An open space to meet Austin entrepreneurs and investors
First Wednesdays – Jo’s Coffee* on 2nd St – 7:30-9:30a
The time for this has been adjusted, please see the reboot post for more info!
While reading through David Walker’s Born Entrepreneur blog recently, I noticed a old post about the Open Coffee Club Movement:
The idea is simple. Events are arranged on a set date in a set location. Entrepreneurs and people interested in the industry come along to chat, discuss their ideas, and build relationships. VCs also come along and entrepreneurs have a chance to pitch their ideas to them – and discuss whether they might be interested in funding them etc.
It’s such a simple and obvious idea, I thought that surely Austin must have one and that I just didn’t know about it. It turns out that Bryan Jones and Nick Ducoff did actually start and run one in 2007 when the idea first surfaced, but they don’t meet anymore. I’ve spoken with Nick and he was quite supportive of starting this up again.
When I first raised the idea, I was given various pieces of advice which largely centered around who would or wouldn’t come to this kind of thing. I like the idea of a consistent meeting time that has no set agenda, no politics, and no real structure. It’s open and that means that quite literally anyone can come by. Sure, there may be some bozos from time to time, but in general I think we’re at a point as a larger entrepreneurial community where we could stand to get to know each other better in an informal setting. So walk up to Jo’s, grab a coffee, and find someone interesting to talk to. And for heaven’s sakes, please be interesting! 😉
The recent AustinStartup article Wherefore Art Thou, Austin Investors spawned a lot of varied commentary, but not much real understanding about the investor perspective. I hope that if we can attract quality entrepreneurs to meet up and connect in this open space, that we will also attract some open-minded investors who will join us and share their unique perspective with us. There are benefits to both sides to be more open with each other and a cup of coffee seems like a good place to start.
We are going to meet on First Wednesdays at 7:30am in downtown Austin:
Think you can make it to the first open coffee this Wednesday? If so, click “count me in” on the Plancast site to show others that you plan to attend.
If you want to keep up with the event as we forge ahead, you can check out the Open Coffee Austin web site for updates.
Look forward to meeting you!
*Good news about the parking situation. Jo’s can validate your City Hall parking spot!