Founder Speakeasy {002}
Welcome to Founder Speakeasy {002}!
Most startup events are loud, fast, and full of small talk. The Founder Speakeasy is different. It’s a private room for thoughtful founders, creators, and investors who value honesty over hype.
Here, we gather in small circles, share what we’re really building, and trade lessons that don’t make it to LinkedIn. There will be no slide decks (well, maybe just one) and no sales pitches. Just stories, curiosity, and the quiet energy that comes from people who’ve been in the arena.
This is your space to speak candidly about wins, fears, pivots, or the weird ideas you’re still figuring out.
Let’s make startup conversations feel real again.
* Due to the nature of this event, attendance is limited. Please register through Luma, we are unable to accommodate walk-ins. If we run out of capacity, please still apply and we will admit you to the next event.
Agenda
5:30 – 6:15 | Open Lounge. Arrive, grab a drink, and settle into a calm chat with your small circle.
6:15 – 6:30 | Opening & Ground Rules. A quick welcome and the “Speakeasy code” - how to keep conversations safe, honest, and pitch-free.
6:30 - 7:00 | Group Sharing 1 - Work
7:00 – 7:30 | Presenting the group discussion results, 20sec lightning pitches
7:30 - 8:00 | Group Sharing 2 - Life
8:00-8:15 | Presenting the group discussion results.
8:15 onward | Networking: Connections that Matter. Mingle intentionally — reconnect with anyone whose story resonated. Think of it as founder therapy meets quiet networking.
Food&Bev
Food and beverages will be provided, thanks to our generous sponsor Unstuck Labs!
Parking and Transportation
Street parking is limited
There is a lot of garage parking nearby, e.g. 1200n N Garfield St, Arlington, VA 22201 for <$10/day
Unstuck Labs’ office is located across the street from the Clarendon Metro station on the Silver and Orange Lines (two stops from the Blue Line and three stops from DC). There is also a separate entrance to the building from the Metro station.
Huge thanks to our sponsors, partners, and organizers!
Our Special Thanks To ...
Sze Wong for co-founding this community and contributing so many great ideas
MK Hemingway for coming up with the super cool name and the tagline for this meetup
Our Previous Event
Check out the photos from our previous event.
The Venue
Huge thanks to Unstuck Labs for the gorgeous venue they offered to community!