CEO Roundtables Toronto

Founders Dinner: Toronto Edition

**Founders Dinner in Toronto, Thursday, August 13th** Connect with Founders Who Get It Join us for real conversations and real growth. This evening is designed to bring together a curated group of founders to share real stories, connect meaningfully, and discuss what’s happening in our businesses and industries right now. We'll kick things off with a seated dinner and flow into an open discussion around growth, challenges, and opportunity. ***Who It's For*** ​✅ Company founders, exited founders, VCs and similar ​✅ Actively building or scaling something ambitious ​✅ Down to skip the small talk and have real conversations ​ We're curating a diverse room across industries, stages, and experiences — apply and tell us why you should be in the room. To apply to join us, sign up here - https://www.graemebarlow.com/foundersdinners

Meetup Event: Business Builders & Job Seekers — Coffee + Clarity Session

I get a lot of messages from people who want to connect for different reasons—partnerships, potential investment, help building a leveraged business model, or job opportunities. This meet-up is a casual but **structured** way to meet in person, quickly understand what you’re working on, and determine clear next steps. ### **📍 Location** **Second Cup** 4841 Yonge St · North York, ON ### **🕓 Time** **Aug 20th, 2026** **6:00 PM – 9:00 PM** *** ## **💵 Attendance Fee (Important)** * **Free for job seekers only** (if your primary purpose is employment. Please message me on the Meetup Platform). * **$10 for business-related attendance**, including: * business model feedback / guidance * partnership discussions * investment-related conversations * strategic support / “how do I move forward?” planning *If you’re coming for both job + business advice, it’s considered business-related and the $10 applies.* *** ## **✅ RSVP (Required)** Please RSVP so I can plan seating and manage time fairly for everyone. *** ## **What this meet-up is (and isn’t)** **This is an intro + screening session** designed to: * meet you briefly * clarify your direction * identify fit * suggest the next best step **This is not** a full consulting session, a guaranteed job interview, or a promise of investment/partnership. Those decisions happen after follow-up, if there’s a fit. *** ## **Format / Timeboxing** To keep it fair, conversations will be **timeboxed (approximately 5–10 minutes per person)** depending on turnout. You may stay and listen to other discussions. *** ## **What to bring (typed + prepared)** ### **If you want help with a business model** Bring a **typed 1-page plan** (rough is fine) including: * what the business does * who the customer is * how it makes money * what you’ve done so far * what you need help with right now ### **If you’re looking for a job** Bring **two printed copies** of your resume. ### **If you want to partner with me** Bring a **typed outline** including: * your concept (clear + simple) * **your responsibilities** (what you will personally do each week) * **your expectation of my responsibilities** * what success looks like (timeline + goals) ### **If you’re seeking investment (or want to discuss it)** Bring a **typed summary** including: * what traction you have (sales/users/LOIs/partnerships—anything real) * how much capital you’re seeking * exactly how the funds would be used * why you’re the person/team to execute *** If this sounds like you, join me at **Second Cup on Aug 20th from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM**. If you are looking for a job, please use the meetup messaging feature to message me and I will add you to the event.

Toronto Fractional Executives Pub Night -- August 2026

Join us for our second instalment of the Toronto Fractional Executives Pub Night! We're super-excited to connect with all of you again for a casual, in-person gathering for fractional CXOs and senior operators across the GTA. If you’re a Fractional COO, CFO, CTO, CMO, etc., this night is about stepping away from our screens and into a pub for real conversations with peers who actually get the fractional life. What to expect: * Relaxed, pub-style networking (no presentations, no slide decks, no panels); * Thoughtful conversations with experienced operators; * Stories, insights, and lessons learned from fractional work; * Opportunities for referrals, collaborations, and partnerships; Come when you can, grab a drink, and mingle. Who should attend: * Practicing fractional executives (CXOs); * Independent consultants operating at the executive level; * Experienced operators transitioning into fractional roles; * Founders and senior executives with SMBs looking for fractional leadership; * Senior executives with VC/PE firms looking for fractional leadership for their portfolio firms. Logistics: * We're meeting at Paupers Pub, second floor (539 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1Y5); Paupers is on the south side of Bloor, just east of Bathurst, and footsteps from Bathurst Subway Station. * It's a cash bar and food will also be available for purchase; * Space may be limited, so please RSVP if you plan to attend. * **Going forward, all registrations will happen on Luma. Please don't RSVP on Meetup. Use the Luma link below:** **[https://luma.com/lwfpklyv](https://luma.com/lwfpklyv)**

Sidequest / Tabletop Game Night #2

Meet 'n Chill for Tech Talk - Summer Slam

Let's meetup for some casual food and drink. Talk some Tech and Business and meet new contacts. Feel free to share the latest projects you are working on. Or just make some new friends to kick back within this great city.

Sidequest / Tabletop Game Night #3

Ecommerce Founders Dinner 🥂🍽️ Ecom Network x Chatbase

***Registration/application required on Luma:*** https://luma.com/ecomto2608b?utm_source=meetup \-\-\- Join Ecom Network and Chatbase for a special founder’s dinner bringing together a curated group of founders from established ecommerce brands for an evening of exceptional food, meaningful conversations, and valuable connections. ​🍷 **Dinner and drinks are fully complimentary, courtesy of Chatbase.** ​Hosted at one of Toronto’s premier waterfront restaurants, this intimate dinner is designed for founders actively scaling and expanding ecommerce businesses. Rather than traditional networking, expect honest conversations with experienced peers tackling the same challenges - from customer acquisition and retention to operations, AI, customer experience, hiring, and sustainable growth. ## ​**About Chatbase** ​[Chatbase ](www.chatbase.co)is the platform for building customer-facing AI agents across support, sales, and outreach. It helps companies create on-brand AI experiences that stay consistent across every customer touchpoint - from website chat to email, messaging, and beyond. ## ​**Why Attend?** ​✨ Meet a carefully curated group of founders from established ecommerce brands. ​🤝 Build meaningful relationships with peers who understand the realities of scaling an ecommerce business. ​💡 Share practical insights on AI, ecommerce, marketing, operations, customer experience, and growth. ​🍽️ Enjoy an incredible waterfront dining experience at Queens Harbour, courtesy of Chatbase. ​**Space is intentionally limited to encourage meaningful conversations.**

Toronto Founders and Entrepreneurs Networking at 5 Elements Espresso Bar

Join the Toronto Founders Hub every other Saturday at 3:30pm for our regular meetup at 5 Elements Espresso Bar. Sit down with other entrepreneurs to network and discuss business ideas or strategies. \- Broaden your network \- Get critical feedback \- Socialize in low pressure setting I look forward to seeing you!

Sun Life Speakers Corner weekly Toastmasters event

Do you want to improve your Public Speaking skills, your Impromptu Speaking skills, learn how to present Feedback with Evaluations, and build your Leadership skills? If the answer is YES to any, attend SUN LIFE SPEAKERS CORNER online for an informative and fun filled session each Tuesday at Noon EST/EDT (except following a Holiday Monday). Guests/Visitors are welcome to participate in the Table Topics (impromptu) session. Join and become a Member to have access to all roles and Pathways, the education system. Please email info.sunlifespeakerscorner@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

Tech Networking Event by Startup Valley
in Toronto

📍 **Registration is on Luma — Meetup is not our RSVP platform.** Please register here to secure your spot: https://luma.com/euvs3egm 🚀 **Join our event in Toronto!** We design Pitch and Networking nights to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback and to give strong investors access to serious teams. **Our pitch night is complemented by a structured networking session before and after the pitch session.** ▶ **See how our pitch nights look:** https://vimeo.com/877496618 **💡 What to expect:** - **Startups pitch live and receive focused feedback** from angels and VC partners - **Structured networking session** before and after the pitches - Entrepreneurs, startup founders, and operators are joining to network, exchange ideas, and build strong connections - Active investors and venture scouts joining to discover the best startups early **🤝 Who you will meet at the event:** - Founders - Investors, VC partners, Venture Scouts - Marketers, Salespeople, Business Advisors - Industry Disruptors - AI Experts - Entrepreneurs from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom **💼 We Welcome New Investors:** We invite investors to our event to expand their network, get acquainted with new startups, evaluate them, share feedback, and participate in discussions with early-stage and serial founders. We offer **complimentary tickets to institutional investors, angels, and venture scouts** with a proven track record. Please [apply via Luma](https://luma.com/euvs3egm) or send us an email so we can issue the ticket. If you'd like to **access our database of promising startups** or **provide mentorship support to our best startups**, please fill out this short [Investor Application Form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdn1s8f5_R3iaqYoJ4aU2q1IxcFXIZIQElD6cEcv8YkRQhaUA/viewform), and our team will contact you. **🎤 Want to Pitch?** A limited number of founders will have the opportunity to pitch their startup or business **to a panel of investors and experts.** 4-6 selected founders will pitch their startup, followed by a short Q&A where participants can ask questions and share feedback. Apply by filling out the [Pitch Application Form](https://forms.gle/CuscVQibyXBbi1Fv7) and sending us your pitch deck. Spots are limited, and we select founders in advance. To maintain high-quality pitches, you are required to present with a pitch deck. We will share our **pitching guide** and, if you'd like, **coach you** so you're fully prepared for pitch night. 🏆 **The best startups will be featured** across our social media and included in our **investor newsletter.** **Requirements for attendees:** - Dress code: smart casual. Bring good energy. **🎟 Join our event and secure your ticket today!** **About us:** [Startup Valley](https://startupvalley.club/) is a global event organizer hosting pitch nights in 25 cities since 2023. Since then, **we have hosted 850 events for 40,000 attendees**. Over these years, we connected countless outstanding early-stage startups to serious investors, and we are not planning to stop. We maintain strategic partnerships with VC funds in the US, Europe, and Asia to support our community. Do you have a **question, a partnership proposal, or want to clarify something**? Reach us at hello@startupvalley.club **Agenda** - 19:00–19:30 — **Registration**: Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event. - 19:30–20:00 — **Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking**: Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking session to connect with key contacts. - 20:00–20:50 — **Startup Pitch Session**: Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project’s core idea, business model, and target market. - 20:50–22:00 — **Chill & Networking**: Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaboration opportunities, and exchange ideas over refreshments. **FAQ** **Can I pitch?** Yes! To pitch, please purchase a Pitch Ticket and fill out the Pitch Application Form. We will contact you to discuss and approve your pitch. The pitch duration is 5 minutes. You will also have some time to answer questions from the audience. **How does the pitch go?** Selected founders present on stage to the audience and the investors in the room. You get 5 minutes to pitch your idea, business model, target market, and investment ask, followed by a short Q&A. The best startups are featured across our social media channels and in the investor newsletter. **Who will I meet?** Founders, angel investors, VC partners, venture scouts, AI experts, engineers, operators, marketing and sales experts, and international entrepreneurs from across Europe, Asia, and the US. **Do investors get free tickets?** Yes! Please apply via Luma (the link is in the event description) or email hello@startupvalley.club, and we will issue a complimentary ticket for you and your team. **Can I request a refund?** Yes. Refunds are available if requested at least 24 hours before the event start time. Please submit the refund request on the platform where you purchased your ticket, or email us at hello@startupvalley.club

Making the case for service design

How do you communicate the value of service design at your workplace? Where does your team stand, **and** what is your role within it? We all know service design creates value, but pinpointing exactly *where* your org stands, and what role you should be playing to move it forward, is a different skill entirely. This session is about getting clearer on that. **Format:** Design jam **What to expect:** * A quick icebreaker * Opening context — a fast recap of the article and why it matters * A spotlight share — one person walks us through where their own org sits on the model, and what that's actually looked like in practice * Main activity — working solo, then in pairs, then as a full table * A quick close — one small thing to try shifting this month **To get ahead:** Read the [Service Design Maturity Model article;](https://service-design-network.org/community_article/the-service-design-maturity-model-a-strategic-framework-to-embed-service-design-into-an-organisation) it's a quick one, and it'll give us a shared language for the night. The model breaks organizational SD maturity into five stages Explore, Prove, Scale, Integrate, Thrive) and tracks how a service designer's role shifts through each: from scout > doer > trainer > facilitator > leader. No need to have it all figured out before you arrive. Just come ready to think out loud with a few new people. See you there!

Tech & Business Networking in Toronto

📍 **Registration is on Luma — Meetup is not our RSVP platform.** Please register here to secure your spot: https://luma.com/euvs3egm 🚀 **Join our event in Toronto!** We design Pitch and Networking nights to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback and to give strong investors access to serious teams. **Our pitch night is complemented by a structured networking session before and after the pitch session.** ▶ **See how our pitch nights look:** https://vimeo.com/877496618 **💡 What to expect:** - **Startups pitch live and receive focused feedback** from angels and VC partners - **Structured networking session** before and after the pitches - Entrepreneurs, startup founders, and operators are joining to network, exchange ideas, and build strong connections - Active investors and venture scouts joining to discover the best startups early **🤝 Who you will meet at the event:** - Founders - Investors, VC partners, Venture Scouts - Marketers, Salespeople, Business Advisors - Industry Disruptors - AI Experts - Entrepreneurs from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom **💼 We Welcome New Investors:** We invite investors to our event to expand their network, get acquainted with new startups, evaluate them, share feedback, and participate in discussions with early-stage and serial founders. We offer **complimentary tickets to institutional investors, angels, and venture scouts** with a proven track record. Please [apply via Luma](https://luma.com/euvs3egm) or send us an email so we can issue the ticket. If you'd like to **access our database of promising startups** or **provide mentorship support to our best startups**, please fill out this short [Investor Application Form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdn1s8f5_R3iaqYoJ4aU2q1IxcFXIZIQElD6cEcv8YkRQhaUA/viewform), and our team will contact you. **🎤 Want to Pitch?** A limited number of founders will have the opportunity to pitch their startup or business **to a panel of investors and experts.** 4-6 selected founders will pitch their startup, followed by a short Q&A where participants can ask questions and share feedback. Apply by filling out the [Pitch Application Form](https://forms.gle/CuscVQibyXBbi1Fv7) and sending us your pitch deck. Spots are limited, and we select founders in advance. To maintain high-quality pitches, you are required to present with a pitch deck. We will share our **pitching guide** and, if you'd like, **coach you** so you're fully prepared for pitch night. 🏆 **The best startups will be featured** across our social media and included in our **investor newsletter.** **Requirements for attendees:** - Dress code: smart casual. Bring good energy. **🎟 Join our event and secure your ticket today!** **About us:** [Startup Valley](https://startupvalley.club/) is a global event organizer hosting pitch nights in 25 cities since 2023. Since then, **we have hosted 850 events for 40,000 attendees**. Over these years, we connected countless outstanding early-stage startups to serious investors, and we are not planning to stop. We maintain strategic partnerships with VC funds in the US, Europe, and Asia to support our community. Do you have a **question, a partnership proposal, or want to clarify something**? Reach us at hello@startupvalley.club **Agenda** - 19:00–19:30 — **Registration**: Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event. - 19:30–20:00 — **Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking**: Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking session to connect with key contacts. - 20:00–20:50 — **Startup Pitch Session**: Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project’s core idea, business model, and target market. - 20:50–22:00 — **Chill & Networking**: Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaboration opportunities, and exchange ideas over refreshments. **FAQ** **Can I pitch?** Yes! To pitch, please purchase a Pitch Ticket and fill out the Pitch Application Form. We will contact you to discuss and approve your pitch. The pitch duration is 5 minutes. You will also have some time to answer questions from the audience. **How does the pitch go?** Selected founders present on stage to the audience and the investors in the room. You get 5 minutes to pitch your idea, business model, target market, and investment ask, followed by a short Q&A. The best startups are featured across our social media channels and in the investor newsletter. **Who will I meet?** Founders, angel investors, VC partners, venture scouts, AI experts, engineers, operators, marketing and sales experts, and international entrepreneurs from across Europe, Asia, and the US. **Do investors get free tickets?** Yes! Please apply via Luma (the link is in the event description) or email hello@startupvalley.club, and we will issue a complimentary ticket for you and your team. **Can I request a refund?** Yes. Refunds are available if requested at least 24 hours before the event start time. Please submit the refund request on the platform where you purchased your ticket, or email us at hello@startupvalley.club