If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or just someone passionate about innovation, there’s no better way to start your month than with Open Coffee Club. Hosted by NJII’s Entrepreneurship Division, Open Coffee Club is a casual networking event that brings together Northern New Jersey’s vibrant startup community. Whether you’re a seasoned founder, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a corporate partner looking to collaborate, Open Coffee Club offers the perfect opportunity to connect over coffee and conversation.
What is Open Coffee Club?
Open Coffee Club was originally created by Saul Klein, a venture capitalist and co-founder of Skype, with the goal of fostering open, accessible conversations within the startup ecosystem. Today, NJII’s Entrepreneurship Division carries forward this tradition by hosting Open Coffee Club on the first Wednesday of every month at the Profeta Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Why Attend Open Coffee Club?
- Meet Like-Minded Individuals: Engage with entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate partners who are actively shaping the startup landscape in New Jersey.
- Expand Your Network: Whether you’re looking for a co-founder, funding opportunities, or industry insights, Open Coffee Club is a great place to make meaningful connections.
- Casual and Inclusive Atmosphere: No formal pitches, no pressure—just genuine conversations over coffee.
- Stay Inspired: Learn from the experiences of others, exchange ideas, and discover new opportunities in the local innovation ecosystem.
Exciting Changes Coming in 2025
Starting in 2025, Open Coffee Club will introduce monthly themes to enhance networking and learning experiences. Each month will focus on a specific topic relevant to startups and innovation, such as:
- Founder Stories from startups in Human Health, AI/ML, Advanced Manufacturing, and the New Jersey Innovation Fellows program
- Startup Hiring: how to find & retain talent
- Fundraising: Insights from local VCs
- Research Commercialization: Research @ NJIT
These themes will bring targeted discussions and insights from industry leaders, founders, and investors to help attendees gain practical knowledge and expand their network. Check out each month’s registration page to learn more.
Join Us!
Start your day with coffee and conversation at Open Coffee Club. It’s free to attend, and everyone is welcome! Simply register at this link to secure your spot.
When: First Wednesday of every month, 9:00-10:30am
Where: Profeta Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (211 Warren St Newark, NJ)
Register: Sign up here
Come sip, connect, and spark new ideas with fellow innovators. We look forward to seeing you at the next Open Coffee Club!