Startup Coffee is for like-minded individuals who are interested in entrepreneurship and startups. Typically, events like this are held early in the morning at local coffee shops. They come together to network, share ideas, and exchange insights in an informal setting.
Why did we do it?
Skåne Startups has been working to create a supportive and collaborative community where entrepreneurs can gain new insights and find potential collaborators or investors. I believe that events such as Startup Coffee can bring great benefits to the community:
- Fostering entrepreneurship: provides a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and learn from experienced professionals.
- Networking opportunities: people get to connect with other founders, industry experts, and potential customers or partners. It is important to facilitate connections and relationships that can lead to collaborations, investments, and business growth.
- Community engagement: brings people together, strengthens community bonds, and fosters a sense of belonging.
How did we do it?
The regular hosting of Startup Coffee was temporarily disrupted due to the impact of the pandemic. Stepping into a leadership role during this challenging period, I found myself juggling multiple responsibilities. However, after assembling a capable team, I trained and empowered them to take on additional tasks, including the execution of Startup Coffee.
Networking
When Sweden lifted restrictions, we seized the opportunity to collaborate with Goto10, a Malmö based co-working space. My capable colleague, Verica, took over the role of project lead to revitalize the Startup Coffee initiative. Since August 2021, over four exciting months, the Startup Coffee events have been in full swing. I was proud that my ex-colleagues Verica and Catalina, brought our idea to life.
Our team was hosting the Startup Coffee 2021
Initially, the concept of Startup Coffee was centered around casual networking, but we always extended invitations to individuals whom we believed would benefit from the event. Building personal connections with founders was of utmost importance to our team. Additionally, the Startup Coffee sessions served another valuable purpose by helping us acquire a strong deal flow which we then share with international investors.
Cataline and Verica made the promotion video for Startup Coffee
Knowledge sharing
However, as time went on, changes were inevitable. In 2022, Verica joined a venture capital firm in Copenhagen. We bid her farewell and warmly welcomed Karolina as our new colleague. Together, we took the opportunity to pivot and adopt a fresh format for the events.
We maintained the essence of informal networking that had made the previous events successful, but we also introduced a new element. We started inviting industry experts to share their valuable insights before the networking. This allowed attendees to engage in insightful discussions and continue their discussion. It was no longer just about networking; it became an enriching experience of collective learning. The response was positive, and people relished this new format.
Our Startup Coffee meetup attracts on average a participation of 10-20 individuals. Some are returning participants, while many others are newcomers. In total, we have brought together over 180 -200 entrepreneurs from diverse stages and sectors to connect and share their experiences.
Karolina and I hosted one of the Knowledge Sharing Startup Coffee 2022
My advice for community leader
According to the Startup Genome 2018 Global Startup Ecosystem Report, local connectedness, particularly relationships with other founders, strongly correlates with higher startup performance. Conversely, a lack of local connections is associated with lower startup performance.
As a community leader, first of all, it is imperative to facilitate or take the responsibility of hosting events. However, it doesn't mean you have to handle everything on your own. Collaborating with co-working spaces or local cafes can be an effective approach.
Secondly, while it would be ideal for you to be present at these events if that's not feasible, it is crucial to find the right person to lead the project.
I believe in my role of coaching, guiding, and empowering others to excel in their respective areas. It enables me to focus on more strategic endeavors within the organization. So I find individuals who possess strong networking skills and enjoy meeting new people. Their role is pivotal in creating a welcoming and friendly environment that encourages attendees to return.
Finally, leverage the power of social media to enhance engagement and reach a wider audience. I consistently share updates about the events on various social platforms. And I encourage attendees to spread the word and promote the events on their networks. Utilizing social media effectively can amplify the event's reach and generate organic promotion from enthusiastic participants.
