Startup Events

Building something from nothing is hard, and there's no better way to learn than from people who've done it. Our startup events bring together founders, entrepreneurs, and aspiring business builders to share real stories—the wins, the failures, and everything in between.

About Startup Events

The startup world is full of glamourised success stories, but the reality is messier and more interesting. COLLECTIVE. startup events bring you honest conversations with founders who share what it's really like to build a business. No pitch competitions, no investor panels—just real talk from real entrepreneurs.

Who It's For

Anyone interested in entrepreneurship. Current founders looking for community and peer support, aspiring entrepreneurs exploring ideas, freelancers considering productising their services, employees thinking about making the leap, and people who are simply curious about what it takes to build something from scratch.

What to Expect

Honest, unfiltered stories from founders at various stages of their journey. Hear about the decisions that worked, the mistakes that taught valuable lessons, and the realities of entrepreneurship that don't make it into the LinkedIn posts. Plus plenty of time to connect with others on similar paths.

Topics We Cover

  • Founder Stories
  • Business Models
  • Growth Strategies
  • Lessons Learned
  • Building Teams
  • Work-Life Balance

Startup Events by Area

Find startup events near you

Nottingham → Mansfield → Chesterfield → Derby →

Upcoming Startup Events

No upcoming startup events scheduled yet. View all events or join our community to be notified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have a startup to attend?

Not at all! Many attendees are exploring ideas, considering entrepreneurship, or simply curious about the startup world. You don't need a business plan or a pitch deck—just an interest in how businesses are built.

Are these events about getting investment?

No. While some speakers may discuss their fundraising experiences, our events aren't investor pitches or networking for funding. We focus on the human side of building businesses—the stories, challenges, and lessons learned.

I'm employed but thinking about starting something—is that okay?

Absolutely! Many successful founders started their businesses while employed. Our events are a great way to learn from others' experiences and connect with the entrepreneurial community before (or while) making your own move.

Will there be opportunities to get feedback on my idea?

These are primarily talks rather than feedback sessions, but the informal networking before and after is perfect for bouncing ideas around with other attendees. Many valuable connections and conversations happen over a drink after the main event.

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Join our community to get notified about upcoming startup events in the East Midlands.

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