Stargate

We’re kicking off 2026 the only way we know how - by bringing Toronto’s brightest founders, investors, and builders into one room. No fluff, just high-value connections and a first look at the year ahead. Whether you’re in the middle of a raise, building your MVP, or looking for your next co-founder, this mixer is designed to bridge the gap between "the idea" and "the venture." What to expect: Founder & Investor Mingling: We’re cutting through the noise. This is a space for raw ideas and real conversations with people who are actually moving the needle. Find Your Next Partner: Looking for a co-founder, a first hire, or just someone to talk shop with? This is where Toronto’s builders gather to swap stories and support. The Perks: Your ticket includes food (vegetarian and non-vegetarian options) and one drink to get the conversation started. Come celebrate, connect and collaborate. Let’s build something together. Agenda --- Moderators Ankur Sethi - Winner Capital (Founder and General Partner) Ankur Sethi is the Founder and General Partner of Winner Capital, a Toronto-based early-stage venture fund backing the next generation of North American consumer technology companies. He has over 17 years of experience as a consumer tech operator, having built and scaled three companies from inception to $100M+ in revenue, with one reaching a valuation above $2B. His investment the… Daria Tilikanova - Winner Capital (Startup Coach and Mentor) Daria Tilikanova is a business and startup coach who helps founders and service-based entrepreneurs build scalable businesses with clear strategy, strong positioning, and predictable revenue systems. Originally from Russia, she founded and sold two education companies before moving to Canada, where she shifted into full-time mentoring for early-stage and growing foun… Hosted By Ankur Sethi, Director Ankur Sethi is a seasoned entrepreneur and venture capitalist with over 17 years of experience building and scaling consumer businesses across technology, finance, and healthcare. He has led ventures from inception to over $350 million in annual revenue and $2 billion in valuation, combining operational excellence with a deep understanding of evolving consumer behavior. Daria Tilikanova, Co-Director Daria Tilikanova is a business and startup coach who helps founders and service-based entrepreneurs build scalable businesses with clear strategy, strong positioning, and predictable revenue systems. Originally from Russia, she founded and sold two education companies before moving to Canada, where she shifted into full-time mentoring for early-stage and growing founders. Daria has worked with 200+ entrepreneurs across tech, education, wellness, and agency-based businesses, guiding them from first clients to stable growth and team building. Alongside her private practice, she is a Venture Fellow at Winner Capital, supporting startup evaluation and founder readiness for investment. Her coaching combines business structure, mindset work, and execution clarity - helping entrepreneurs grow without burnout or chaos. Lydia Emanuel, Diana Subbotkina, Shabs Badshah, Sukanta Goswami, Inquisitive entrepreneur connecting and collaborating with earlystage ventures by investing time and energy in bringing new ideas and concepts to the market. --- Partners Winner Capital (https://winner.capital) Winner Capital is an early stage to growth stage syndicate fund investing across North America Startup Ecosystem Canada (https://www.startupecosystem.ca/) TBDC (https://tbdc.com/) --- Startup Grind is a global startup community designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs. We host monthly events in more than 600 cities and 125+ countries featuring successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share personal stories and lessons learned on the road to building great companies. Our monthly fireside chat interviews, startup mixers and annual conferences provide ample opportunities to connect with amazing startups and the people behind them, tap into a strong support network, form meaningful connections and gain inspiration for the startup journey ahead. For more information visit StartupGrind.com or follow us on twitter @StartupGrind. --- Complete your event RSVP here: https://www.startupgrind.com/events/details/startup-grind-toronto-presents-startup-grind-toronto-amp-startup-ecosystem-canada-founder-amp-investor-mixer/.

*** **🧠 Trivia Night at Second City Toronto – Almost Jeopardy?**\* **Tuesday\, January 27 \| Starts 7:30 PM** Put on your thinking caps and join us for a fun and friendly trivia night at **Second City Toronto**! 🎤✨ It’s almost time for **Almost Jeopardy?**\* — a fast-paced, hilarious trivia showdown hosted by **Jeopardy contestant Aaron Brown**. Bring your random knowledge, your competitive spirit, and maybe a few know-it-all friends as we compete for trivia glory and, of course, bragging rights. **🕢 Timing** * Trivia starts promptly at **7:30 PM** * **Nick will arrive earlier** to set up our table, so feel free to come a bit ahead of time to grab a good seat and socialize **💸 Cost** * **Free to play** * Please plan on purchasing a **drink and/or food item** to support Second City — they’re generously hosting us! **📍 Location** Second City Toronto (inside One York Street – downtown) **♿ Accessibility** The venue is **fully accessible**, with **elevators** and **wheelchair-accessible washrooms** available. **⚠️ RSVP Policy** Please **only RSVP if you are 100% sure you can attend**. Space and seating matter, and we want to be fair to everyone who wants to join. Whether you’re a trivia master or just in it for laughs and good company, this is going to be a great Tuesday night out. See you there! 🥳🧠🍻

PLEASE CONTACT Jason at 905-308-4100 FOR DETAILS.

**Attention attendees!** **To register via Luma, use** [Link](https://luma.com/nusisljv) **To register via Eventbrite, use** [Link](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-pitch-networking-toronto-tickets-1968183006354?aff=oddtdtcreator) Warning: The meetup is not a platform for RSVP registration; for this, you need to follow[ ](https://lu.ma/z9y3bmps)[thisLink ](https://luma.com/nusisljv)to purchase a registration ticket. The meetup is one of the platforms through which we offer participation in our events. **Hi there!** **🚀 Dear Participants! Join our event Toronto!** Meet and get acquainted with Startup Founders, Business Professionals and Investors. Pitch to the audience with your project and seize your chance to dive into the world of business, technology, and venture capital. **💡 Why You Can't-Miss It:** Engage with leading experts and founders in the Tech & Business, and top investors to gain deep insights and valuable networking. This event is a must-attend for those looking to gain ideas, experience, and valuable connections. **📈 Present Your Startup in the Tech & Business:** Showcase your startup in the Tech & Business! Email your pitch deck to **contact.us@startupvalley.club** and seize the opportunity to impress both the audience and investors! Also, you need to fill out the application to participate as a pitcher/speaker at the event. [Apply now!](https://forms.gle/k6BuzhzbqXHA7gBY7) **💼 We Welcome New Investors:** We invite investors to our event to expand their network, get acquainted with new startups, evaluate them, provide their feedback, participate in discussions, and gain access to a database of new and promising startups from around the world. If you're interested in attending our event as an investor, please register through [this link](https://startupvalley.club) If you'd like access to a database of promising startup projects and additional benefits from Startup Valley, please fill out this [application,](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdn1s8f5_R3iaqYoJ4aU2q1IxcFXIZIQElD6cEcv8YkRQhaUA/viewform) and our team will contact you: [this link](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdn1s8f5_R3iaqYoJ4aU2q1IxcFXIZIQElD6cEcv8YkRQhaUA/viewform) **🎤Startup Presentations in the Tech & Business and Expert Evaluations:** Startups from various industries, prepare for your moment of glory with a 5-minute presentation scheduled for 08:40 PM, followed by invaluable feedback from our panel of venture capitalists and angel investors. **Who will you meet at the event:** * Founders * Investors or VC companies * Marketers, Salespeople, Business Advisers * Game changers * AI Experts * Entrepreneurs from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom **Requirements to attendants:** * Neat appearance * Good mood * **1 drink bought at the bar (non-alcohol works too)** 🤝The venue where we host our events is our partner. To continue hosting events at this location, please consider purchasing 1-2 drinks at the bar. Thank you. **Time:** **Event time:** 7:00 -10:00 PM **Pitch time:** 8:40 -9:20 PM **🎟Join our event, and secure your ticket today!✨** Sincerely, [Startup Valley](https://startupvalley.club)

Every Wednesday Night! Free Magic The Gathering Commander games at Hairy Tarantula, hosted by Toronto Gaymers! Please note: Masks are required in store! For more information and to RSVP please over to harryt.com/events

**First Event of 2026.** We are back. On **January 28**, TechinTO is taking over **IDK Social Bar** to kick off the year properly. No stiff corporate vibes, no "synergy" talk—just Toronto’s best founders, builders, and creatives in one room. This month, we are turning up the volume. Along with the usual drinks and connections, we’re featuring a **live music performance** to set the tone for the year. ### ✨ The Vibe Check **\- Live Performance:** We’re breaking the format. Enjoy a live set while you connect. **\- Zero Pressure:** No formal pitches or awkward icebreakers. Just genuine conversation with people building cool things in the city. **\- The Crowd:** Entrepreneurs, devs, designers, and marketers who actually want to be there. ### 📅 The Details **\- When:** Wednesday, January 28, 2026 **\- Time:** 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM **\- Where:** IDK Social Bar (172 Ossington Ave) ### 🎟️ Secure Your Spot Capacity is limited and the January kickoff moves fast. Prices rise as we get closer to the date: **\- Super Early Bird \($15\):** Available Jan 1 – Jan 7 **\- Early Bird \($20\):** Available Jan 8 – Jan 25 **\- General Admission \($25\):** Final Release [https://shop.techinto.ca/products/january-28-networking-event](https://shop.techinto.ca/products/january-28-networking-event) **Follow the fun:** 📸 Instagram: [@techinto.event](https://www.instagram.com/techinto.event/) 🌐 Website: [www.techinto.ca](https://techinto.ca) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🍸 **Venue Highlights: IDK Social Bar** IDK Social Bar is a vibrant, two-level venue in Toronto that blends a cozy café vibe by day with a lively bar atmosphere at night. Known for its stylish interior, creative cocktails, and upbeat energy, it's a go-to spot for social events and creative gatherings.

Let's go back to our old stomping grounds: Another Round Trivia with host Terence at Sneaky Dee's - where the prizes are nachos! Although the beer is not as good, the nachos are amazing and that is reason enough to attend. The trivia is a good challenge. lt is first come first serve. so at least some of us will want to get there early to grab a table. Doors open at 6:00pm. As far as I know, they are cash-only, so bring your old value coupons. Trivia starts at 7:00pm Make sure you get there early in order to grab a table, put a drink in your mouth and get a start on the old picture round. The motto is Eat. Think. Drink. Hope to see you there.

Please contact event host, Christopher, for the event location at christopher.tyrrell@ymail.com

Google AI Overview - The Hebrew word in Genesis for Adam's creation of Eve, tsela (צֵלָע), is often translated as "rib," but scholars suggest it more accurately means "side," "half," or "support,"

Join us for our in-person Saturday critique session! We'll be meeting in the basement of **The Blake House**, which is located near Wellesley and Jarvis, about a 10-minute walk from Wellesley Station or Sherbourne Station. **In respect to the Blake House for hosting us, we humbly request that attendees purchase a meal, dessert, or drink if you are able to do so.** Feel free to bring in a piece of writing up to **2000 words** for reading and critique. Please bring paper copies so that listeners can easily follow and make notes. Dedicated listeners are equally welcome. In larger groups, please be mindful of giving everyone a fair chance to speak. Our group values and meeting structure can be found here: [https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines](https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines) We ask that writers provide content warnings when necessary. To limit the spread of diseases, we kindly ask that you stay home if you're feeling sick. We will be here every week! **\*\*We support the hard work and effort that goes into writing fiction, and do not condone the use of AI to replace the creative process.\*\*** And, that's everything! See you there!

We are now at **Yonge Sheppard Centre** in the **food court** near **Dazzle Mi**. We start a bit past 1pm, so if you're late, please find a seat and start writing -- we'd love to hear about your story or your day -- afterwards. :) **Coworking for writers in your area!** Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com) **Travel / Parking info:** Public Transit: 1. Take the TTC subway to Sheppard-Yonge Station. 2. Use the Yonge St. Sheppard Ave exit **Driving & Parking:** Parking Entrance to Yonge Sheppard Centre is located on Greenfield Avenue and Doris Avenue. Accessible parking is available on P1, P3 and Concourse. Be sure to check for parking limits or fees. **Location:** We gather around the tables in the food court near **Dazzel Mi**. If you spot a group of people with laptops out, that’s probably us! **RSVP:** Please do RSVP. But be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. **SCHEDULE:** 12:45 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in -- come in early if you want to get lunch. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about red-nosed reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

For those who have been asking us for a repeat, it's KARAOKE night again, presented by TSCC and These Boots are made for hiking. Whether you’re a seasoned karaoke enthusiast ready to showcase your vocals or a first-timer eager to give it a try, join us! Sing solo, duet, or with a group. It’s the perfect way to try something new, make friends, and enjoy a high-energy evening filled with fun and music which will also lead us to goof around on the dance floor. Tickets cost $15 each which includes a light snack. Drinks are available at the bar, do not bring alcohol on the premises. Parking is free. This event is limited to 25 people and will accept the first 25 payments only. Etransfer to boots4hikingthesix@gmail.com. use the password **singing** and add a comment **karaoke**.

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Explorer Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** We have an amazing "Lecture on the Go" series for 2026. New topics and fascinating stories abound! Join us and learn about the world and keep active and warm during the winter months! I started this walking classroom when we were under that horrible cloud called Covid. This series was popular and helped people get out and back into society and life. The series is back for 2026 with 6 new topics for exploration over the winter and spring months. The "Lecture on the Go" Series is open only to members who have purchased the YEARLY MEMBERSHIP PASS, it's free for those members. If you wish to attend a lecture and you are not a yearly pass member then the price **per** lecture is $20.00. This first lecture is focussed on the Global Arms Trade. How safe are we in a world of lies and corruption where the almighty dollar rules over life and death itself. You would be surprised at the hidden secrets I have found during my research, and how arms are bought and sold in the international market. How money is laundered offshore, and brought back for school programs and senior centres. All these needed programs come from the trade in not only guns, but also in weapons of mass destruction. In a business, and it's a business, which consumes trillions of dollars of taxpayer's money, and results in war and destruction all in the name of money and power. You will never view this world the same again. This topic is timely and fascinating to anyone who is interested in where money comes from, and where it goes when it leaves our pockets. Hope to see you there! Topics upcoming in the 2026 series of lectures are as follows. \*The Global Arms Trade (January 31) \*Dante; The Hidden Meaning Behind The Divine Comedy (February 28) \*The 250 Year History of Encyclopedia Britannica: From Print to Digital (March 28) \*Hidden Wonders of Canada; Northern Ontario History and Guide (April 25) \*Philosophy 1: Great Minds of the Western World: Goethe to Kant! (May 30) \*Philosophy 2: Great Minds of the Eastern World: Chuang Tzu to Dalai Lama (June 20) This is the first event in the "Lecture on the Go," series for 2026! Hope to see you on this "Lecture on the Go!" So book your plans now! This event is for all levels and walkers, there are a few steps here and there to navigate, but mostly on one level. Mainly this event in a non walking event. The lecture begins on the steps of Old City Hall at the northeast corner of Bay Street and Queen Street West. This lecture event has a ticket price of $20.00 per person, and is **free with the yearly membership pass**. Hope to see you there! \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

We meet at lunch each week and each meeting follows a fairly organized agenda. First all participants pass their business cards around. Then each member and guest is invited to give a one-minute overview of their company and what is a perfect referral for the week. We always have a 10 minute presentation from one of the members about their business in more detail. And finally we pass referrals. You're welcome to visit. Nobody is ever put on the spot. Bring plenty of cards!

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

**Day 1 — Foundation & Deal Control** This two-day, end-of-month Real Estate Investing (REI) Intensive is designed for investors who want real traction, not theory. Day One is about controlling the deal flow. We break down how to find opportunities in today’s market, underwrite them correctly, and avoid the emotional and financial traps that wipe out most new and mid-level investors. You’ll learn how operators are sourcing deals right now, how to analyze markets and properties with discipline, and how to structure acquisitions so the numbers work before you ever swing a hammer. This is about building a repeatable system—not chasing the next shiny strategy. **Day 2 — Capital, Execution & Scale** Day Two shifts from deals to execution and scale. We go deep on renovation management, capital stack planning, and exit strategies—fix and flip, buy-and-hold, and hybrid plays—so you understand how to protect downside risk and maximize upside. You’ll see real case studies, real numbers, and real mistakes made by experienced operators, not influencers. The intensive closes by connecting the dots between education and action, showing you how to plug into ongoing coaching, deal opportunities, and higher-level collaboration for investors who are serious about building long-term wealth, not just doing a one-off deal. REGISTER HERE: [SIGN UP TODAY](https://link.elitereimm.com/widget/form/CqtTT4UVTJj3JvHKns3x?am_id=debbie4982)

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

**Understanding the Columbus Housing Market: Let’s Talk Downsizing for Seniors** Understanding the Market to Make Your Best Move Yet Thinking about downsizing or helping a parent prepare for a move? Join us for a friendly, educational seminar designed specifically for seniors in Central Ohio. We’ll break down what’s happening in today’s Columbus housing market, explore timing and planning for downsizing, and discuss easy ways to prepare a longtime home for sale—without overwhelm. You’ll also learn about low‑maintenance housing options, financial considerations, and simple steps to make your next move smooth and stress‑free. This is a relaxed, no‑pressure event where you can ask questions and get practical advice tailored to seniors and their families. Hosted by: Katie McCartney, Broker & Senior Real Estate Specialist® (SRES)

Join us as we get together for something dark, humorous, twisted, violent and thrilling: SEND HELP! Rachael McAdams and Dylan O’Brien star in this film that follows a worker and her boss stranded on an island following a plane crash and their attempts to survive. Here are details, trailer and a plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Two office colleagues find themselves stranded on a deserted island after they are the only survivors of a plane crash. They must overcome past grievances and work together to survive, but ultimately, it is an unsettling and darkly humorous battle of wills and wits to make it out alive. The film is directed by Sam Raimi (the Evil Dead franchise, the Toby Maguire Spider-Man trilogy) and stars Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4wiXj9NmEE PLAN: Details for this event have already been confirmed! Please purchase your ticket for the 7:15pm showing and meet in the lobby area between 6:45 and 7:00pm! Tickets just $5.50 and advance purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments below! Pre-show bite at nearby El Vaquero at 5:30pm! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan