Startup Funding

**What to Expect** *A relaxed, productive weekday environment - High-speed WiFi & comfortable co-working space *Flexible padel play throughout the session - Meaningful networking with professionals & entrepreneurs *Opportunity to exchange ideas, collaborations & contacts - Short, insightful talks (TED-style) from inspiring speakers *Great coffee, food & social atmosphere **Work, play, connect—and grow, all in one place.**

Hey, friend in Jakarta! Now that you joined JakFri... **are you a member of [Jakarta Writers](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends) yet?** Want to see **pictures** of past events? **[Take a look here!](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/photos/)** And feel free to upload a few pictures you will take at the event 😊 JakFri and JakWri is **the** biggest, oldest, most active, and most inclusive MeetUp community in Jakarta… and we invite you to join us to join us for this **BURGER NIGHT in Lawless Menteng!** Everyone is always welcome to join our events. Our community is all about creating authentic in-person connections in this urban jungle. Come as you are... it’s the best version of yourself. **ABOUT THE EVENT** Let's have dinner together at Lawless Burger in Menteng. They have burgers, hotdogs, fries, beers, milkshakes. Friday night is the time to chill. What better way than sitting together and making new friends in a friendly, informal setting? After burgers, we can walk and continue our evening at one of the many places nearby. We will choose together where to go depending on our mood. **Newcomers are particularly welcome!** Come alone or with a friend or partner. There won't be a shared bill. Everyone will pay for what they consume. We have organised this event many times before! You can see a few past events here: * [Burger night at Lawless Menteng (Mar 2026)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/313624813) * [Burger night at Lawless Menteng (Jan 2026)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/312705350/) * [Burger night at Lawless Citos (Dec 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/312031508/) * [Burget night at Lawless Menteng (Nov 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/311725059/) * [Burget night at Lawless Menteng (Sept 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/) * [Burger night at Lawless Menteng (March 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/306637535/) * [Burger night at Lewless Menteng (Sep 2024)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/303479032/) * [Burger night at Lawless Kemang (Aug 2024)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/302273440/) * [Burger night at Lewless Menteng (Apr 2024)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/300000152/) **ABOUT THE VENUE** Lawless is a very decent joint and there will be tables reserved for us. The price range for a burger and drink is about 100 IDR and up. * Let's meet directly at Lewless Menteng in Sarinah. There are tables reserved for us (non-smoking area) * Don't arrive earlier of the event starts at 8.00 PM -- we want to start together * Feel free to arrive later. The last order is at around 10.00 PM. You can also join us after dinner if you prefer, or join only to socialise without eating (please order at least one drink our of respect for the venue) * After burgers, we can go have a drink nearby. Text in the comment section if you want to find us later during the evening * We encourage you to reach the event by public transportation. MRT stop Bundaran HI is only 5 minutes walking distance **HOW TO REGISTER TO THE EVENT?** To register, just click “Attend”! There are a few simple rules * We kindly ask attendees who cannot manage to join to **update RSVP at least 24 h before the event** as a courtesy to other attendees and event organisers. * People on the waitlist cannot attend, and are encouraged to check a few hours before the event if they got a spot * Repeated no-show (3X) without updating RSVP will be removed from the group. * Cancellation at the last minute is unfriendly for other attendees, organisers, and venue. Please cancel whitin 2 hours for exceptional circumstances **only**. Otherwise it will count as no-show! * Attendees who bring a +1 are responsible to make sure that the guest understands and agrees to our rules of respect and inclusivity. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! **WE HAVE A MEMBERSHIP FEE. HOW DOES IT WORK?** Our community has a **monthly membership fee** that can be paid through the app (**2 USD/month or about 33k IDR/month**). Membership can also be paid as a **yearly membership of 320k IDR** valid for 365 days after payment. Membership fee is offered with a **promo discount to first-timers**, who can become members for only **240k IDR/year** (**Option A**). First-timers can decide to join with **a sneek peak price of 50k IDR & pay the remaining 270k IDR at the next event** they attend (**Option B**). Registered +1 can attend for free. Renewals (after 365 days) and upgrades (to join JakWri) are offered at a special rate. All this is aimed at encouraging people to sign up, and then to attend as many events as they like! Yearly membership can be paid at an event (cash/bank transfer/Gopay) or beforehand (bank transfer/Gopay). Text Corrado (+62 8211 489 3580) if you have any questions about membership. Membership to **both** Jakarta Friends and Jakarta Writers is offered for **only** 390k IDR/year (**Option C**). Membership gives **access to all events** plus exclusive perks available only to paying members, like for example our [Give Away Birthday Celebrations with lucky draw](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/300470498) (Sept 2024) or [FREE pasta cooking (and eating 😉) workshop](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/304253623/) (Nov 2024) or [Museum visits with FREE GUIDED TOURS](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/301738408/) (Sept 2024). To most events, attendees can **bring a +1 for free**, and we have some events open to all (paid and unpaid) members. To all members we **guarantee** to keep organizing plenty of events. You will receive a **full refund** if the group closes down, or if there’s no event happening in three months. In the past 3 years we have organised up to 2-3 events per week (browse past event [of JakFri here](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/?type=past) and [of JakWri here](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers/events/?type=past)). That is, with your membership you can attend up to 5-10 events! We **guarantee** to keep organising plenty of events. You will receive a **full refund** if the group closes down, or if there’s no event happening in three months. **THE RULES OF OUR COMMUNITY** Our communities are: * **Jakarta Friends**: [https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends) * **Jakarta Writers (former Jak Creatives)**: [https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers/](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/) Members often participate in events of both groups. Over the past three years, we held over 300 events with over 2,500 attendees. Attendees rate our events **very positively** and give wonderful feedback, with an average of **4.8**⭐ (out of 5⭐) afrom over 500 reviews ([take a look at our reviews here!](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/feedback-overview/)) We value diversity, inclusivity, respect, and authenticity. We **do not tolerate** harassment or discrimination of any kinds. * You are invited to join our WhatsApp group where we announce our events regularly: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BR0sC0BrPbc9xTqvj1qLfx](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BR0sC0BrPbc9xTqvj1qLfx) * Feel free to tag us on Instagram, and we will repost! [www.intagram.com/jakarta.friends.creatives](http://www.intagram.com/jakarta.friends.creatives) * For questions about the event, please post a comment on the event page, or DM the event organisers

Hey, friend in Jakarta! Now that you joined JakFri... **are you a member of [Jakarta Writers](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers/) (former Creatives) yet?** Want to see **pictures** of past events? **[Take a look here!](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/photos/)** And feel free to upload a few pictures you might take at the event 😊 JakFri and JakWri are **the** biggest, oldest, most active, and most inclusive MeetUp community in Jakarta... …and we invite you to join us for this **Board Game Social Afternoon in Tebet!** Everyone is always welcome to join our events. Our community is all about creating authentic in-person connections in this urban jungle. Come as you are... It’s the best version of yourself. **ABOUT THE EVENT** Calling out for all board gamers to play together! The idea is very simple: **We meet, and we play board games!** All levels of experience playing board games are welcome. Newcomers are **very** welcome. This event will be at Oksigasi Space, Central Jakarta. Just pay for your own food and drink. We will ask for a split bill! The host will bring various games which are easy to learn on the spot, including **Monopoly, Ludo, Halma, Hangman, UNO and more!** Feel free to bring your own games, if you want to! No extensive experience as a board gamer needed! The event is set to finish at 7.00 PM but might extend longer, if people want to stay! (Feel free to have dinner at this place) We have organised this event many times before! You can see a few past events here: * [Board Game afternoon (July 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/308665793/) * [Board Game afternoon (April 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/307160038/) * [Board Game afternoon (May 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/307731360) * or scroll through [all past event of JakFri](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/?type=past) to get a sense of this community! **ABOUT THE VENUE** Oksigasi Space is a distinguished coffee establishment located in Cideng Timur, Central Jakarta. * At the venue, ask for "Corrado" or "Gina" or MeetUp " from the staff. * Here is a link to the venue for more information: [www.instagram.com/oksigasispace/](www.instagram.com/oksigasispace/) * We encourage you to reach the event by public transportation. **HOW TO REGISTER TO THE EVENT?** To register, just click “Attend”! There are a few simple rules * We kindly ask attendees who cannot manage to join to **update RSVP at least 24 h before the event** as a courtesy to other attendees and event organisers. * Come and go as you want for this event. The earlier you come, the more time you can have to enjoy the event. * People on the waitlist cannot attend and will receive a spot automatically if someone cancels. Also, people in the waitlist need to update their RSVP if they cannot come! * 3X no show at Jakarta Friends events without updating RSVP = removal from the group * Cancelling within 2h of the event is unfriendly to the organiser, fellow attendees, and venue, and -- unless cases of force majeure -- still counts as a no show Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! **WE HAVE A MEMBERSHIP FEE. HOW DOES IT WORK?** Our community has a **monthly membership fee** that can be paid through the app only (**2 USD/month or about 33k IDR/month**). Membership can also be paid as a **yearly membership of 320k IDR,** valid for 365 days after payment. Membership fee is offered with a **promo discount to first-timers**, who can become members for **240k IDR/year** (**Option A**). First-timers can decide to join with a **sneak peek price of 50k IDR & pay the remaining 270k IDR at the next event** they attend (**Option B**). Renewals (after 365 days) and upgrades (to join JakWri) are offered at a special rate. All this is aimed at encouraging people to sign up, and then to attend as many events as they like! Yearly membership can be paid at an event (cash/bank transfer/Gopay) or beforehand (bank transfer/Gopay). Text Corrado (+62 8211 489 3580) if you have any questions about membership. Membership to **both** Jakarta Friends and Jakarta Writers is offered for **only** 390k IDR/year (**Option C**). Membership gives **access to all events** plus exclusive perks available only to paying members, like for example our [Give Away Birthday Celebrations with lucky draw](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/300470498) (Sept 2024) or [FREE pasta cooking (and eating 😉) workshop](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/304253623/) (Nov 2024) or [Museum visits with FREE GUIDED TOURS](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/301738408/) (Sept 2024). To many events, attendees can **bring a +1 for free**, and we have some events open to all (paid and unpaid) members. To all members, we **guarantee** to keep organizing plenty of events. You will receive a **full refund** if the group closes down or if there’s no event happening in three months. In the past 3 years, we have organised up to 2-3 events per week (browse past event [of JakFri here](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/?type=past) and [of JakWri here](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers/events/?type=past)). That is, with your membership, you can attend up to 5-10 events! We **guarantee** to keep organising plenty of events. You will receive a **full refund** if the group closes down or if there’s no event happening in three months. **THE RULES OF OUR COMMUNITY** Our communities are: * **Jakarta Friends**: [https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends) * **Jakarta Writers**: [https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers/](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/) Members often participate in events of both groups. Over the past two years, we have held over 250 events with over 2,000 attendees. Attendees rate our events **very positively** and give wonderful feedback, with an average of **4.8**⭐ (out of 5⭐) from over 500 reviews ([take a look at our reviews here!](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/feedback-overview/)) We value diversity, inclusivity, respect, and authenticity. We **do not tolerate** harassment or discrimination of any kind. * You are invited to join our WhatsApp group where we announce our events regularly: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BR0sC0BrPbc9xTqvj1qLfx](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BR0sC0BrPbc9xTqvj1qLfx) * Feel free to tag us on Instagram, and we will repost! [www.intagram.com/jakarta.friends.creatives](http://www.intagram.com/jakarta.friends.creatives) * For questions about the event, please post a comment on the event page, or DM the event organisers

Hello, Jakarta Writer! **Are you a member of [Jakarta Friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/) yet?** Want to see **pictures** of past events? **[Take a look here!](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/photos/)** And feel free to upload a few pictures you will take at the event 😊 JakCre and JakFri is **the** biggest, oldest, most active, and most inclusive MeetUp community in Jakarta… and we invite you to join us for this **WRITERS' CLUB: GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writing!** Everyone is always welcome to join our events. Our community is all about creating authentic in-person connections in this urban jungle. Come as you are... it’s the best version of yourself. **ABOUT THE EVENT** What's one of the most difficult part in writing? Getting high-quality feedback! This event addresses exactly this! Plus, writers will have the chance to be part of a friendly community and a support system for fellow creatives. **We want to help and elevate each other!** This is what we will do: We will meet at the indicated time (please don't be late) and everyone who wishes to can drop their name on a box for a lucky draw. One person is selected by chance and will need to have a text **of any kind** (poetry/fiction/non-fiction/essay/article/script/blog/music lyrics/whatever!) ready to share with everyone on a Google drive folder. Then everyone will take their time and read the piece(s) on their own. We allocate **about 60-90 minutes quiet reading time**. Readers will take notes on what they wish to give feedback to. The author is also welcome to brief readers on what they should pay attention to or give feedback on. People who wishes to be there as readers only (that is, without putting their name in the lucky draw box), are most welcome to! The crucial part is that everyone needs to be respectful of each other's craft and give **polite, constructive feedback**! After reading time, there is the feedback time! **For about 90 minutes, we will discuss what we have read, and give feedback to the author.** Sounds easy, fun, and productive? It is. Everyone will have the chance to learn something new! This event doesn't require any preparation! We will read and give feedback on the spot. This will be a unique occasion to receive a feedback on your writings (of any kind) and to practice your ability to give and receive feedbacks on texts! Just be ready to share (not mandatory) **a piece of your writing of about 2,000 words** (1,000 to 10,000 words is OK, too, but be aware that a shorter piece is more likely to receive plenty of feedback) as a Google Drive link and grant people access to read. Be sure you will join with a device where it's possible to join a video conference (Zoom/GoogleMeet/tbd). **We have done this event before! Take a look here:** * [GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writings 🤓 (Feb 2026)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers/events/313180424/) * [GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writings 🤓 (Jan 2026)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/312723598/) * [GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writings 🤓 (Dec 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/312032052) * [GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writings 🤓 (hybrid) (Nov 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/311725541/) * [GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writings 🤓 (hybrid) (Aug 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/310122815/) * [GIVE & RECEIVE FEEDBACK on your writings 🤓 (online) (Aug 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/how-to-become-a-writer/events/308662343/) * [WRITERS' CLUB (May 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/307536966/) **ABOUT THE VENUE** **Mad for Coffee** is a lovely coffeeshop with great coffe and some nice food on the menu. The owners are so kind to have a room or the upstairs terrace for us! At Mad for Coffee they also have regular comedy shows, including one just after our event at 4 PM which we can attend together! Link to be shared soon -- take a look here at a past free comedy event we attended together: https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/312964219/ (walk-ins at the comedy event are usually possible, too) * Let's meet directly there! There will be tables prepared for us * At the venue, ask for Corrado or MeetUp at the staff. There will be a MeetUp sign on our table to find us * Here is a link to the venue for more information: [https://www.instagram.com/madforcoffeeid/](https://www.instagram.com/madforcoffeeid/) * We encourage you to reach the event by public transportation MRT Cipete Raya is just 15 minutes walk! **ABOUT THE HOST** Corrado Nai has a Ph.D. in microbiology and writes mostly about science. His feature articles has been published in Smithsonian Magazine, New Scientist, Asimov Press, and many more. Currently he's writing [a graphic novel about agar-agar's surprising role in science](https://fanny-hesse-graphic-novel.site/), called "The Dessert That Changed the World" which can be followed and supported through Patreon ([www.patreon.com/corradonai](https://www.patreon.com/corradonai)) **HOW TO REGISTER TO THE EVENT?** To register, just click “Attend”! There are a few simple rules * We kindly ask attendees who cannot manage to join to **update RSVP at least 24 h before the event** as a courtesy to other attendees and event organisers. * **Be on time! Don’t be early!** * Come alone or with a friend, family, or your better half * People in the waitlist cannot attend, and are encouraged to check a few hours before the event if they got a spot * Repeated no-show (3X) without updating RSVP will be removed from the group. * Cancellation at the last minute is unfriendly for other attendees, organisers, and venue. Please cancel whitin 2 hours for exceptional circumstances **only**. Otherwise it will count as no-show! * Attendees who bring a +1 are responsible to make sure that the guest understands and agrees to our rules of respect and inclusivity. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! **WE HAVE A MEMBERSHIP FEE. HOW DOES IT WORK?** As this group is slowly unrolling into a Writers' Group, it will be soon possible to join through Patreon, too: https://www.patreon.com/corradonai Monthly membership through Patreon will grant access to **all** events of Jakarta Writers (this group) **and** of [Jakarta Friends](www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends). Our community has a **monthly membership fee** that can be paid through the app (**2 USD/month or about 33k IDR/month**). Membership can also be paid as a **yearly membership of 320k IDR** valid for 365 days after payment. Membership fee is offered with a **promo discount to first-timers**, who can become members for **240k IDR/year**. First-timers can decide to join with a **sneek peak price of 50k IDR & pay the remaining 270k IDR at the next event** they attend. Registered +1 can attend for free. Renewals (after 365 days) and upgrades (to join JakFri) are offered at a special rate. All this is aimed at encouraging people to sign up, and then to attend as many events as they like! Yearly membership can be paid at an event (cash/bank transfer/Gopay) or beforehand (bank transfer/Gopay). Text Corrado (+62 8211 489 3580) if you have any questions about membership. Membership to **both** Jakarta Friends and Jakarta Writers is offered for **only** 390k IDR/year. Membership gives **access to all events** plus exclusive perks available only to paying members, like for example our [Give Away Birthday Celebrations with lucky draw](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/300470498) (Sept 2024) or [FREE pasta cooking (and eating 😉) workshop](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/304253623/) (Nov 2024) or [Museum visits with FREE GUIDED TOURS](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/301738408/) (Sept 2024). To most events, attendees can **bring a +1 for free**, and we have some events open to all (paid and unpaid) members. To all members we **guarantee** to keep organizing plenty of events. You will receive a **full refund** if the group closes down, or if there’s no event happening in three months. In the past 3 years we have organised up to 2-3 events per week (browse past event [of JakFri here](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/?type=past) and [of JakWri here](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers/events/?type=past)). That is, with your membership you can attend up to 5-10 events! We **guarantee** to keep organising plenty of events. You will receive a **full refund** if the group closes down, or if there’s no event happening in three months. **THE RULES OF OUR COMMUNITY** Our communities are: * **Jakarta Friends**: [https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends) * **Jakarta Writers (former Creatives)**: [https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers/](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/) Members often participate in events of both groups. Over the past two years, we held over 250 events with over 2,000 attendees. Attendees rate our events **very positively** and give wonderful feedback, with an average of **4.8**⭐ (out of 5⭐) afrom over 500 reviews ([take a look at our reviews here!](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/feedback-overview/)) We value diversity, inclusivity, respect, and authenticity. We **do not tolerate** harassment or discrimination of any kinds. * You are invited to join our WhatsApp group where we announce our events regularly: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BR0sC0BrPbc9xTqvj1qLfx](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BR0sC0BrPbc9xTqvj1qLfx) * Feel free to tag us on Instagram, and we will repost! [www.intagram.com/jakarta.friends.creatives](http://www.intagram.com/jakarta.friends.creatives) * For questions about the event, please post a comment on the event page, or DM the event organisers

It’s designed for people like us who usually work from home—but prefer doing it from a vibrant, engaging space. A place where work meets lifestyle: you can enjoy great coffee and food, stay productive, and take refreshing breaks to play or recharge. With access to multiple activities like swimming, yoga, Pilates, and padel, it’s more than just a workspace—it’s an experience. A community of like-minded individuals coming together to share ideas, build connections, and inspire each other—especially for entrepreneurs looking to grow, collaborate, and create something meaningful.

Join us for an unforgettable night 7:30pm in Jakarta [[Click This Whatsapp Groupchat Link](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BQcHLsg2oJfLugoOG27jjk)] We’re not just a language exchange — we’re a roaming social experience for 20s and 30s who love new faces and open conversations. Whether you're an expat, traveler, or Seoulite looking for something beyond the usual Saturday, this is the place to be. Connect, talk, laugh, repeat.

Main Bareng Pickleball at Ancol Tennis Warehouse. Join us for fun, socialising and sports at Ancol Tennis Warehouse.

Hello, we already have members, so the game is always on!! New Normal for JEB Badminton To support government maintaining restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19, JEB will update the regulations by setting the game with limited player and applied the following conditions : Fee Join = Rp. 80.000,- / person with max 8 players /court . 2 courts' court no 6&7 Cancellation Policy : A. More than 10 hours before game - no penalty / charge from Fee Join. B. Less than 9 hours before game - a half penalty / charge from Fee Join. Thank you for your kind understanding. Cu soon 🤩

(Note: RSVPing here on meetup does NOT reserve your seat. To do that, you’ll need to register at our website, [HERE](https://www.coreerocks.com/Events.aspx?ID=2026-Central-Ohio-Real-Estate-Investing-Expo-14-5-5-2026).) We’re serious about helping you succeed in real estate. That means not just teaching you—but putting you in the room with the people who help you get deals done. Every deal depends on people. The agent or wholesaler. The lender. The contractor. The title company. The insurance agent. The problem is that most investors meet those people slowly. This event fixes that. One room full of: • Lenders • Contractors • Title companies • Insurance providers • Property managers • And active local investors A place where you can: • Build your team • Find funding • Solve real problems • Make connections that lead to deals If you’re serious about real estate, this is a smart room to be in. Members and non-members at any level of knowledge and experience are welcome. This event is free. Remember, to actually reserve your seat, you have to go [HERE](https://www.coreerocks.com/Events.aspx?ID=2026-Central-Ohio-Real-Estate-Investing-Expo-14-5-5-2026) and register on our website!

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.

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*

**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.

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!