COFFEE + CONNECT Networking Mixer for Underrepresented Founders #NYTechWeek

Thursday, Jun 4

7:30am – 9:30am

CTET

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47/300 spots left

COFFEE + CONNECT is an intentional networking event for founders and investors who want real conversations + connections. We are looking to especially invite underrepresented founders such as veterans, immigrants, Ukrainians, women, LGBTQ+, Black founders and any builder overlooked by traditional capital. ​This is a human-centered space designed for authentic connection, meaningful dialogue, and relationship-building that happens naturally. ​Whether you’re looking to expand your community, meet your next collaborator or teammate, exchange ideas, or simply have a great conversation with thoughtful humans building cool things, COFFEE + CONNECT offers an authentic environment to do just that. ​☕ Coffee & light bites are complimentary *** Once you are approved for the event, you'll be sent a link to sign up for Validus, Grand Founders app specifically for founders and investors to connect. You must create a profile on Validus to attend the event. ​Co-hosts & Speakers: ​Marian Bacol | Founder, Somarae ​Gavin Rowe | Founder, Task Force VA ​Asya Bradley | Startups & Venture Capital Lead, Stripe Richard Ogilchyn | Founder, Grand Founders Katya Fuentes | Head of Growth, Comp AI ​ABOUT SOMARAE: ​Somarae is a B2B2C somatic wellness platform helping individuals regulate stress and organizations reduce burnout, retain top talent, and increase leadership + team effectiveness. We help people reconnect with their bodies through science-backed tools, integrate with women's health cycles and foster community-centered support. Visit "somarae.co" for more info ​ABOUT TASK FORCE VA: ​Task Force VA is a veteran-led B2C and B2B tech platform transforming how veterans navigate the VA claims process. Task Force VA provides veterans with clarity, competence, and confidence through expert, on-demand support and a Trusted Partner Network of vetted medical providers and VA-accredited attorneys—all pre-screened and rated by veterans to remove guesswork and restore trust. ​ABOUT STRIPE: ​Stripe is a global financial infrastructure platform that helps businesses accept payments, manage revenue, and scale worldwide. Stripe’s software and APIs power payments, subscriptions, billing, fraud prevention, and global commerce, helping businesses grow faster and operate more efficiently around the world. ABOUT CONNECTD: ​Connectd empowers startups and senior fractional leaders to thrive in the era of flexible, high-impact work. We are a people-first platform connecting startups and scaleups with experienced fractional executives, advisors and directors. Powered by AI insights and smart matching technology, Connectd ensures the right leaders are placed in the right businesses, driving growth, clarity, and scale when it matters most. ABOUT GRAND FOUNDERS: Grand Founders is a New York–based 501(c)(3) public foundation operating through partnerships with institutional investors, family offices, corporations, and impact-driven leaders. ABOUT COMP AI: Comp AI gets you SOC 2 or ISO 27001 audit-ready in just a few days, so your team can get back to shipping. Evidence, controls, vendor management, and audit prep run on autopilot, so you stay audit-ready 24/7. Trusted by fast-growing teams like Dub, Better Auth, and Ramp. This event is a part of #NYTechWeek—a week of events hosted by VCs and startups to bring together the tech ecosystem. Learn more at www.tech-week.com.

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