Upcoming Founders + Friends meetup connects UC’s startup community

Aug. 22 event at Oakley Greens to offer startup networking and fun

The University of Cincinnati’s Center for Entrepreneurship has teed up a lively evening of startup networking on Thursday, Aug. 22, from 4-6 p.m. at Oakley Greens.

The Bearcat Founders + Friends event will connect UC-affiliated entrepreneurs with StartupCincy ecosystem partners through fun and fellowship. This free event is open to UC student founders, Venture Lab participants and those who are part of the StartupCincy community.

Driving toward progress

UC’s Center for Entrepreneurship, located at the university’s 1819 Innovation Hub, is focused on helping university-affiliated startup founders launch and grow their companies. That mission involves connecting ambitious entrepreneurs with thought leaders, venture partners and resources.

Marvin Abrinica headshot

Marvin Abrinica. Photo/Marvin Abrinica

Marvin Abrinica, the Center for Entrepreneurship’s new director of startups and a founder himself, believes that Founders + Friends could change the game for early-stage entrepreneurs.

“Good founders surround themselves with good mentors, and the right mix tends to bring success to a growing venture,” he said.

The value of startup networking goes far beyond sharing similar moments of triumph and failure. Those who successfully connect with others could gain entrepreneurial mentorship, learn startup problem-solving skills and may even find help through fundraising rounds.

An evening to remember

Serious-minded entrepreneurs often turn to the Venture Lab’s pre-accelerator program to learn about launching a business, but a more lighthearted approach also can help. That’s what those hosting UC’s Founders + Friends meetup hope to provide for early-stage founders.

This casual event allows for genuine connections to be made in a low-pressure environment. Attendees can develop sincere relationships at Oakley Greens over a round of mini golf or connect while enjoying a beer, a burger or ice cream.

There’s an infectious energy to UC’s entrepreneurial community that’s palpable whenever someone steps into the 1819 Innovation Hub. With this event, Abrinica and other event organizers are optimistic that the buzz will keep expanding as it takes root at Oakley Greens.

Founders + Friends will be hosted on Thursday, Aug. 22, from 4-6 p.m. at Oakley Greens (3065 Vandercar Way, Cincinnati). Click here to sign up for this free event.

Featured image at top: A golf ball on the course. Photo/Unsplash

Become a Bearcat

Have aspirations to become an entrepreneur one day? Whether you’re a first-generation student or from a family of Bearcats, UC is proud to support you at every step along your journey. We want to make sure you succeed — and feel right at home. Apply today.

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