing attention to specific parts of the body and entering a state of deep relaxation, reconnects the brain with the body. By establishing communication between the brain and physical organs and body parts, we can positively influence our overall health. The **RDD Club** is organizing an **Autogenic Training session in Zagreb**, Maksimir, held in the hall at **Ružmarinka 15** (ground floor of the building). The training will take place on **February 13 and February 20, 2026**, both dates being **Fridays at 6:30 PM**. The session on **February 20** will be held as a **dual-language session**, in **Croatian and English**, so participants who do not understand Croatian are also welcome. **No prior registration is required.** The donation is **€15**.

Where locals, expats & travellers turn Thursday into Small Friday. Hey everyone! Whether you’ve just landed in Zagreb, been here a while, or live right around the corner, **Small Friday International Zagreb** (**[SFIZ.FUN](https://sites.google.com/view/smallfridayinternationalzagreb)**) is your go-to for winter evenings, language swapping, and good times with great people. 📍 **Where?** The Beertija, Pavla Hatza 16 🕗 **When?** Thursdays, every other week from 8PM ✨ Free to join, just grab a drink and support the bar’s rockin’ vibe 🍺🎸 ✨ Open to all, all ages, all vibes, all language levels welcome 💬 **What to expect?** 🗣️ **Language Exchange:** English, Croatian, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Ukrainian, Russian… you name it 💬🌐 🌍 **Cultural Vibes:** Locals, expats, travellers, Erasmus students . . . sharing tips, stories & laughs 🎭✨ 🤝 **New Connections:** Real convos, real mates, winter evenings to remember 🤗 🍷 **Weekend Planners:** From concerts, winter sports, partying to fests and day trips, let’s plot our winter adventures 🎶❄️🏔️ 🌟 **Why now?** 🎭 Winter is when Zagreb slows. The days are cold and sometimes snowy, the city quieter, more reflective. It’s the season for winter walks, museums and cinemas, snow-dusted hikes on Sljeme, and simple pleasures like warm food and long conversations indoors.🌍💖💬 Zagreb is unusual in that winter can mean a mini ski break close to home. Sljeme offers easy slopes for beginners and casual skiers, without crowds or queues. Ice skating adds to the rhythm, outdoors at Šalata or indoors at Velesajam and the Admiral Ice Dome. ⛸️🎿 And the best way to share it? At **[SFIZ.FUN](https://sites.google.com/view/smallfridayinternationalzagreb)**. Our meetups are where plans get made, tips get swapped, and crews form to explore Zagreb together. 🌍💖 🍺 **Why The Beertija?** Because it’s that place everyone ends up wishing they’d gone to 😏✨ Warm beer cellar vibes 🍻🔥, cosy living-room energy 🛋️☕, 🚭 non-smoking inside (happy clothes, happy lungs 😌), plus a covered outdoor patio for quick smoke breaks 🚬😉. Skip it, and you’ll hear about it later 👀💬 💡 Top tip: Turn up early, smile, catch someone’s eye, and dive into conversation, that’s how the magic starts 😉💫 No pressure, just rock up and join the crew. 💖 Let’s ditch the screen, grab a drink, and meet the world! See you soon, **SFIZ Crew** P.S. Spread the word https://sites.google.com/view/smallfridayinternationalzagreb 🔎 **How to Spot Us** New here? Best trick is to swing by right at the start, that’s when it’s easiest to find the crew and jump straight in, or ask the bar staff about the event ✨ Need quick updates or can’t see us straight away? No worries, our [WhatsApp group](https://sites.google.com/view/smallfridayinternationalzagreb/faq/sfiz-whatsapp-guide-keeping-it-fun-and-respectful) is where you can ask quick questions. 💖 #ZagrebGlobalMingle 💖

Pojďme se pravidelně potkávat a sdílet zkušenosti z Power Platformy, co nás na ní baví, co nás trápí a co nového zajímavého přichází. A pokud už nám to někde reálně běží, pochlubme se, jak to funguje nebo nefunguje. Témata jsou primárně Power Automate, Power Apps, Power Pages, Power BI, Copilot Studio, Dynamics 365 a Dataverse. Budeme rádi i za méně pokročilé příspěvky, protože většinou jsme velmi hluboko v technických detailech. **Lokalita:** Fyzicky v Microsoftu v Praze Vyskočilova 1561/4a, Praha 4, 140 00 Místnost Morava Případně online na [https://ppug.community/stream](https://ppug.community/stream) **Jazyk:** čeština **Agenda:** [https://ppug.community/agenda](https://ppug.community/agenda) **Přihlašte vlastní příspěvek:** [https://ppug.community/sessions](https://ppug.community/sessions) **Link na stream:** [https://ppug.community/stream](https://ppug.community/stream) **Občerstvení:** Bagety **Úroveň:** 100-300 Tak si prosím naplánujte čas ve svých kalendářích a přijďte, pokud bude chuť a čas, tak si po meetupu určitě můžeme sednout na pivo.

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.

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

#### 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.

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 I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

**People Analytics 101: Making Sense of Compensation Data** Compensation data is one of the most widely used and widely misunderstood forms of people analytics. The session will cover where compensation data comes from, including market pricing data, internal payroll data, and benchmarking sources, and how companies think about structuring and analyzing that information. We will explore how compensation data is leveraged to set salary ranges, manage internal equity, support hiring and retention, and align pay with business strategy. A portion of the session will address common data challenges and limitations, such as market noise, inconsistent job matching, and incomplete datasets, while keeping the primary focus on practical use rather than technical depth. The session will also look ahead at where the space is going, including the growing impact of pay transparency laws, expanding pay equity requirements, and emerging regulations in the US and Europe that require organizations to report on gender and pay gaps. The goal is to give attendees a clear mental model for how compensation analytics works today and why getting it right is becoming increasingly critical. (note: we are back at Rev1 this month!) **About Our Speaker** [Alex Moore](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexscottmoore/) is the founder of [Moore Cooperative](https://moorecooperative.com/), where he advises organizations on compensation strategy, pay equity, and people analytics. His work focuses on helping organizations like the Ohio Supreme Court design, analyze, and communicate compensation systems that are data-informed, defensible, and aligned with organizational goals. Alex lives in Granville, Ohio and has three little kiddos. More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

( this meetup was rescheduled from 1-27 due to the weather conditions) **NEW LOCATION - THE DAILY GROWLER -** **2812 Fishinger Rd, Upper Arlington, OH 43221** Over the years, we’ve heard two requests constantly: 1. A place that was quieter and possibly private. 2. “I wish they accepted Bitcoin.” We’ve finally found a solution to these requests with The Daily Growler. We’ll have access to their private room, and you’ll be able to pay your tab with Bitcoin. Join us for a fun and relaxed social event! Enjoy delicious food and drinks as we chat about the latest news in the Bitcoin world. Everyone is welcome, whether you're looking for guidance, have questions, or just want to meet like-minded people. These social evenings are a great opportunity to make new friends and enhance your experience at the larger events throughout the year. We look forward to seeing you there! PSA: If the attendee RSVP seems low, keep in mind that most of our attendees come from X and not [meetup.com.](http://meetup.com./) You are welcome to come and become a part of our online community. Recordings of past guest speakers are available on our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@columbusbitcoin](https://www.youtube.com/@columbusbitcoin)