Startup Networks Hustle: Leeds Founder & Entrepreneur Networking

Your next co-founder. Your first investor. Your biggest client.

If you're building a business — or ready to start one — Startup Networks is where high-energy entrepreneurs connect, collaborate, and create real opportunities. No fluff. No awkward small talk. Just meaningful connections that move the needle.

Whether you're launching a startup, scaling a side hustle, or raising your first round, this is your chance to meet mentors, investors, future team members, and fellow go-getters who can help you accelerate faster.

Why You Should Come:
• Meet founders, freelancers, and innovators who are doing the work — not just talking about it
• Share ideas, get feedback on your MVP, or find your next business partner
• Discover investor leads, pilot customers, or early adopters for your product
• Walk away with 3–5 valuable new connections (we make sure you actually talk to people)

This is NOT your average “handshake and hope” networking event.
We keep it fast-paced, inclusive, and founder-focused — with structured mingling to help you actually meet the right people.

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About the Hosts

Startup Networks is an award-winning startup community and forum built to support entrepreneurs at every stage — from first idea to global growth.

With a growing network of over 5,000 founders, startups, and SMEs, we’ve created a space where people come to fundraise, hire, collaborate, and explore new opportunities. But more importantly, it’s a space built on a simple belief:

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You’re not supposed to build alone.

Because behind every startup is the reality most people don’t talk about the uncertainty, the pressure, the setbacks, the imposter syndrome, and those moments where you question everything. What we’ve learned through our events, conversations, and community is that progress doesn’t just come from strategy… it comes from people.

And that’s exactly what this event is about.

This event is run by Startup Networks in collaboration with Hustle Entrepreneurs, created directly from the feedback we’ve received time and time again:

“We just want more time to network.”

So we listened.

And instead of another structured event, we’ve built something far simpler — and far more valuable.

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Expect a high-quality room of:

• 60% Founders
• 15% Investors
• 25% Startup Operators, Advisors & Industry Leaders

👉 A room full of people building, growing, and making things happen

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👥 Who’s Going to Be There

• Startup founders (idea → scaling)
• Startup operators and team members
• Freelancers, consultants, and creatives
• Aspiring entrepreneurs exploring their next move

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Because no one builds a startup alone.

This event gives you the chance to:

• Meet like-minded people who get what you're going through
• Build genuine relationships (not surface-level networking)
• Share ideas, get feedback, and explore opportunities
• Reconnect with people from previous events
• Be part of a growing startup community in London

👉 You’ll leave with more than contacts — you’ll leave with momentum

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🎯 Who This Event Is For

• Founders building or thinking about building
• Small business owners looking to grow
• Aspiring entrepreneurs
• Freelancers and creatives
• Anyone who wants to connect, learn, and be part of something bigger

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• Open, informal networking
• A relaxed, high-quality venue
• No pitches required (unless you want to)
• A welcoming, ambitious community

💡 Think: the best part of an event… as the whole event

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• Smart wear venue (no hoodies or tracksuits)
• 25+ venue – ID required
• Entry subject to venue discretion
• Free ticket, with expectation to purchase a drink at the bar

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Spaces are limited to maintain quality.

👉 Register now and join one of London’s fastest-growing startup communities

Don’t just network — connect.

Located in the heart of Leeds city centre, Manahatta Greek Street offers a vibrant and stylish setting for an evening of professional networking. Inspired by the energy of New York’s cocktail scene, the venue blends a glamorous bar atmosphere with a lively, social buzz—perfect for making meaningful connections.

Inside, you’ll find a beautifully designed space spread across two floors, featuring plush seating, ambient lighting, and a dynamic layout that moves effortlessly from relaxed conversations to high-energy interaction. Known for its standout cocktails, music, and upbeat vibe, Manahatta creates an environment that feels both polished and approachable—ideal for entrepreneurs, founders, and professionals looking to connect in a more informal setting.

Getting there is simple. Located on Greek Street just off East Parade, the venue is only a short walk from Leeds Train Station, making it easily accessible whether you’re travelling locally or from further afield. The surrounding area is one of Leeds’ most popular social districts, with plenty of nearby bars and restaurants if you want to continue the evening.

Whether you’re coming to expand your network, meet potential collaborators, or enjoy the atmosphere, expect a high-energy setting where great conversations and opportunities naturally come together.

We’re proud to be supported by an incredible group of organisations that believe in the power of startups, innovation, and bold ideas:

🎓 Goldsmiths, University of LondonKnown for creativity and innovation, Goldsmiths, University of London supports founders who think differently. Their backing reflects a commitment to real-world impact and future-focused business.

📰 Startup MagazineThe go-to publication for startup news, founder journeys, and investment insights. Startup Magazine is where ideas get noticed, and innovation gets amplified.

📱 TikTokThe platform redefining content, creativity, and community. TikTok champions entrepreneurs and disruptors through powerful digital storytelling and visibility.

These sponsors aren’t just logos on a flyer — they’re active supporters of the startup journey, and we’re proud to have them backing this event.

Thanks to our partners and sponsors, attendees get access to exclusive perks through the Startup Networks Affiliate Hub:

💸 10% Off SEIS/EIS ServicesProvided by Founder Catalyst, one of the UK’s most trusted SEIS platforms. Save on your next raise and get investor-ready with expert support.

📋 Free Trial of Notion for StartupsOrganise your startup, streamline your operations, and collaborate better — for free. Notion’s all-in-one workspace is available with a special trial via Startup Networks.

All perks are available in the Affiliate Section on Startup Networks — log in and unlock the tools that take your startup further.

🤝🚀 Interested in sponsoring us? 🌟

We're thrilled to offer sponsorship opportunities for our dynamic event. By becoming a sponsor, you'll gain valuable exposure to a vibrant community of founders, investors, and industry enthusiasts. Your support will play a pivotal role in making this event an unforgettable success.

Get in touch today to discuss how we can showcase your brand and amplify your presence within the startup ecosystem. 📧🤝🚀

E -mail Address: [email protected]

We take great pride in the high-quality connections that our events offer. We have a fair number of tickets available for the entire startup community, including founders, startup employees, investors, and others (students, accountants, lawyers, aspiring entrepreneurs, and other companies servicing startups).

Please only book tickets that are applicable to you. We will verify your details and upon the results might cancel your booking.

If Eventbrite runs out of tickets for your category, please join the waiting list or email [email protected], and we may be able to add you.

Just to clarify, when we say startups, we mean scalable businesses looking for investments now or planning to start soon. For example, if you are a self-employed marketing specialist, please register as "Other" rather than as a "Founder".

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