Venture Capital

## **🔥 LeaderSHIFT: New Year, New Opportunities** ### **Private Group Visit to The National Franchise Show (FREE Admission)** The new year is the perfect time to **reset, explore options, and think bigger** — without pressure, sales pitches, or noise. LeaderSHIFT is organizing a **group visit** to **The National Franchise Show in Toronto**, where attendees can explore **business ownership, franchising, and alternative paths to entrepreneurship** — all under one roof. This is **not** about selling franchises. It’s about **exposure, learning, and better questions**. *** ### **📍 Event Details** **Event:** The National Franchise Show – Toronto **Dates:** January 17 & 18 **Time:** • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Location:** Metro Toronto Convention Centre 🎟 **FREE Admission** (regularly $15) Promo Code: **OWNABIZ26** *** ### **💡 Why Attend with LeaderSHIFT?** * Explore **dozens of business and franchise opportunities** * Learn about **ownership, systems, and scalability** * Attend **free educational seminars** * Ask real questions — no pressure * Connect with others who are **thinking seriously about their next chapter** This is ideal if you are: * Considering entrepreneurship but unsure where to start * Exploring alternatives to traditional employment * Curious about franchises, systems, or structured businesses * Looking to make **smarter decisions in 2026** *** ### **👥 How This Works** This is a **self-guided visit** with optional group coordination: * Come for as little or as long as you like * Explore at your own pace * Optional meet-up time for LeaderSHIFT members on-site No obligation. No expectations. *** ### **⚠️ Important Notes** * This event is **informational**, not a sales event * LeaderSHIFT is not affiliated with any specific franchise * Come curious, not committed *** ### **✅ RSVP to Save Your Spot** RSVP here so we know who’s attending and can coordinate group timing. Let’s start the year with **clarity, options, and better conversations**.

Note: You may be removed from the attendance list if you've participated in the previous week's event. This allows for more people to experience this Meetup. Avengers put your costumes on and let’s go and save the world!
Well we can’t save the world (yet), but we aim to try to play a small part in the lives of those experiencing homelessness by making their day a bit better!
Description: Before the event the organizer will post a list in the comment section of the attendees and what they are responsible to bring (food/drink, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies). We normally ask each attending member to bring approximately $15-20 worth of ingredients/supplies to our event. We will use the items to prepare and serve food/drink at The Meeting Place.
Timeline: We will meet on location at 11:00 am, with lunch served between 12:30-1:00 pm.
Membership Dues: Membership dues are $2.00 for the calendar year. Membership dues go towards paying for food/supplies incurred by no-shows. Membership dues are due at the first meetup of the year that you attend.
No Shows/Late Un-RSVP: We’re relying on members who RSVP to bring key ingredients for recipes! Please try your best to show-up or alternatively change your RSVP early so another member may fill the empty spot.
\*\*\* If you are on the waitlist, keep checking as you may be moved into attendance to replace someone. We will try to message you to confirm your attendance in advance.
Donations will be assigned before the event.

Do you like s’mores? Maybe you’ve never had a s’mores. Either way this is the place to be for dollar s’mores. But you’ve got to roast the marshmallows over an open fire yourself which is the best part. Not mention you’ll be meeting other people in a social environment. $1 (cash only please) gets you two crackers, a piece of milk chocolate and a marshmallow on a skewer. For those of you who have never made your own or aren’t that skilled I will teach you how. And yes you can have more than one!

**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** https://bit.ly/frc-toronto-chat **Stay updated**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

🚨👉 To RSVP for this event, head to our [Luma event page](https://luma.com/mbafwfgu). RSVPs are intentionally closed on Meetup.👈🚨 https://luma.com/mbafwfgu Join us for a welcoming and inclusive coffee meetup where women and non-binary folks in tech can connect, share experiences, and build community in a relaxed setting. **January Topic:** TBD Whether you're an industry veteran or just getting started, everyone is welcome! **FREE ENTRY** – However, please support the café by purchasing a drink or snack while attending. **Location:** Prema Coffee and Bar, 35 McCaul St #110, Toronto, ON M5T 1V7 **Time:** 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM **Schedule:** 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM → Arrive, grab a drink/snack, socialize 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM → Group discussion, paired chats & activities **Important Notes for RSVPs** We’re introducing a few questions when you RSVP to help us manage space and ensure an inclusive environment: **This is a space created to support people who are underrepresented in tech.** We ask **cisgender men** (men who were assigned male at birth and identify as male) to respect this and not attend. **To manage limited space, we track no-shows for all Code Diversity events.** If you RSVP and miss two events, you’ll be waitlisted for future events. Please update your RSVP at least 24 hours in advance if you can’t attend. **Photography & Video Disclaimer:** By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree that photographs and/or video recordings may be taken. These may be used for promotional purposes, including social media, websites, and other marketing materials. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please inform the event organizer upon arrival. **Organized by TechTank** Let’s continue fostering diversity, inclusion, and innovation in tech—this month and beyond! **Join our vibrant community for the latest updates and continued discussions:** [https://linktr.ee/techtankto](https://linktr.ee/techtankto)

Archetypal Coaching — Activate Your Goals with Ancient Wisdom Ready to energize your goals and gain clear direction? In this weekly meetup, we work with powerful archetypes from ancient traditions to align your intention, sharpen your strategy, and ignite real momentum. 4 Sessions Per Month Tap into the power of 4 ancient traditions: • Egyptian — Strategic clarity & long-range vision • Scandinavian — Decisiveness & breakthrough energy • Greek — Harmony, inspiration & personal charisma • Sephirotic (Kabbalistic) — Deep integration & energetic anchoring. Each 90-Min Session Includes: • Group energy alignment (20 min) • Personal goal setting in the energy of the week’s tradition (20 min) • Group activation & anchoring (20 min) • Personal alanyses, archetypal insights & support circle (30 min). What You’ll Gain: ✓ Mental clarity & motivation ✓ Energetic support for your path ✓ Clear, inspired next steps ✓ A deeper connection to purpose. When: Every Sunday afternoon 4-6pm Fee: $50 CAD per session (Limited spots available) Facilitator: Andrey Litvinov — Business Coach, Psychotherapist, Grand Master of Reiki Yggdrasil To Reserve Your Spot: Pre-registration required via WhatsApp or Telegram Message: t.me/AndyTherapist WhatsApp: +1 437 606 6502

We are so excited to be heading to Toronto! Join us on blue Jay way for an afternoon of fresh faces, delicious beverages and pizza! Happy Hour is heading to Blue Jay Way for our first ever Toronto speed dating round @Rustica Pizza [Click here to purchase ticket (REQUIRED)](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thats-amore-speed-dating-ages-28-40-rustica-pizza-bar-toronto-tickets-1976997812677?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile) Ages 28-40 Let us guide you through a casual afternoon of fresh faces & delicious beverages! Meet People in a safe space that overcomes the awkwardness of working up the courage to speak to new people! ✨ All participants come to our events ready to get out of their comfort zone and are ready to chat! \*Each ticket includes one complimentary drink\* Non-alcohalic beverages available\* DM @happyhourzhamont IG to bypass Eventbrite fees & etransfer Event length is 60-90 minutes. You meet several participants at each station in 5 minute intervals. After the event is completed you will fill out a form indicating if you would like to contact an individual after the event. If it’s a match, we will send you your results within 24 hours! \*A match is when you and another person both pick each other and want to connect after the event!\* End the Swiping, meet new people old school style, we look forward to seeing you! F or more events you can follow our Instagram @happyhourshamont \*A twenty(20) participant minimum is required due to the nature of each event. If minimum ticket requirement is not met, you will be notified 48-72 hours prior and will be fully refunded. Tickets are non-refundable, unless event is cancelled due to attendance

**Canadian real estate investment educational CLASS online LIVE** You are invited to an **exclusive, high-level Canadian real estate investment educational CLASS** for serious action-takers ready to bypass the frozen MLS market and building wealth. This is the **time-sensitive knowledge** Canadian insiders use to find properties for pennies on the dollar. **WHAT YOU WILL LEARN** * Stop competing and start dominating. The **"Backdoor Method"** is a legal, covert blueprint that gives you direct access to the properties mainstream investors never see: ***Tax liens, court-ordered sales, civil enforcement auctions, and bank defaults.*** It’s not about finding what’s *for sale* it’s about **finding what’s *in distress* before the public ever gets a whiff..** * **Virtual Wholesaling Secrets:** Discover the techniques to flip contracts for **instant, massive profit**—without ever tying up your own capital or owning the asset. * **Hard Money / Private Lending Unlocked:** Access the aggressive, short-term, **equity-based financing** that funds distressed deals in 3-10 days a critical skill for high-speed investing. **WARNING:** This is NOT for hobbyists. This is a rigorous, professional blueprint for those ready to execute and build serious wealth. This knowledge is time-sensitive as the market shifts. *** ### ⚠️ **IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED** **Date:** Sunday, Jan 18th, 2026 * **Time:** 2:00 PM - 4:35 PM EST * **Availability:** 97% SOLD OUT **ONLY 3 SEATS LEFT** **CLAIM YOUR FINAL SEAT:** * **E-TRANSFER $112** to: wwbpayments@gmail.com * **TEXT Your Name & Email (WhatsApp Only):** 416-409-7300 ***Proudly serving and guiding Canadian real estate investors successfully since 1993.***

*** **🍗 Sunday Wing Meetup at Wild Wing 🍻** 📍 **Wild Wing – 362 Bloor St W, Toronto** 🗓 **Sunday, January 18** ⏰ **Meet at 10:45 AM** *(Look for Nick outside with the Meetup sign — doors open at 11:00 AM)* **Why we’re meeting:** We’re taking advantage of Wild Wing’s **limited-time All-You-Can-Eat wing deal — just $24.99 for endless wings** (drink purchase required)! 🐔🔥 With **over 100 flavours** to choose from, this is a wing lover’s dream. Not feeling *that* hungry? No problem — you’re welcome to order from their **regular menu** instead. 💸 **Each person is responsible for their own bill.** 📖 **Check out the menu here:** 👉 [https://www.wildwingrestaurants.com/menus/](https://www.wildwingrestaurants.com/menus/) **NOTE - this is a fully accessible venue (entrance and bathrooms)** 📌 **RSVP note:** Please **respect your RSVP** so we can give the restaurant a heads-up — **but feel free to just show up** if your schedule is uncertain. Last-minute wing decisions are totally valid 😉 Come hungry, bring your flavour strategy, and get ready for a fun Sunday feast! 🍗😄 ***

Let’s do some coding together at a cafe! No more working alone in the weekend. Here, we write code together. And I mean together together. Not occupying-the-same-space-but-separate together. Here’s how it works: Jennifer brings her mobile app project, tells everyone that it is like Pinterest for recipes and she’d like to work on the nav bar. Paul and Chloe think Jennifer's project is fascinating, and they join the group. They gather around Jennifer’s laptop and work on the nav bar for 2 hours. Jennifer is the one typing out the code while Paul and Chloe research, brainstorm, and offer suggestions. If you’re feeling stuck on your own project or need a motivation boost, bring it to mob programming! Want to learn by watching how others code and solve problems? Join someone else’s project at this event! Oh and we love your half-done projects that you are a bit embarrassed to share. Absolutely bring those to the event! **Discord**: We use Discord to share screen & code snippets during the event. Also feel free to share your projects here before the event! https://discord.gg/Da9fZFxPfs **Event policy**: * We have 0 tolerance for harassment. * We don’t allow the projects that are not meant to be shared in public such as school assignments, interview tasks, or trade secrets. * The goal is to write code. We discourage you from pitching business ideas here, doing code reviews, or spending the whole event on planning what to do. * Please buy a drink, and tip the barista well.

Do you feel stuck in the rat race? Do you want to learn how to earn extra income and become financially free? Event outline: Arrive: 6:00 - 6:10 PM Play Cashflow and discuss Investing - 6:10 PM - 9:00 PM We welcome new and experienced players to the meetup. If this is your first game, you will have a lot of fun in a very safe, beginner-friendly environment. If you’ve played many times, prepare to be challenged! There will be a Cashflow 101 game for newer players. There will be a Cashflow 201 game for advanced players. Cost: Free Parking: There is free parking available around the outside of the building. How to get to the office: Park in the parking lot around the outside of the building. Enter in through the front doors. (The side the parking garage is on) Enter the Elevator and go up to the 3rd floor. Walk down the hallway to the end. You will see a room marked as the "Daybreak Room" The event will be inside that room Feel Free to bring in any food or drinks. There are many restaurants nearby. If you have any questions please call or text -- (240) 357-5597

THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER **PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, NOT MEETUP!** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-02-01-photographic-composition-essential-techniques The composition of a photograph is the single most important element a photographer uses to convey an artistic statement. What’s included, excluded and the arrangement of elements within the frame is all part of composition. This class will teach you techniques to improve the composition of your photos with hands-on shooting experience coupled with feedback. Join instructor Michael Koren as you learn about composition in the Postal Museum and Union Station. The class begins with a lesson and viewing examples of compositional techniques from master photographers to help you when composing your own photographs. We'll then go to specific locations to practice those composition techniques. Afterwards, participants will have free time to photograph all the museum has to offer. We’ll follow up with a gentle critique and feedback of your best work of the day. This class is about "seeing" stronger images. Any camera will do from DSLRs to mobile phones. If you *are*bringing a DSLR or mirrorless camera, lenses in the range of 18-135 would work well. No tripods allowed for this class. Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com. Class limit: 8-10 *** **THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-02-01-photographic-composition-essential-techniques

Fairfax County VA Real Estate Investors, Agents and Professionals! We just launched a Cash-Flow Breakfast Club for your area! This is the most unique real estate investor club, education, networking and mastermind event in the US! **Join us for our official launch event for Fairfax County VA** **on January 26.** **This is a 12 part education series with new topics every month. This event is session 11 of 12!** *(it is ok to attend even if you missed previous sessions. Each session has stand alone topics. You can also attend other near by locations to get caught up on sessions that you have missed.)* **This event is free but has very limited seating and we are limited to the first 50 to RSVP! Join us and become a founding member of this amazing community!** **Very limited seating. In-person only.** **Make sure to RSVP today to reserve your spot.** **When: January 26, 2026 @ 5:45PM – 9:00PM EST** **Where: 12700 Fair Lakes Circle, Ste. 120** **Fairfax, Virginia, 22033** The Cash-Flow Breakfast Club is NOT just a meet up. It’s the most unique Real Estate Investor Community of Mentors, Coaches & Masterminds. A community of growth oriented, abundance mindset, go-giver individuals with a BARE MINIMUM commitment to become financially free through real estate investing. We focus on providing education and building networks to help every member solve their cash-flow freedom equation, so they can have the time-freedom needed to follow their passions, make a lasting impact and even change the world! The unique format of this event, which consists of high-level education, gamified networking, mastermind breakout sessions, case studies, group deal analysis, market deep dives, and peer-to-peer coaching facilitation makes this the most impactful local real estate investor group a real estate investor can be a part of. The foundation of the group is built around the belief that everyone in the room has the potential to change the world… however most of us never have the time, energy or financial situation to even dare to dream big enough. Most of us have passions that will never be followed, amazing businesses or ideas that will never be pursued… unless we can solve the Cash-Flow Freedom Equation, which ultimately leads to Time-Freedom. Once that happens it is usually much easier for us to think bigger, dream bigger, be bigger. · 🤯 Learn more about the Cash-Flow Breakfast Club [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/) · 🥇 Get in the VIP List to be notified about the next event in your area [HERE](https://the.cashflowbreakfastclub.com/VIP) · 🤙🏼 Learn more about Launching your own Cash-Flow Breakfast Club Location [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/launch-your-own-club/) · 🤝🏼 Learn more about becoming an Affiliate-Sponsor at one of our club locations [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/affiliate-sponsors/) · 📷 View photos and videos of some of our recent events [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/about-the-cash-flow-breakfast-club/) · 😎 Looking to represent? Browse Cash-Flow Breakfast Club apparel and fly swag [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/shop/)

Join us for an evening of networking and insightful discussions at our Cigars & Startups Networking Night, hosted by Cigars and Startups DC. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a startup enthusiast, or a tech aficionado, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. We'll have premium cigars, drinks and talk about the exciting topics of entrepreneurship, securing venture capital funding, and the intersection of technology startups and the cigar industry. Sip on fine drinks, enjoy premium cigars, and engage in lively conversations with fellow guests who share your passion for entrepreneurship and innovation. Whether you're looking to expand your professional network, seek investment opportunities, or simply unwind after a long day, this event promises to offer a unique blend of business insights and leisure. Don't miss out on this exclusive chance to mingle with the brightest minds in the startup ecosystem while enjoying the finer things in life. Thanks to our sponsors @Hunter from Next.Law, @Richard from Ashira Finanical and @Andrew from Zccounting.com Note: Because my company (Zccounting) is a bookkeeping and accounting firm, not a licensed tobacco dealer I will not be selling cigars and your ticket only includes "entry" to the VIP lounge and event, however, I'm super generous and will share as many cigars as you can smoke at the event from my personal collection for no fee whatsoever!

Attendance is $35 (cash, credit/debit card, or ApplePay - paid at the door), which includes water/soda/coffee, bread, choice of a plated lunch entrée, and a dessert assortment. Parking is also validated in the Reston Station garages (3 hours of validation). Join one of Northern Virginia's most successful business networking groups (part of BNI). Open to the public and is typically attended by business owners, business developers, and entrepreneurs. Meetings are typically attended by 30-40 members and guests. \*\*\*PLEASE RSVP here: [REGISTER HERE](https://square.link/u/0WvC6Eir) \*\*\*If you do not register on the BNI website, there may not be a seat available for you.

Pitch your idea, get feedback, give feedback, meet with a mentor and most importantly, take action. Come to the meetup with a specific issue you are stuck with. **10:30 am Introductions:** 2-minute pitches tell us who you are? What you're working on? and what you need help with? **11:00 am Problem Solving:** Let's figure out how we can help, and what action you can take today to move forward. **12:00 pm** Open Networking: Keep the discussion going and connect with other attendees. Bring yourself, notebooks, laptops and anything else you need to pitch your idea and get work done. Interested in joining the Studio? [APPLY NOW](https://unstucklabs.com)

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun Workshop: How AI Can Work for Your Business** **Wednesday\, January 28 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword — it’s a practical tool that businesses of all sizes can begin using today. Join **1 Million Cups Loudoun** for a special **workshop-style presentation** led by **Victor Meer of AI Prime** and **Jay Jay Billings of Band Gap AI**, designed to help entrepreneurs understand how AI can realistically support their business operations. This workshop will provide: * A clear, practical overview of what AI actually is * Real-world examples of how businesses are using AI today * Insight into where automation can save time and reduce friction * Guidance on how to start leveraging AI without needing technical expertise Whether you’re AI-curious, overwhelmed by the noise, or ready to explore automation in your business, this session will help you think clearly about where AI fits — and where it doesn’t. As always, coffee, conversation, and community are at the heart of 1 Million Cups Loudoun. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**