Growth Hacking London

DevOps Society x Elastic London Hack Night

Roll up your sleeves: we're teaming up with DevOps Society for our very **first London hack night**! Come along with your laptop and get ready to win a prize 🏆 👉 **Limited spots** available so make sure you got yours. This time, we’re doing something a little different, a hands on hack night where you’ll get stuck into real-world observability, OpenTelemetry. and AI-powered workflows. 📍 **Location** Elastic office, Davidson Building, 1st Floor, 5 Southampton St, London, WC2E 7HA Note: please use Exeter St entrance as the main entrance is closed after 6pm. The meetup hack night will happen in the Galactus room. This isn’t your typical meetup, you’ll be building and exploring in real-time: * Spin up a demo microservices app using Docker * Connect it to Elastic Observability * Explore logs, metrics, and traces using OpenTelemetry * Build and interact with AI-powered observability agents using Elastic MCP + Claude Whether you’re deep into DevOps or just getting started, there’s something here for everyone. **🛠️ You will need** 1. Your laptop! 2. The following software installed on your laptop: 1. ​[Docker](https://docs.docker.com/get-started/get-docker/?utm_source=luma) 2. [Docker Compose](https://docs.docker.com/compose/install/?utm_source=luma) 3. ​[Claude Code](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/desktop?utm_source=luma) 4. ​`kubectl` and `minikube` as per the [Kubernetes install tools guide](https://kubernetes.io/docs/tasks/tools/?utm_source=luma) ​**Setup** ​The full setup instructions for the hack night are available [here](https://github.com/carlyrichmond/devops-society-elastic-hack-night?utm_source=luma). ​**Tools to be used** * ​[Elastic Observability](https://www.elastic.co/observability?utm_source=luma) * ​[Elastic Agent Builder](https://www.elastic.co/docs/solutions/observability/get-started?utm_source=luma#create-an-obs-serverless-project) * ​[Elastic Observability MCP App](https://github.com/elastic/example-mcp-app-observability?utm_source=luma#quick-start) * ​*Note: you will need a local Claude Code installation to use the MCP App* **📆 Agenda** 6:00pm – 6:30pm — Networking on arrival with food and drinks provided by Elastic 6:30pm – 6:50pm — Challenge and tools demo 6:50pm – 8:30pm — Hacking time 8:30pm – 9:00pm — 5-minute lightning demos 9:00pm — Close and networking at a nearby pub 🎙️ **Hosts & Sponsors** Hosted by Steve Wade and Carly Richmond ⚠️ **Heads-up:** we also have a [mirror event with DevOps Society on Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/devops-society/events/314769583/). To keep things tidy on our side, please make sure you only sign up on **one** of the event pages — not both. Thanks!

CRAP Talks #33 - Mayday Mayday

We're back with our third event of the year and we couldn't be more excited. We'll stick to our usual format of 2 speakers and a fireside chat (with a twist this time). If you've not been to one of our events before then here is what you can expect. CRAP (Conversion Rate Optimisation, Analytics, Product) Talks is a cross-discipline event. We don't work in silos so why network and learn in silos. In the past we've had speakers from Data, Analytics, CRO, Product, Marketing, Data Science, Design and Research and so many more. If you work in tech, chances are you work cross-functionally, so come along and meet people doing amazing things in tech. **Hosts:** RVU - https://www.rvu.co.uk/ **Venue:** RVU The Cooperage, 5 Copper Row, London SE1 2LH **Date:** 09/06/2026 6pm doors open Talks kick off at 630 Wrap up approximately 9:00pm. **Speakers:** * **[Aya Gaballa](https://www.linkedin.com/in/aya-gab/)** \- "Building Products for Different Cultures" * Co-Founder & Product Lead, Kham Lab * **[Mark Palfreeman](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-palfreeman-662044160/)** \- "Gambling with Success: The Complexities Around Measurement in an Industry with Stellar Growth"\. * Senior Business Intelligence Manager, Flutter UKI **Fireside Chat:** * **[Alex Homan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-homan-3aab2a141/)** \- "Analytics in the age of AI" * Lead Data Analyst, Huel

Mastering cloud security, one lab at a time!!

How a Startup is Changing a Legacy Org from the Inside

Three and a half years ago, our 17-person startup was acquired by a 4000+ person organisation with a 30-year-old technology estate. We were placed in a new city, a new hub, and an org where teams wouldn't even give us read access to their codebases. This is the honest story of how we went from outsiders to partners — and how a small team with zero positional authority shifted engineering culture across an organisation that had accumulated decades of process debt. What we got right: Starting with empathy instead of expertise. Understanding that past decisions were rational given past constraints. Earning trust through small wins before suggesting any change. Starting with the willing — not trying to boil the ocean. What we got wrong: Trying to introduce an Internal Developer Portal before we had the political capital to navigate process debt — we couldn't even get a VM. The frustration and near-burnout when the org wouldn't let us contribute. The turning point: A RAG system built across 8 teams — 16 languages, 25 countries — that became the first true cross-team collaboration in the org's history. No Agile lead, no scrum ceremonies. People just solved a real problem together. The numbers: Deployment frequency from once every 2 months to every 10 days. Build times down 80%. Excel-sheet environment booking replaced with self-service ephemeral environments. Every new service ships with monitoring, observability, docs, and tests from day zero. The culture shifts: We flattened PR reviews so every dev — not just the EM — gives feedback. Devs and QAs now present directly to stakeholders across 25+ squads. Decision-making moved from a Tech Lead bottleneck to distributed RFCs where anyone can propose and comment. We removed executive offices — everyone sits on the open floor. We introduced 360-degree reviews where none existed. And we built a 2000+ person tech community from zero. Where we are now: Experimenting with 3-person pods working in flow beyond sprints, leveraging AI, solving customer problems daily. Invite over inflict — the teams that adopted these ways of working did so because they saw the outcomes, not because anyone mandated it. This talk is grounded in systems thinking, game theory, Team Topologies, InnerSource. Mostly the talks is around the learnings of hardest engineering problems aren't technical — they're human. AI can write the RFC. It can't build the trust that gets it accepted Takeways: Will leave with practical patterns for influencing organisational change without authority — whether they're a small team inside a large org, or a single leader trying to shift how their corner of the world works. **Jeevan D C** Solving tech problems at scale A problem solver keen on Distributed Systems, System Architecture, Scale, Performance with core expertise in building high throughput, resilient, fault-tolerant applications in multi-cloud environments. Passionate about teaching and mentoring. Got extensive experience in Digital transformation, Cloud migrations, Startup acceleration in Telco, Insurance, Banking domains at scale.

Black Arrows Badminton Club @ UEL Sports Dock

Come and join a friendly but competitive bunch of players each and every Tuesday at UEL Sports Dock. If love playing Badminton for fun or competitively then pay us a visit. Cost of session £12 (Payment must be made before the session ends. The details of bank transfer to be advised by email, once you RSVP.) Feather shuttles are used. • There is a large car-park at UEL (FREE 5.30pm onward). • Nearest DLR stations are Gallions Reach and Cyprus, then a 5 minutes walk to UEL Sports Dock. • Session are more suited for Intermediate to Club standard players, although we cater for all standards of play. Simple "If"Rules: • If you want to attend, you must RSVP • If you want to bring a friend you MUST RSVP for them • If you do not RSVP, you will be turned away If you RSVP and DO NOT attend you will be fined £20, unless you remove your RSVP at least 24hrs before the session start time. Please respect the session limit, they are for your own good as over crowding means less games for you! The organisers decision on all matters is final. Important Note: Your are responsible for your own well-being. Black Arrows Badminton Club or the management at UEL are not responsible for any injuries or loss of items.

The People Problems No Founder Sees Coming

Date: Tuesday 16th June, 6:15-9 PM UK Time Location: [1 Warwick by Maslow’s](https://share.google/MnxwD6w1PqaJ512K6) [Sign up for this event here!](https://founders500.com/session/startup-session-15-the-people-problems-no-founder-sees-coming/) Please note that clicking attend on Meetup will not give you the correct QR code to enter this event. Please sign up for your Universe ticket using the correct link. ### Most founders think scaling is a hiring problem. It’s not, it’s a people problem. Building and scaling a startup is hard, but turning it into an organisation is where things really start to break. At around 15 to 30 people, what once felt easy suddenly becomes more complex. Communication slows down, expectations become unclear, performance becomes inconsistent, and founders often find themselves stuck in the middle of everything. Many assume it’s a hiring issue, but in reality it runs deeper. In this interactive session, we’ll unpack the people challenges founders don’t see coming as they scale, brought to life through real stories, honest reflections, and practical insight from working inside growing organisations. Through a conversational, interview-style format, we’ll explore five of the most common areas where founders underinvest early, and the impact this has as their companies grow. This isn’t a lecture. It’s an opportunity to step back, reflect on your own business, learn from others in the room, and leave with practical ideas you can apply immediately, whether you are just starting to build a team or already navigating the pressures of growth. ## About the Speakers: **Katherine Ray** Katherine works with founders and senior leaders to identify what actually needs to change in their leadership and people approach before it becomes costly as they scale. With over 20 years’ experience across early-stage, scaling businesses and large global organisations, she brings a broad and grounded perspective on how people and leadership challenges show up at different stages of growth. As an executive leadership coach, Katherine focuses on helping leaders build the clarity, capability, and confidence needed to lead effectively as their organisations evolve, while enabling teams to perform during periods of growth, change, and increasing complexity. **Kuldish Sibia** Kuldish is a fractional People leader and founder of Scaling People Solutions, with over 20 years of experience across global organisations, scale-ups, and high-growth environments. He specialises in helping businesses put the right people foundations in place before growth exposes the cracks. From performance challenges to complex people issues, Kuldish brings a practical, no-nonsense perspective on what happens when early decisions start to catch up, and what it takes to fix them. ## What to Expect on the Night: Doors open at 6:15 PM with a welcome drink and networking. Starting at 6:45 PM, this 75-minute interactive session including Q&A will include: **Real Stories and Insights (Interview Format)** We’ll explore five key people challenges founders face as they scale, including: * Creating clarity on roles and expectations * Investing in people management including performance, feedback, and accountability * Workforce planning, who you hire, when, and why * How leadership needs to evolve as your company grows * Building foundations before tools Each theme will be brought to life through real examples and honest reflections from working with scaling businesses. **Founder-to-Founder Discussion** You’ll have the opportunity to reflect on one of the five key challenges that resonates most with you or is most relevant to your business right now. Through guided prompts, you’ll explore: * What’s currently feeling difficult in your organisation * How this challenge is showing up as you scale * What you might need to do differently **Q&A** A chance to ask questions and explore specific challenges you’re facing. **Community and Connection** From 8:00 PM, connect with fellow founders, operators, and builders in a relaxed setting designed for meaningful conversation. You’ll also have the opportunity to speak with Katherine and Kuldish one-to-one about any specific people or organisational challenges you’re currently navigating. Doors close at 9:00 PM. ## Who Should Attend: * Founders and co-founders building and scaling a team * Leaders in growing companies where things are starting to feel more complex than they should * Anyone hiring, managing people, and noticing that what worked early on is no longer working This session is particularly relevant for companies moving beyond the early stage, around 10 to 50 plus people, where people challenges become more visible and more impactful. [Sign up for this event here!](https://founders500.com/session/startup-session-15-the-people-problems-no-founder-sees-coming/) Please note that clicking attend on Meetup will not give you the correct QR code to enter this event. Please sign up for your Universe ticket using the correct link.

The Energetic Wealth Experience

**The Energetic Wealth Experience** **A One-Day Business & Wealth Expansion Experience for Ambitious Founders, Leaders & Entrepreneurs** Success should not feel this heavy. You’ve done the courses. You know the strategy. You’re capable of more. But somewhere along the way, business started to feel exhausting. The pressure to constantly perform. The pressure to stay visible. The pressure to keep growing while quietly carrying the weight of everything behind the scenes. The Energetic Wealth Experience was created for ambitious entrepreneurs who are ready to build wealth, success and leadership in a more sustainable way. This is not another motivational seminar. And it’s not a “sit and listen to speakers all day” event either. This is an immersive, commercially grounded experience designed to help you identify what is actually holding your growth back — and what needs to shift for your next level of income, impact and leadership. **WHY THE TICKET IS £1** The £1 ticket is intentional. It’s not about the money. It’s about: • Commitment • Attendance quality • Proximity • Perceived value • Getting the right people into the room Because the right room changes everything. The conversations you have. The standards you hold. The opportunities you see. The identity you step into. **WHAT THIS EXPERIENCE IS REALLY ABOUT** This room is about: • Sustainable success • Wealth capacity • Energetic intelligence • Aligned leadership • Business refinement • Visibility without burnout • Commercial growth that actually feels good to hold This event has been designed to feel: ✨ Insightful ✨ Experiential ✨ Commercially valuable ✨ Emotionally honest ✨ Practical ✨ Transformational **WHAT WE’LL COVER** **PART 1 — Why Success Stops Feeling Sustainable** Many entrepreneurs are achieving external success while privately feeling exhausted, disconnected or stuck. In this session we’ll explore: • Burnout despite success • Visibility exhaustion • Scaling pressure • Overperformance • Businesses that look successful but feel heavy • Why strategy alone eventually stops working Because sometimes the issue isn’t your ambition. It’s the way you’ve been taught to build. **PART 2 — The Hidden Patterns Behind Growth** This session explores the deeper patterns influencing the way you lead, sell, scale and make decisions in business. We’ll explore: • Energetic bottlenecks • Nervous system safety & receiving capacity • Sustainable leadership • Human Design in business • Visibility patterns • Decision-making dynamics • The subconscious patterns affecting growth This is not “woo.” This is grounded, practical and commercially relevant work designed to help you understand why you keep hitting the same ceilings — even when you know exactly what to do. For many people, this becomes the moment where business finally starts making sense again. **PART 3 — Business Refinement & Expansion Strategy** This is where implementation begins. You’ll identify: • What’s currently slowing growth in your business • Where money is leaking • What needs simplifying • What offers are actually scalable • How to create more sales sustainably • Where your next level of visibility and authority comes from Because the goal isn’t just more revenue. The goal is building wealth and success in a way you can actually sustain. **WHO THIS IS FOR** This experience is for: • Coaches, consultants & service providers • Founders & entrepreneurs • Business owners ready for their next level • Leaders who feel stuck despite “doing all the right things” • People craving smarter growth, deeper alignment and more sustainable success Whether you’re scaling to six figures, seven figures or rebuilding your business in a completely different way — this room will challenge how you think about success, leadership and wealth. **WHAT YOU’LL LEAVE WITH** ✔ Clearer strategy ✔ Stronger leadership awareness ✔ Revenue growth opportunities ✔ Business refinement ideas ✔ Better positioning & messaging ✔ Powerful connections ✔ Expanded vision for your next chapter **IMPORTANT** The Energetic Wealth Experience also acts as the entry point into a brand new high-level mastermind experience for entrepreneurs ready to scale their wealth, authority, business and legacy at a completely different level. Not everyone will be invited further. That is intentional. This room is about quality, proximity and aligned expansion. If you’ve been craving a different kind of business room… This might be it.

Marketing Networking London | Founders, Growth & Brand Leaders at IoD

**Kindly note that this is a paid event and the average number of attendees for our events is 60-70 people. You can register on [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/marketing-networking-london-founders-growth-brand-leaders-at-iod-tickets-1990087227469?aff=meetup](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/marketing-networking-london-founders-growth-brand-leaders-at-iod-tickets-1990087227469?aff=meetup)** London marketing networking event for founders, marketers & growth leaders. Build connections, share ideas, and unlock new opportunities. **Marketing Connector®** is where ambitious marketers, founders, and growth-focused professionals meet in London to build powerful, real-world connections. Part of the **London Connector®** series, this experience is designed for those who value **quality conversations, meaningful relationships, and business opportunities** — not just exchanging business cards. Hosted at the prestigious **Institute of Directors**, this edition on **8th June from 5 pm** brings together a curated mix of marketing professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders in an elegant, high-level setting. Meet the people behind the brands, campaigns, and growth strategies shaping London’s business scene — all in one room. ## **🚀 Why You Should Attend** ✔ Meet **high-quality marketing professionals** across digital, brand, growth, and strategy ✔ Connect with **founders and decision-makers** actively building and scaling businesses ✔ Discover **collaborations, clients, and new opportunities** ✔ Exchange **real insights and strategies** — not surface-level conversations ✔ Build relationships in a **relaxed, premium environment** ## **🤝 Who You’ll Meet** Expect a carefully selected audience including: • Marketing professionals, strategists & consultants • Digital marketers, growth experts & brand builders • Startup founders & entrepreneurs looking to outsource the marketing of their goods and services • Investors & business leaders • PR, communications & content professionals If you’re serious about **growing your network and your opportunities**, you’ll be in the right room. ## **📅 Event Details** **Date:** 8th June 2026 **Time:** 17:00 – 20:00 **Venue:** Institute of Directors (IoD), 116 Pall Mall, London A **hosted, free-flow networking experience** designed to help conversations happen naturally and connections form easily. ## **🌐 Extend Your Networking Experience** Your ticket also gives you the opportunity to **stay and continue networking** at: • **Director Connector®** Meet even more founders, executives, and professionals — all in one evening. ## **🔗 What to Expect** • Open, high-quality networking from the moment you arrive • A friendly, welcoming atmosphere with a professional crowd • The opportunity to make **valuable connections quickly** • A room full of people who are **open to collaboration and conversation** ## **📲 Bonus: WhatsApp Networking Group** On the day of the event, you’ll receive access to our **exclusive attendee WhatsApp group** ✔ Connect before the event ✔ Arrange meetings in advance ✔ Stay in touch after the event ## **📸 Event Disclaimer** Photos and videos may be taken during the event for use across social media, marketing materials, and promotional campaigns. * [United Kingdom Events](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom/events) * [Greater London Events](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--greater-london/events) * [Things to do in London](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/ttd/united-kingdom--london) * [London networking](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/networking) * [London Business networking](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/business--networking)

Tide HQ - Business Networking Event in London for SMEs & Local Business Owners

Looking for quality **business networking in London for SMEs and local business owners**? Join an exclusive evening at **Tide HQ**, organised by **GMax Card**, **Getshop Today,** and **Tide** \- three products built by founders\, for founders\. Hosted inside **Tide’s headquarters in London.** **WHY ATTEND:** * Free premium digital business card (£75 value) - claim it on the night (for paid tix holders only) * Real connections - business partners, co-founders, customers & more Practical tools & insights to run your business smarter Connect with SMEs and local business owners, **founders and decision-makers in the small and medium business area.** **WHO'LL BE ATTENDING** * SME owners and decision-makers * Small business, local business, and growing company owners * Founders, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and bootstrapped business owners * Independent freelance professionals building and scaling their businesses * Business owners looking to grow their network, partnerships, and customer base **ABOUT THIS STARTUP AND BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT** In the **startup and business world**, success rarely happens in isolation. The right connections unlock **co-founders, early customers,** and relationships that accelerate **growth**. But most networking events don't deliver that. After hundreds of iterations, we've built a **format that actually works:** * Well-tested icebreakers (optional, but they work) to break the initial awkwardness * "Quick intros" round - 30-60 seconds each so everyone knows who's who in the room * Short talks from [GMax Card](http://www.gmaxcard.com/) on strategic networking and Tide on founder-friendly business tools * On-the-spot [Tide](https://www.tide.co/partners-business-account/?ref=GMAXF2F) consultations - bring your banking and ops questions, get real answers * Drinks and refreshments for real conversations to develop naturally **Testimonials:** Check out [video testimonials from founders who've attended previous events.](https://vimeo.com/1162995661) **VENUE** **[Tide](https://www.tide.co/partners-business-account/?ref=GMAXF2F) HQ London** Tide's modern headquarters provides an open, professional environment designed for founders and operators and built for collaboration. Part of our bi-weekly series. **ORGANISERS** **[GMax Card](http://www.gmaxcard.com/)**[ - Free digital business cards](http://www.gmaxcard.com/), with Premium NFC smart cards and team networking tools. **[Getshop Today](http://www.getshop.today/)**[ - UK based eCommerce platform ](http://www.getshop.today/)to build your own independent online store in minutes. **Hosted at [Tide](https://www.tide.co/partners-business-account/?ref=GMAXF2F)**[ - The digital-first business banking solution ](https://www.tide.co/partners-business-account/?ref=GMAXF2F)built to support entrepreneurs and SMEs. **DRESS CODE** Business or smart. Dress as you would for an important meeting - polished and professional. **IMPORTANT DETAILS** * **Photography & Video:** Content may be captured by [CineEye Audiovisual Production Studio](www.cineeye.co.uk) for promotional use. By attending, **you agree to sign a media release form**. If you prefer not to appear in photos or video, please refrain from attending. * ID Requirements: Attendance for 18+ only. Proof of ID may be requested at reception. * Refund Policy: Refunds available up to 1 day before the event if any. Meetup fees are non-refundable (if any). **RESERVE YOUR PLACE NOW** **Limited spaces - early registration is recommended.**

The London Solopreneur Circle: First Gathering

**This is the first meetup of The London Solopreneur Circle, a small peer group for people actively building independent businesses outside the traditional corporate path.** The aim is to create a thoughtful peer space for people building independent businesses to share what they are working on, what feels hard, what is moving forward, and how we can support each other. The goal is simple: Honest conversation, accountability, useful ideas, partnerships, friendship and momentum. This is a no-pitch environment. If your main goal is to sell to the room, this is not the right group. Each session will usually follow a simple format: 1\. What are you building right now? 2\. What moved forward since last time? 3\. What feels hard\, confusing or stuck? 4\. Useful opportunities\, intros\, tools or resources 5\. One concrete action each person commits to before next time Nothing formal is needed. Just bring: * a short intro to what you are building * one current challenge or question * a willingness to contribute honestly * useful ideas, contacts or resources where relevant * We meet in Central London, usually in a relaxed, informal venue where proper conversation is possible. Exact venue details will be shared before the event.

E-Commerce over Breakfast London

A curated meetup for e-commerce operators to share learnings, strategies, and ideas. Free for operators (approval required). Apply via Luma: [https://luma.com/4eazgzw8](https://luma.com/4eazgzw8?utm_source=meetup)

Break the Pattern

Creativity often begins when we stop trying to solve a problem in the most obvious way. In this first practical creativity workshop, we’ll use random words, playful constraints and group exercises to break rigid patterns of thought, loosen fixed assumptions and generate unexpected ideas. Creativity is not just about having good ideas. Often, it is about changing the conditions in which ideas appear. The session takes inspiration from Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt’s *Oblique Strategies*: a set of creative prompts designed to help artists and other creatives escape blocks, loosen fixed habits and approach problems from unexpected angles. This will be an active, participatory workshop rather than a talk. You’ll work with other people in pairs and small groups, trying out practical exercises and responding to prompts designed to interrupt familiar ways of thinking. The emphasis will be on engagement, experimentation and practical action: having a go, noticing what shifts, and exploring how unusual prompts can open up new possibilities. You do not need to be an artist, designer or creative professional. This workshop is for anyone interested in thinking more flexibly, solving problems differently, or exploring practical creativity in a friendly, hands-on setting.