When Your Co-Founder Has You Arrested - and How It Made Me Successful - Light Dao Salon (NYC)
Most entrepreneurs have war stories - but few can say their co-founder had them arrested.
Join us for an unfiltered evening as Jay Steinmetz shares how one shocking night turned into one of the most transformative experiences of his career. What began as a nightmare became the ultimate masterclass in resilience, integrity, and leadership.
Jay will take us through what it taught him about trust, human nature, and the messy beauty of building a business that lasts.
This is a rare behind-the-scenes look at how chaos, betrayal, and humor can become unexpected teachers on the entrepreneurial journey.
About Jay Steinmetz
Jay Steinmetz is the founder and former CEO of Barcoding, Inc., a company he started from his apartment in 1998 that grew into an Inc. 500 company and was named one of Forbes’ “10 Privately Held Technology Companies to Watch.”
Over two decades, he has built and scaled companies across technology, logistics, and automation, pioneering data capture and RFID systems used by global enterprises.
Jay has been featured in Forbes, Inc. Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and The Baltimore Sun, and served on several state and civic boards including Maryland’s Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), Sinai Hospital, and the University of Baltimore.
He’s now leading new ventures through Power Up Connect, LLC, while continuing to mentor founders and advocate for ethical leadership and conscious growth.
Whether you're an investor, founder, or someone building the next thing - this is a rare opportunity to hear real talk from a true entrepreneur, still inventing while in police custody, and who’s had his fingers in many pies, and still plays on the edge of what’s next.
SALON AGENDA:
7:00-7:30pm - Welcome, light snacks & drinks served
7:30-7:40pm - Introductions
7:40-8:05pm - Group connection experience
8:05-8:45pm - Fireside Q&A
8:45-9:00pm - Business connect
9:00-9:30pm - Deepen connections
Members often connect for dinner or drinks after the salon.
VENUE DETAILS: The gathering is in Manhattan. The exact address will be sent to confirmed guests.
DRESS: We encourage authentic self-expression! Shoes off because in private residence.
GUEST POLICY: We are a members only (known as Dao Owners) community. All Dao Guests must be approved and can receive one in-person gathering for free. Dao Guests are eligible to become a Dao Owner Member. Otherwise, one must become a Dao Owner to continue attending gatherings. Please note that invitations are not a guarantee for entry, and we invite you to thoroughly answer the approval questions. Friends or +1s must RSVP individually. Unapproved show-ups will not be granted entry.
JOIN US: Light Dao is a fast-growing trusted global community of over 4000 conscious investors and entrepreneurs with curated in-person and online gatherings and experiences, having hosted in 16 cities across North and South America, Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Our heartfelt mission is to bring abundance for all by expanding the collective consciousness, enlightening society, and empowering values-aligned relationships. Together, we co-create a thriving regenerative future for humanity. We are excited to welcome you to our global community! http://wearelight.one/