Investing Strategies

**🎉 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. 🚀

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!

**👋 Hello Strangers! —** For all players and chess-curious folks out there who want to chill and make friends: We are hosting a daily chess meetup in Mitte / Prenzlauerberg welcoming all experience levels. It doesn't matter if you just watched the Queen's Gambit or if you have been playing regularly for years – join us Daily from 7pm till midnight. **Pics** · [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/strangerchess/) / **Chat** · [Telegram](https://t.me/strangerchess) / **Web** · [Strangerchess.com](https://strangerchess.com/) (No need to bring anything, boards, clocks, etc. are provided)

Join us for an upcoming in-person Lean Coffee meetup. Lean Coffee is a lightly-structured meeting format where the attendees create the agenda. Bring your management challenges; whether you're managing people, products, processes or beyond, and solve them together with peers from a diverse set of backgrounds. This event is great for anybody trying to create better ways of working and wants to share with + learn from others trying to do the same.

**Wie gut ist dein Deutsch? Mach unseren kostenlosen Deutsch-Einstufungstest!** Im Sprachenatelier kannst du kostenlos dein Niveau testen, bevor du deinen Sprackurs beginnst! Der Test dauert nur 15-20 Minuten und du solltest ihn spätestens 2 Wochen vor deinem Kursebeginn machen. Melde dich hier auf unserer Webseite dafür an: **https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/de/topic/5472.einstufungstest-deutsch.html** Wir freuen uns auf euch!

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.

\*\*\*\*\*\* ***For address and more details see the website.*** \*\*\*\*\*\* **Event Info:** Bring along your **current book to read** (or something **creative** to work on 📚🎨🧵) and join us for this mix of a shared focus time + discussion. \- 19:00\-19:30 \- Meet & greet \- 19:30\-20:30 \- Silent focus time \- 20:30 \- Discussion of books/ projects over coffee **Drinks & snacks are included** ☕️ * **To reserve your place, a ticket (€9,90/event) or a community pass (only €14,90/MONTH) [from the website](www.pausify.org) is required** * **Attendance here doesn’t show all sign-ups from other platforms.** ***FAQ: Why does it cost money if I bring my own project?*** Because we rent a beautiful, central space for every event. Ever thought your monthly apartment rent was too high? Well, multiply that – that’s what commercial spaces in big cities like Berlin cost *per hour*. Of course, if all you want is just some quiet time, your home or a library is perfect. But if you’d like to focus & connect with others in an inspiring space – with drinks, snacks included – that’s what your ticket helps to cover. See pics from our events below - and on our Instagram: **[@Pausify (Co-Reading Space)](https://www.instagram.com/pausify_org/) ☕️**📚 **[Pausify Co-Reading Space Website](www.pausify.org/)** For questions, please contact us over [Website](www.pausify.org/) as this platform can have issues. Thank you! *Please note that photos and videos may be taken during the event and used for promotional purposes to highlight and share the experiences at our events. If you have concerns, don't hesitate to approach the event organizers before the event.*

Join our Backgammon Meetup to play, socialize, and enjoy this classic game! Everyone’s welcome! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player. Expect fun, friendly games, laughter, and new friends. 👉 Please RSVP only if you plan to attend. 👉 Bring your own set if you have one. *** **How to Play (Quick Guide):** * Each player has 15 checkers and moves them toward their home board. * Dice rolls decide how many spaces you can move. * Land on an opponent’s single checker to send it to the bar. * Once all your checkers are home, start bearing off (removing them). * First to remove all checkers wins! *** **Fun Fact:** The Origin of Backgammon: Backgammon is one of the oldest known board games, with roots deeply embedded in the ancient civilisations of Mesopotamia. But it is in Persia, where the game truly flourished and evolved into what we now know as 'Takhte Nard'. Archaeological findings suggest that early forms of backgammon were played in Iran over 5,000 years ago. Artifacts such as game boards and dice have been discovered in sites like 'Shahr-e Sukhteh' (The Burnt City), indicating the game’s ancient origins.

A bookclub meet-up organized by our member Oana. We will meet in this cozy cafe with delicious brunch style food, and talk about what we are currently reading :) and, if we have time, chat in general about books. Please also feel free to read a sample from your book if you wish. Usually we read both fiction and non-fiction (history, philosophy, sociology, and other topics). Bring your Kindle, your tablet, or your paper books. The discussion will be in English, but of course feel free to bring books in any language.

**👋 Hello Strangers! —** For all players and chess-curious folks out there who want to chill, make friends, and enjoy some chess: We are hosting a daily meetup in Mitte / Prenzlauerberg for all experience levels. It doesn't matter if you just watched the Queen's Gambit or if you have been playing regularly for a while. **Join us** — Daily from 7 pm till midnight. **Expected Behavior** — [Conduct](https://strangerchess.com/conduct/) **Pics** · [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/strangerchess/) / **Chat** · [Telegram](https://t.me/strangerchess) / **Web** · [Strangerchess.com](https://strangerchess.com/) (No need to bring anything, boards, clocks, etc. are provided)

**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

Silent Book Club is a group of book lovers who enjoy reading together in public. All books and all readers are welcome. (Kindly RSVP 'yes' only if you can make it, so we can save a seat for you and our fellow readers on the waitlist!) This page-turning party will unfold in the Café (1st floor) at the Bode Museum. There's no entrance fee, but please order at least one item from the cafe and don't bring any outside drinks :) No quizzes, no pressure, no assigned books - just a group of book-loving souls basking in the beauty of silent reading. **Our thrilling agenda:** 10:30 am - 11:00 am - Arrivals, ordering drinks/food (social time) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - The Great Quiet Reading Hour (where silence is the star) 12:00 pm - 13:00 pm - Optional socializing, share your reading adventures or just keep exploring the pages Stay for lunch, and who knows? You might just find your next favorite book over a pizza. NB: If you plan to go for lunch, please consider bringing cash, as some restaurants only accept card payments after a certain amount.

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.**

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! ☕🥐

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.

At Evolve Synergy Sessions, you'll be part of a supportive mastermind where we share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and inspire one another to take bold steps in our businesses. Grow your network, gain fresh perspectives, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded women who are committed to success. Whether you’re looking to move the needle in your business or simply need a space to connect and recharge, this is the perfect place to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. [Add Event to Calendar](https://evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com/) \*\* Please note, we will be arriving around 8:15a for open networking! Get there early and get connected! Contact Alexis Morley at [alexis.morley@edwardjones.com](mailto:alexis.morley@edwardjones.com) or Terri Lawson at [terri.lawson@e-merge.com](mailto:terri.lawson@e-merge.com) for more information.

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!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."