Fundraising

We are proud to continue this free flow meet & greet session in the Bar of the social hub with guided networking and great people from different angles of the Berlin startup ecosystem! If you have a startup idea or a growing company and you want to expand your network in Berlin, then join us for the in-person 'Founder Meet & Greet' event. At this informal networking event, you can connect with other early-stage entrepreneurs, startup mentors, and advisors from the Founder Institute Berlin network. Socialize over drinks with potential co-founders, advisors, mentors and partners. Most of all, get away from the computer and have fun! ❯ **Your hosts of the day:** * Ferdinand Mühlhäuser (Business Angel & Coach, MD @ Founder Institute Berlin) * Rikke Klitskov (Marketing Director @ Founder Institute Germany) * Alexander Fahnemann (Partnerships Business Development) * Matthieu Verdeaux (Sales & Partnerships Intern @ Qonto) * Lena Weihs (Senior Partnerships Manager @Qonto) ❯ **Who should Attend?** * Anyone interested in entrepreneurship * Anyone who has a pre-seed tech company or a startup idea * Anyone interested in joining a startup accelerator * Anyone who is looking for a cofounder or would want to join a startup as a cofounder * Anyone who is looking for a modern business bank account ❯ **What is the Agenda?** * (Guided) Networking, Socializing and Drinks **❯❯ This is a live offline event, to be sure to receive our updates be sure to RSVP at** [https://fi.co/courses/meet-greet-cofounder-search-go-europe-edition/meetup](https://fi.co/courses/meet-greet-cofounder-search-go-europe-edition/meetup)**!** To join our upcoming Founder Institute program in October 2026, you can apply here: [https://fi.co/Germany](https://fi.co/Germany)**.** For more information about the investors, accelerators, incubators, and [tech events available in Berlin](https://fi.co/events/berlin), see our [list of Startup Resources](https://fi.co/startup-resources). **About Qonto:** **[Qonto](https://qonto.com/de/partners/fi)** is Europe’s leading financial management solution for founders, freelancers, and small to medium-sized businesses, serving more than 600,000 clients across eight countries. Founded by Alexandre Prot and Steve Anavi, **[Qonto](https://qonto.com/de/partners/fi)**[ ](https://qonto.com/de/creation/company-registration?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=FIMeetup10/2025&partner_id=a0oAM000000AGMP)has been transforming business finance since 2017. The platform combines business banking, invoicing, accounting, and expense management in a single intuitive solution. Through Qonto’s company formation services, over 250,000 businesses have already been established across Europe. With more than €600 million in funding and an international team of over 1,600 employees, Qonto is redefining financial management for European businesses – with innovative products, transparent pricing, and 24/7 customer support. **Click here to open your business account:** **[https://www.qonto.com](https://qonto.com/de/partners/fi)** **About Founder Institute** The [Founder Institute](https://fi.co/berlin) is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our structured accelerator programs have helped over 7,000 entrepreneurs raise over $1.75BN in funding. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 100 countries, our mission is to empower communities of talented and motivated people to build impactful technology companies worldwide.

**DRAWING AND PAINTING CLASS** **on VARIOUS TECHNIQUES** ***SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS*** with Travis Hendrix [BOOK IT HERE](https://berlinschoolofdrawing.weebly.com/booking---contact--venue.html) Weekly on Thursdays from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. \- to be joined anytime\! FROM THU MAY 7TH to JULY 23rd 2026 Join anytime! *Scroll down for detailed program* Pricing options: \- 4 entrances/€110 \- to be used within 7 weeks from purchasing \- Special 3 MONTHS booking: €290 \- one time drop in: 36€ This is an ongoing class from MAY to JULY 2026 The subscription to the class can be done monthly ( the 4 entrances don't have to be used in a row ) Plus: SPECIAL Price for booking 3 MONTHS to be followed in a row Each individual will be guided separately so any level is welcome! **ALL MATERIAL WILL BE PROVIDED by us:** however you are more than welcome to bring your own material and try things out. The aim of the class is to target a big range of people who know nothing about drawing, to the ones who have some experience already and want to develop ideas, techniques etc. therefore it will be suitable for complete beginners or intermediates. We will sometimes have models, sometimes work on still life, sometimes on botany, sometimes we will focus rather on techniques and some other times it ́s more liberated and free. The goal of the class is to learn how to draw, and how to find your own style with time. **DETAILED PROGRAM:** MAY 7th to JULY 30th 2026 May 7: Introduction to drawing with pencil forms, volume, perspective and shading. May 14: Drawing with pen and ink still life, focusing on positive and negative space and silhouette drawing. May 21: life drawing session with model, elaborating on pencil and charcoal and pen skills, learning about figure drawing, and applying the previous sessions into body forms and shades May 28: Drawing the face with pencils June 4: Intro to Acrylics. Materials and techniques. June 11: Colour theory applied through all painting mediums. June 18: Abstract surrealism in acrylics. How to start a painting against the fear of the blank. June 25: Image transfer with acrylic mediums and mixed media. July 2: Intro to watercolour and gouache July 9: Botanical art (drawing and painting). July 16: Introduction to Indian(Chinese) ink, learning how to work with shadows, layers and lines July23: Mixed media painting July 30: life drawing with Model, material choice up-to students ***

1 EURO DONATION FEE PER PERSON IS REQUIRED (on site, in cash), to pay back the Meetup subscription fees and support my Events. READ THE DESCRIPTION WITH THE INFO (IMPORTANT). We take a walk in Berlin to meet new people or people we already know 😁 It's a way to spend a few hours together on a public holiday afternoon. **How it works?** The concept is very simple: * We meet at Sonnenallee Station at 14,15 o'clock (we use the Whatsapp Chat to find each other: I will post there my exact location outside the station) * I wait for people for 10 minutes, till 14,25, then we start to walk direction Treptower Park, crossing the park 🌳🌳🌳 and going along the Spree river, to then go further * We go on along the Landwehrkanal, exploring Kreuzberg 🏠 * The total length of the walk is about 8kms * We land finally here to take coffee, a drink, or some food, and spend more time together ([https://maps.app.goo.gl/RsUCxwDKK6yVtiF48](https://maps.app.goo.gl/RsUCxwDKK6yVtiF48)) I consider that the event will last in overall around 4 hours (2 hours of walk 🚶🚶‍♀️ and 2 hours at the Cafe/Restaurant), but people are free to stay together longer, if they want 🙂 What I provide is leading the walk and the people at the Cafe, but I do not force anyone to stay shorter or longer. I do not provide a "personal support" for people who arrive after 14,25 (do not write to me expecting "private support"). You are responsible to check for the weather and decide if come or not. Thanks for understanding. If you have to contact me, make it via Whatsapp, not here on Meetup. WHATSAPP GROUP 💬 to find each other (join it, we use this group to find and synchronize us) [https://docs.google.com/document/d/157uLVXObKt1a4NqqvPa09NJW-050YBwHLW-7DbOD8R8/](https://docs.google.com/document/d/157uLVXObKt1a4NqqvPa09NJW-050YBwHLW-7DbOD8R8/)

Offene Bühne ! Jeden 2. donnerstag im Monat. Alle Arten von Darbietungen sind willkommen. Es gibt 2 Mikrofone, eine Sound-Anlage, ein Klavier und verschiedene kleine Percussion-Instrumente. Der Eintritt ist frei, Spenden sind gern gesehen. Auch Getränke gibt es auf Spendenbasis! Wir freuen uns auf euch Künstler und Publikum !

**Welcome to Berlin's international training community! 🎾** **We offer professional training throughout the season, whether you're new to tennis and looking for a great start or a seasoned player seeking to enhance your skills. Our training programme features flexible booking sessions that mix learning with competition.** **Our aim is to equip players for the game whether you're playing for fun or aiming for Grand Slam success 😎**

**📢 Wichtiges Update für unser Sprachcafé in Manifesto!** 📢 Wir dürfen ab sofort den ruhigen Bereich im Obergeschoss nutzen. – **Voraussetzung**: Es ist für jeden zwingend, **ein Getränk oder Snack bei der Soot Bar** (unten bei den WCs) zu kaufen, damit wir dort bleiben dürfen. Danke fürs Mitmachen! 😊

This **coworking and networking** meetup is for neurodivergent people to get our tasks/projects/work done and to connect with other neurodivergent, whether for focus work or just finding someone who understands what you’re working on. **PLEASE READ THE EVENT DESCRIPTION BELOW:** So we can be self-accountable for our own comfort. **Location:** Werkräume inside Humboldt Forum https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jw5totHbQadfsJsE8 The **exact area** of Werkräume where we cowork will be updated in the **pinned comment on the event page**, as it is a public space and we cannot reserve a specific spot. **How to find Werkräume:** * **If you are starting from the Front Desk:** Find the large escalator behind the front desk. Go up to the 1st floor (one level above ground floor). * **If you are starting from the Humboldt Bistro:** go to the other building. Find the escalator and go up to the 1st floor (one level above ground floor). * **Final Destination:** On the 1st floor, look for the Werkräume sign. **What to expect:** * We usually use **[Pomodoro method](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique).** **When you are late** and the session has started, just take a seat and start working until break time. * However, **feel free to work with how you are most comfortable with.** What's important is, we all become accountability buddies. ✨ **Notes:** 1. **This a public place so bring your sensory management tools (earphone, stim toys, etc).** We can´t control the environment if there are other groups having their activities. 2. **The Werkräume can't be reserved** so we will all help each other by occupying the seats. 3. The place has wifi, locker and toilet. 4. The space has power plugs, but only in specific areas. Please ensure your devices are charged before coming. 5. **Food & drink:** there is a Bistro but pricey. Feel free to bring your own. **IMPORTANT:** No eating in the Werkräume. Use the public visitor seating instead. 6. **Bring a coin for the locker.** Security may ask you to store bags in the lockers outside the Werkräume. 7. **PLEASE EDIT YOUR RSVP if you can't come.** This helps us better manage the coworking session. Your update is much appreciated. 8. **All organizers are volunteers who are neurodivergent individuals.** We ask you to **be kind to us** and for your **support in making the event an enjoyable** for everyone. **Till then busy bees!**

**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/)

This group is for everyone who is interested in drawing portraits! For me, drawing has been a wonderful way to gain a new perspective on the world and the people within it. Whether you are just starting out or have been drawing for ages — all levels are welcome :) How it works: 1\. We meet at The Castle pub in Mitte and do short sittings of 15 minutes for each other\. The first sitting is divided into 3 warm\-up sketches\, 5 minutes each\. 2\. Before we start\, everybody writes their name on a blank card \(provided by the organizer\); these cards are then used to randomly pick the model every 15 minutes\. 3\. Usually we do 8 sittings\, with a 15\-minute break in the middle \(so after 4 sittings\, or 1 hour\)\. -> The participation is free, but it is expected that everybody orders something from the bar to support the lovely location. Get out your pencils and let's start! Please bring your own art supplies!

**A place to meet sound, without maps** Facilitated by **Vesti Gium (they/them)** Everyone enters as they are. No score. No threshold of skill. We follow the room, moment by moment— listening, nudging, letting the music find itself. A breath, a shoelace, a laugh, a footstep— each carries weight. Silence is welcomed; noise is celebrated. There are no wrong directions here. We practise a listening that reaches outward and inward: to ourselves, to one another, to the space we shape together. That is where the music begins. * 🌀 Bring a voice, an object, an instrument, a movement—or nothing at all. * ✨ **Priority given to FLINTA folks and people with migration background.** * 🎧 No experience needed. Curiosity is enough. * 📍 Berlin – \[theodorstraße 5,12099] * 🗓 Every Saturday 12:00 * 📬 DM or email **[vestigium.impro@gmail.com](mailto:vestigium.impro@gmail.com)** to join Come make sound—come be heard.

🤝 **Co-Founder Matching** ​Finding the right co-founder can change everything. ​Join us for an interactive networking session designed to connect founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, developers, creatives, and people looking to build something together. ​Whether you already have an idea and are searching for the right person to join you, or you’re looking to become part of a startup journey, this event is the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded people and explore potential collaborations. ​Through guided networking and open conversations, participants will have the chance to introduce themselves, share their interests and skills, and connect with others who complement their vision. *** # ​💡 What to Expect ​• Founder introductions • Guided networking • Conversations around ideas, skills, and goals • Meeting people with complementary strengths • Opportunities for future collaboration *** # ​🎯 Who Should Join ​• Founders looking for a co-founder • Developers & designers • Marketing & business enthusiasts • Aspiring entrepreneurs • Anyone interested in joining a startup journey *** # ​📅 Event Details ​📅 **May 16, 2026** ⏰ **13:00 – 15:30** 📍 **The Social Hub** ​See you there! Check out our websites: Company-[[Datenstrom-3ag.com](http://datenstrom-3ag.com/)]([https://datenstrom-3ag.com/?utm_source=luma](https://datenstrom-3ag.com/?utm_source=luma)) Application-[[Growfirma.com](http://growfirma.com/)]([https://growfirma.com/?utm_source=luma](https://growfirma.com/?utm_source=luma))

Looking for a fun, energizing way to move your body and meet new people? Join us for a Silent Disco Hip Hop Dance Workout a unique experience that combines music, movement, and connection 🎧💃 ✨ What to expect: • Fun icebreaker games to get to know each other • A full-body Hip Hop dance workout (beginner-friendly) • Learn cool dance move with silent disco experience • Spark Connections over a fun time We’ll kick things off with fun, easy icebreaker games to get to know each other. Then enjoy a 1-hour guided silent disco dance workout (with your own Bluetooth headphones) with dance music and simple moves. No experience needed! Come solo or with a friend, you’ll leave feeling energized, uplifted, and connected 💫 👉 Join the WhatsApp group to connect before the event: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GaUmXBIg1oy4BtYgxuxEsu?mode=gi_t 📸 Check our vibes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkevents_510

Join us for a curated afternoon walk through some of Berlin’s most exciting gallery spaces in the heart of Mitte — followed by coffee and conversation at a cosy spot nearby. We’ll visit a carefully selected route of 4 galleries, each offering a different perspective on contemporary art. I’ll be there to guide the experience, share context and stories, and make sure we leave with a lot to talk about over coffee. The full gallery route will be shared with everyone on the day when we meet. The café will be announced to all participants one day before the event — a little something to look forward to! ☕ 📋 Agenda 🖼️ Gallery walk through 4 curated spaces in Mitte ☕ Café to finish — share impressions, connect, unwind 📅 Date & Time: Saturday, 16.05 · 12:00 📍 Meeting Point: Sprüth Magers, Oranienburger Str. 18, Berlin Mitte 💶 Participation Fee: 10 EUR 📌 RSVP required — intimate group, spots are limited ✅ Event Info & FAQ 🕐 How long will it last? The full experience runs approximately 3-4 hours including the café. 💶 Payment — How do I pay? Payment is made on the day — cash or PayPal. Please bring 10 EUR. If your plans change, please update your status to “Not Going” so someone on the waiting list can take your spot. 🙏 🥐 Can I join only for the café or only for the galleries? No — it’s one full shared experience. ❗ What if I show up without signing up? Unfortunately a spot can’t be guaranteed. Only confirmed RSVPs are accepted. ✨ The walk is curated and guided by Yuliya, founder of Berlin Ladies Art Culture — a growing community of over 2,000 women passionate about art, culture, and meaningful connection. With a background bridging hospitality, real estate, and creative studies, Yuliya has lived in Ukraine, France, China, and now Berlin — and most recently completed studies at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. She curates experiences that blend art history, conversation, and exploration — always with the goal of making culture feel alive, shared, and inspiring.

🔥🌴 **BOLLYWOOD OPEN-AIR SUMMER PARTY** 🌴🔥 The sun sets… the beats drop… and the night comes alive. 🌅✨ Step into the ultimate **Bollywood Open-Air Summer Party** on **16th May 2026**, where electrifying vibes, nonstop music, and pure desi energy take over from **8 PM till 3:30 AM**. 🎧 **DJ SXB & DJ MLN** bringing you the hottest Bollywood bangers, remixes & club anthems all night long 🍹 Refreshing drinks, mouthwatering food & a dancefloor that never sleeps 💃 **FREE entry for girls till 9 PM** — come early, come glam 📍 **SECRET LOCATION** – dropping on **10th May** 🎟️ **FREE ENTRY with registration only** This isn’t just a party… it’s a whole summer vibe. Dress hot. Bring your crew. Own the night. 🔥 Note that entry is only allowed with valid ticket 👉 Ticket Link [https://Bollywoodopenair.eventbrite.de](https://Bollywoodopenair.eventbrite.de) 👉 Join our WhatsApp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/D3X6TzMw2kT58VftFxnit4?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D3X6TzMw2kT58VftFxnit4?mode=gi_t) 👉 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/breakfreeevents_?igsh=dXpkZmZpZmxwYTBo&utm_source=qr](https://www.instagram.com/breakfreeevents_?igsh=dXpkZmZpZmxwYTBo&utm_source=qr)

Open to public: Friday, 5/15/26: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 5/16/26: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Hosted by OSU The 2026 Chadwick Arboretum Spring Plant Sale and Auction Fundraiser Location: Lawn area south of the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center 2201 Fred Taylor Dr, Columbus, OH 43210 Spring Plant Sale Spring into greenery at Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens! Join us for our annual Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser and dive into a lush world of botanical delights. With over 16,000 fresh, exotic, and time-tested edible and ornamental plants, there's something for every green thumb! Experience the thrill of our tree and shrub auctions, where you can bid on unique specimens to enhance your garden sanctuary. Step into our Learning Lab, where engaging educational demonstrations on various garden topics will unfold throughout the three-day sale, enriching your knowledge and inspiring your green endeavors. Take part in an exciting, live auction offered each day, as well as a silent auction on Thursday and Friday. Explore vendor booths brimming with gardening essentials and delightful treasures. And while you shop 'til you drop, indulge in delectable treats from a delicious, local food truck. Proceeds from this event go directly to The Ohio State Chadwick Arboretum, student organizations, and local businesses alike. Come one, come all! Let's cultivate a brighter, greener future together. Credit/debit cards only.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be another good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle **SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free! Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **you’ll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, it’s designed to be simple, creative, and a good time. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and we’ll handle the rest. While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for. Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/) *** ### What to Expect: * Guided candle making experience * Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance * 100% soy wax candles * Optional drinks and snacks * Time to relax while your candle cools *** ### Important Notes: * Please arrive on time so we can start together * Candles will need time to set before taking home * This is a beginner-friendly event *** ### RSVP Required Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat. **Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids) 5oz Glass Jars $15 8oz Candle Tins $25 12oz Glass Candles $35 12oz Amber Jars $40 16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!) **All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).** **Payments accepted:** * Credit Card * Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee * Cashapp: $DaclaudL

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

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