Building a startup is incredibly isolating. Your friends and family won’t be able to relate to you. This is why communities and events are key. First, you get a chance to get out of your usual routine, and you get to make new connections.
Meeting new connections for founders is absolutely essential. This is because whether you are looking for a co-founder, team member, beta user, or even a customer, these events matter.
You have to be selective with your time, as not every meetup or conference is worth attending. Massive tech meetups in Toronto often don’t drive value. It can be overwhelming, and it’s probably even worse for introverts! They throw 300+ people in a big room with some big talk.
Here are some startup meetups and events in Toronto and the GTA to check out:
1. Founders Collab
Founders Collab is the signature event by FoundersBeta that brings the community together. It has panel speakers, just having real conversations. The best part, with plenty of snacks and drinks! FoundersBeta recently hosted the first in-person event in Toronto at SingleKey. The second event is scheduled for early spring.
2. Techskis
Techskis is the annual summit led by Jonathan Hilis and others, hosted in Collingwood. The tickets are now for sale.
3. Social HR Camp
This one is for HR leaders and recruiters. Led by Jeff Waldman, Social HR Camp brings out real conversations about the industry, trends, and insights. From Toronto to Dallas and Montreal, this event is a must-check-out for HR leaders.
4. Entrepreneurship Week
If you’re a UofT student or alumni, take advantage of this to make new connections. Entrepreneurship week program runs in March sometimes. There are talks, expos, and more.
5. YNCN Career Fair
This is a great job fair organized by University of Toronto students. If you’re a UofT student or alumni looking for a job, this may be it.
6. True North CTO
Led by Bohdan Zabawskyj, True North CTO brings the technical community together. This is a space for CTOs, developers, and more to connect.
As you navigate the startup ecosystem, be intentional about the events you attend and the connections you make. The right community can provide support, insight, and opportunities that make the journey less isolating and much more rewarding.
