Startup Hike!
- Date
- 2023-10-20
- Host
- Lindsey's Event Calendar
About this event
Startup Hike! is a simple idea with a strong payoff: get smart, ambitious, community-minded people out from behind their screens and into real conversation. If you care about startups, technology, and meeting thoughtful people in a setting that feels more natural than a crowded happy hour, this is a good place to spend your Friday morning. What Is This? Startup Hike! is an in-person community meetup built around movement, conversation, and connection. Instead of forcing networking into a loud room or a rigid agenda, this event creates space for people in tech and startups to talk while walking, share what they are building or exploring, and meet others who are doing the same. The format is intentionally straightforward: people gather, get oriented, and head out together for a hike. Along the way, conversations happen organically in small groups and one-on-one pairings, which makes it easier to move beyond quick introductions and into more useful discussions about ideas, challenges, opportunities, and what you are looking for next. This event is designed for people who like substance over theater. You do not need a pitch deck, a polished intro, or a specific job title to belong here. If you are curious about startups, enjoy being around motivated people, and prefer conversations that can actually go somewhere, this format works well. What to Expect Expect a welcoming, low-pressure meetup with a clear shared activity. The hike gives everyone something to do together, which removes a lot of the awkwardness that can come with traditional networking events. Walking side by side tends to make conversations feel more relaxed, more direct, and more memorable. You can generally expect the morning to include: A casual arrival and meet-up before the group gets moving Brief introductions and orientation so people know the plan for the hike Time on the trail for rotating conversations, spontaneous small-group chats, and one-on-one connection A natural wrap-up where you can exchange contact information and continue conversations afterward Because this is a meetup rather than a formal conference, the value comes from the people in the room, or in this case, on the trail. Some attendees may want to talk about founding, hiring, product, growth, fundraising, or career moves. Others may be there to meet peers, get out of routine, and spend time with people who care about building things. The pace and tone are likely to be social, open, and conversational. You should come ready to introduce yourself simply, ask good questions, and be generous with your perspective. The best interactions at events like this usually come from curiosity, not performance. Why Attend If you have ever left a standard networking event with a pocket full of names and very little real connection, this is a better alternative. Shared movement changes the quality of interaction. You have time to talk, listen, and follow a thread without being interrupted every two minutes. This kind of setting is especially useful if you want to build genuine relationships in the startup community. A walk gives you room to discuss what you are working on, where you are stuck, what kind of people you want to meet, and how you might be able to help others. That often leads to stronger follow-up than a quick exchange in a crowded venue. You may come away with: New founder, operator, or builder relationships Better local community visibility in tech and startups Useful perspective on product, growth, hiring, or career decisions Potential collaborators, future teammates, or simply people worth staying in touch with A more energizing way to spend a morning than sitting through another transactional meetup There is also practical value in the format itself. Starting your day outside, moving, and talking with sharp people can reset your thinking. Whether you are actively building something or figuring out your next move, the combination of fresh air and focused conversation tends to create more clarity than another hour in your inbox. Practical Details This is an in-person event taking place on Friday, October 20 at 10:00 AM MDT. Because the event centers on a hike, plan for a morning schedule and come prepared to be outside and on your feet for the core experience. A few smart ways to prepare: Arrive on time so you do not miss the group start Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking Bring water and anything else you typically want for time outdoors Be ready to introduce yourself in a few clear sentences Have an easy way to exchange contact information with people you meet Since this is a community-focused startup meetup, the best approach is to show up with openness and a bit of intention. Think about the kinds of people you hope to meet, the questions you want to ask, and the conversations you would be glad to continue after the hike. If your ideal event sits somewhere between a founder meetup, a community gathering, and a productive reset from the usual work routine, Startup Hike! is a strong fit. You will get fresh air, real conversations, and a better chance of meeting people you actually want to know.
Who should attend
This is for you if you want startup conversations to feel more real, more useful, and less forced. - You work in **tech or startups** and want to meet peers in a setting that makes genuine conversation easier than a typical networking event. - You are a **founder, aspiring founder, or early-stage builder** looking to talk through ideas, challenges, momentum, or what comes next. - You are an **operator, engineer, designer, marketer, product person, or community builder** who enjoys exchanging practical insight with ambitious people. - You are **new to the local startup community** and want a friendlier, lower-pressure way to start building relationships. - You prefer **walking-and-talking over standing in a crowded room**, and you like events where connection happens through shared activity. - You are looking for **collaborators, future teammates, thoughtful conversations, or simply a stronger network** of people who care about building things. You do not need to be pitching, fundraising, or already deeply connected to show up. If you are curious, engaged, and interested in meeting good people around startups, you will fit right in.