Tech Startup, Venture & Operators #1 - Inaugural Event

Our meetups are friendly, inclusive and conversation-driven, designed to create a space where founders, operators and investors can share practical experience, discuss challenges openly, and learn from others who are building and scaling technology businesses in the real world.

This session will include founder and operator talks, Q&A, guided discussion, and time for networking with peers across the startup and venture community.

We run: • Bi-monthly in-person meetups in London • Occasional online sessions for our wider ecosystem

Please keep an eye on our Meetup page for future events. Food and refreshments will be provided for in-person events where a host venue is supporting.

We are delighted to host this event in London on the 11th of June as part of the evening event of Cloud Native & Open Source AI, which you can find here

Speakers & Sessions:

Panel: Startup Operators in the Age of AI

A practical discussion with UK AI founders and operators on building, scaling, and surviving in a market being reshaped by AI. The panel will explore product strategy, funding, go-to-market, hiring, differentiation, and what it really takes to build an AI-native company in 2026.

Panel: Running a Tech Consultancy in the UK

A candid conversation with leaders operating tech consultancies across the UK. This panel will explore the commercial, operational, and cultural realities of consultancy life, including sales, delivery, margins, hiring, partnerships, AI, and how consultancies can stay relevant as client expectations change.

Agenda (GMT / UK): 18:00 — Arrival, welcome and refreshments 18:30 — Introduction — Ethan Sumner 18:30 — Panel 19:15 — Break 19:30 — Panel 20:15 — Close and networking

We are always keen to hear from: • Speakers — founder journeys, operator insights and venture perspectives • Hosts — organisations able to support future meetups or roundtables • Sponsors — venue, refreshments, recording or accessibility support

If you would like to speak, sponsor or host a future session, please get in touch with Ethan Sumner via LinkedIn.

This community forms part of the Community Stack ecosystem and follows the Community Stack Code of Conduct, ensuring a respectful, inclusive and welcoming environment where people can share openly and learn from one another.