nextNYC connects thousands of NYC founders each year to the startup and VC community through our extensive events calendar and 22,000+ subscriber weekly newsletter. We’re always looking for investors who want to connect with early-stage founders in a meaningful way.

These coffee meetups are a great opportunity to connect with local VCs in your area as well as other founders at the beginning of their startup journey. ​

These events are sponsored by Rho. Rho is the business banking platform with everything founders need to manage their company cash and grow their business. See how they are supporting founders in NYC – and earn rewards for switching your operating account to Rho.

How do these meetups work?

These meetups are a casual way for early-stage founders to connect with local VCs and each other.

Co-hosts help create a welcoming space for conversation. Founders don’t need to prep slides. VC’s don’t buy everyone’s coffee, or run a formal agenda. Everyone just shows up and our co-hosts facilitate connections.

Meetup Structure
1. Pre-Meetup Logistics
- Once a VC is confirmed, we’ll pair them with a co-host (unless they already have someone in mind).
 - The location is typically a local coffee shop—pick a spot with enough space for 10-15 people.

2. During the Meetup
Kick Things Off – A quick round of introductions:

- Have everyone share their name, company, and one thing they’re currently working on or excited about.

- Keep it informal and relaxed!

Facilitate the Conversation – The VC’s role is to guide the discussion, not dominate it. Encourage founders to:

- Share their experiences, challenges, and insights.

- Ask questions about fundraising, growth, and product development.

- Connect with each other—not just with the VC.

Keep It Flowing – If needed, throw out a few conversation starters:

- “What’s been the biggest challenge in your startup journey so far?”

- “Has anyone here gone through a recent fundraising process? What did you learn?”

- “What’s a tool, resource, or tactic that’s been a game-changer for you?”

3. Wrap-Up
- Keep the meetup to about an hour—respecting everyone’s time.
 - Encourage founders to exchange contacts and continue conversations after the event.

Final Notes

  • These meetups are not formal pitch sessions—they’re about building community.

  • The goal is peer-to-peer learning and networking, with the VC helping guide the discussion.

  • Keep it fun, casual, and welcoming!

Thanks for being a part of making these conversations happen!