Lean Startup

Join Latvia DevOps & AI Communities' 31st event on May 5 at [Workland](https://wrkland.com/lv/locations/riga-telegraph). Doors open at 18:30, talks start at 19:00. ✨[Janis Rozenblats](https://www.linkedin.com/in/janisr/). Janis is a product leader with 17+ years in B2B SaaS, founded Mailigen (acquired by Pipedrive), scaled product at Pipedrive during its unicorn growth phase, and most recently built the product organization from zero at Aerones, a deep-tech robotics company in the wind energy space. He is passionate about AI-first product development and rethinking how product teams are structured in the age of AI dev tools. **Talk name:** *From Zero to AI-First: How We Reinvented Product Roles at a Deep-Tech Startup*. Most companies talk about adopting AI tools. Few talk honestly about what happens when you try to rewire an entire organization around them — the resistance, the role confusion, the wins, and the spectacular misfires. At Aerones, Janis built the product org from scratch for a company that maintains wind turbines with robots. Along the way, two new roles were introduced — Product Builder and Citizen Builder — designed to push AI-assisted development beyond the engineering team and into the hands of product managers and domain experts. This talk covers the full journey: why these roles were created, how the enablement program was structured, what tooling and workflows actually worked, where things went wrong, and what would be done differently. It is a practitioner’s story — no vendor pitches, no hype, just lessons from doing it in a complex, hardware-adjacent environment. You will walk away with a practical framework for thinking about AI-assisted development roles, and an honest picture of what organizational transformation actually looks like when the PowerPoint slides meet reality. ✨ [Māris Švirksts](https://www.linkedin.com/in/maris-svirksts/) Māris Svirksts is a Lead Systems Engineer at EPAM Systems with 15+ years of experience in tech, ranging from boutique hotel booking platforms to cloud infrastructure for global corporations, and occasionally explains to stakeholders why “just make it work” is not a technical specification. He speaks Latvian, English, and sometimes Bash. The AI writing this bio was made by one of his employers’ clients, which he finds either impressive or slightly unsettling. **Talk name:** *THE DARK FACTORY / From Loom-Smashing to Prompt Engineering*. From the Luddite riots against the power loom to today’s robotic production lines, every automation wave has fundamentally changed how work is organized — and the software industry is living through the next one. While tools like Cursor and Claude have already introduced AI-assisted coding and autonomous agents, an LLM-driven dark factory for the software development lifecycle takes this further, stringing together the full cycle of planning, development, testing, and delivery with minimal human intervention. We will also have a **Lightning Talk** by: [Vija Kalniņa](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vijakalnina) is a lead researcher on the Business AI Ethics research initiative based at the Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics at Harvard University. She is affiliated with AI Master Lab, an AI consulting firm based in Latvia, and teaches AI ethics to different audiences, including judges and law students. She is a Hubert H. Humphrey (Fulbright) alumna at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business (2024/2025). She has 15 years of experience in the legal field across the public and private sectors, including her most recent role as a judge at the Court of Economic Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, where she worked with white-collar crime cases and commercial disputes. She holds a PhD in European Union Law, is a published author on EU Law, and a freelance interviewer for Latvia’s leading legal journal, Jurista Vārds. This lightning talk uses AI chatbot doom loops - situations in which users are trapped in repetitive, unresolvable interactions - as a lens for learning how to examine AI incidents. By focusing on these failure patterns, the talk highlights how harm can emerge when AI systems fail. I will use a real-world example - a U.S.-based online payment and financial technology provider that relies on AI-powered chatbots for client services, and the incidents it experienced - to illustrate how issues such as insufficient human oversight, poor escalation design, and model or system limitations can lead to reputational and financial harm for companies, as well as frustration, lost time, reduced access to services, or even financial consequences for clients. The goal is to spark discussion and help the audience strengthen their ability to recognize AI-related risks and negative consequences as they arise, because understanding AI incidents is a necessary first step toward preventing them.. This time, the event is sponsored by: * [EPAM ](https://www.epam.com/)as Event Sponsor EPAM is a global leader in AI transformation engineering and integrated consulting, helping Forbes Global 2000 companies and ambitious startups to become AI-native enterprises, driving measurable value from innovation and digital investments. We are proud to be recognized by Forbes, Glassdoor and Great Place to Work as a Most Loved Workplace around the world. Learn more at  [www.epam.com](https://www.epam.com/) and follow us on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/epam-systems/). * [Workland Telegraph](https://wrkland.com/lv/locations/riga-telegraph) as Event Partner Inspiring private offices and coworking spaces that support your productivity & creativity. **If your plans change**, please cancel your registration to free up your spot for others. Also, check out our Slack channel [Techies of Baltics](https://devops.lv/slack/). As always, you are welcome to check out [our YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKXmynfBPE9um6sMqFmlEEA), where we have previous meetup video recordings available. Your presence and active participation make our community vibrant and inspiring. To secure your spot, RSVP on our [Meetup.com](https://www.meetup.com/devops-and-ai-latvia/events/314069589/) page. See you there! *\*Please note that photographs and footage will be taken throughout this event without a warning. These can be used by the Community for marketing and publicity in our publications, on our website and in social media, or any third-party publication.*

Come to check out our hackerspace, talk to people and learn some new things, maybe use the tools for a short while, or just sit down with a laptop and do some work in a quiet place. Also a good time to sign up for a membership! We will have tea and coffee, likely also cookies. Come whenever from 19:00 till 22:00 - we might even be open until 24:00! If there's a problem (i.e. doors not open), call 28701072.

Come to check out our hackerspace, talk to people and learn some new things, maybe use the tools for a short while, or just sit down with a laptop and do some work in a quiet place. Also a good time to sign up for a membership! We will have tea and coffee, likely also cookies. Come whenever from 19:00 till 22:00 - we might even be open until 24:00! If there's a problem (i.e. doors not open), call 28701072.

📌 Let's meet in **Riga** on **May 7th, 2026** for an interactive conference and an enriching networking session! Come and discover Odoo, the all-in-one integrated software that will simplify your day-to-day business. Say goodbye to double coding, lost invoices and budgets; create your website in a few clicks... Odoo offers you a wide range of tools built for IT.🧐 🔎 **AGENDA** 🔍 14h00: Welcome 14h15: Conference - Interactive demo & tips to digitize your company. 16h00: Networking - Snacks and drinks. ➡️ Are you convinced? You can subscribe at the following link: https://www.odoo.com/r/RAZ2 The event is free, but registration is mandatory.❗ **Important:** 📍 Where? Tallink Hotel Riga 📅 Date? May 7th, 2026 📝 Registration? https://www.odoo.com/r/RAZ2 💰 Price? FREE! Hope to see you soon!

Join our sporty group for fun workout run in Riga! **What can you expect:** During the route (\~4km) there will be 6 locations with 2-3 exercises. It’s not a race. We are moving together as a group and everyone can choose their own challenging level (or rest instead of the exercise). The purpose is to have fun and engaging physical activity. **When and where:** We’ll start on Sunday (3rd of May) at 10:30 in front of the barricades on the Zakusala island. After the run, we can go for a drink and more chit-chat. We will be happy to see you with us!

**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 **Stay updated**: Instagram http://instagram.com/foundersrc/ Podcast http://podcast.foundersrc.com/ LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/ Strava http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC Website http://foundersrc.com/

A small and exclusive group of friends running 5 km every Sunday at 10 am. Bring yourself, your running shoes and maybe a friend. We start in the center, medium pace run, then end up at a coffee shop. => Once you go on the waiting list, the moderator will approve/reject Instagram => https://www.instagram.com/rigasundayruns Whatsapp=> [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CF24r42CTn3GKtsNjdpEjG?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CF24r42CTn3GKtsNjdpEjG?mode=gi_t)

Wednesday is karaoke day. Every Wednesday we gather to sing. Come with a friend or alone, with or without a voice. The format is simple: show up, grab a microphone, and sing whatever you want. Or don't sing, just support others. As usual, the meeting place is Top Club. If you haven't been before, you can get to know the space at the same time. We're looking forward to seeing you this Wednesday. See you there! Trešdiena ir karaoke diena. Katru trešdienu mēs pulcējamies dziedāt. Nāc ar draugu vai viens, ar balsi vai bez. Formāts ir vienkāršs: nāc, paņem mikrofonu un dziedi, ko vien vēlies. Vai arī nedzied, vienkārši atbalsti citus. Kā parasti, tikšanās vieta ir Top klubs. Ja iepriekš neesi tur bijis, vari vienlaikus iepazīties ar vietu. Gaidīsim ciemos šajā trešdienā. Tiekamies tur!

A weekly meetup for language lovers! Come practice new languages, meet great people, and enjoy a drink — whether it’s beer, tea, or coffee. Everyone’s welcome! 🤗 Main event platform is Facebook https://tinyurl.com/yc4d7aem (so more people coming!) Address - Aldaru Street 9, FOB Bar

💌 **Online Speed Dating for Detroit Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking** This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter. Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts. **Choose your age group to register:** - Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) 🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz. --- **How it works:** 1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz. 2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed. 3. Meet Detroit singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality. 4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace. 🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.

**Building a great product is one thing—building momentum behind it is another.** Join **Senior Product Manager Adam Solaiman** and **User Experience Manager Tyson Smith** for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to turn complex ideas into scalable products inside large organizations. In this session, they’ll share how teams move from ambiguity to execution—navigating organizational complexity, aligning stakeholders, and continuously evolving products after launch. You’ll walk away with insights on how to: * Build and sustain momentum across teams * Adapt to changing priorities without losing direction * Scale products thoughtfully in complex environments Whether you're driving a new initiative or growing an existing product, this conversation will give you practical strategies to keep things moving forward. Come connect, learn, and swap stories with fellow product professionals. \-\-\- Food and drinks will be provided by Switchbox, our generous host. Free parking will be available at the front and back sides of the Switchbox Office.

We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country. Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply. ### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?** Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment. ## **Why Join?** * **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance. * **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space. * **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection. ## **The Ideal Group Leader** The ideal group leader * Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community. * Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us. * Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind. * An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection. * An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms. * Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus. ## **Our Impact**  Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported: * A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being. * An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging. * Said they would return again. We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself. ### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based** Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission! Every contribution helps us: * **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization. * **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year. By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic. ## **Come Join Us!** We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection. 🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside 🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application 🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831

**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.*

Are you passionate about supporting other men on their mental health journey? We’re building a movement of virtual and in-person men’s groups across Ohio — and we’re looking for group leaders who want to make a real difference with us. As a group leader, you’ll create a safe space where men can connect, reflect, and grow together. Training and support are provided — you just need heart, presence, and a willingness to lead. **Apply now to lead a group in your area:** 👉 https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application Speak Your Mind is a mental health non profit dedicated to bringing our community together to end the isolation that leads to mental struggle and suicide. Learn more about them here: https://linktr.ee/taketimespeakyourmind

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.

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!