📍 Venue: SISTER – Renold Building, 32a Altrincham Street, Manchester, M1 7JR
In today’s global economy, founders who think beyond borders unlock new markets, collaborations and pathways to scale. This event brings together entrepreneurs, ecosystem builders and international partners to explore how cross-border relationships can drive innovation and growth. We’ll discuss the realities of expanding internationally, the support available to help founders enter new markets and the partnerships that can accelerate global ambitions.
In the spirit of Dry January, all drinks served at this event will be non-alcoholic, so you can focus on connecting, learning and kickstarting your health goals for the year.
In partnership with digitalThursday
digitalThursday is Manchester's networking event that brings together professionals, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads across the digital, creative, fintech, and technology sectors to share best practices, build connections, and support the thriving tech scene.
This event is sponsored by Novabook
Novabook is the accountant for startups. Founded by entrepreneurs, Novabook has grown a tech platform serving 12 million users, combining financial expertise with scalable technology to help startups grow.
Bring your sales questions to our partner experts from Sales Geek Manchester and get practical advice on all things sales.
Topics will include:
- Investor & customer pitches
- Positioning and pricing your offer
- Getting prospects to respond
- Defining your USP and standing out
- Securing commitment
- Sales process basics
Whether you’re looking to refine your pitch, win more customers, or build a stronger sales process, this is your chance to get expert guidance and actionable tips.
Please note: Each slot is 10–15 minutes and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re interested, kindly collect a ticket at the registration desk.
Get Pitched: A Game of Serendipitous Solutions is taking over the Café for a teams edition.
Get ready for fast-paced game full of determination, wit and ingenuity.
You play as a startup company, who is tasked with delivering a solution to a current societal challenge to an investor.
You will be a set of randomised variables:
- The Problem
- A Technology
- An Industry Focus
- A Resource
You must strategise a serendipituous solution on the spot and convince your investor and the room to #makeithappen.
Start 2026 with purpose! Take a moment to reflect, set your goals, and write a letter to your future self that you’ll open in January 2027.
This workshop is a unique opportunity to:
- Reflect on your personal and professional goals
- Set meaningful intentions for the year ahead
- Track your growth and celebrate your progress in 12 months
- Connect with like-minded professionals in a supportive space
Don’t miss this chance to make 2026 your most goal-focused year yet, starting with a letter to your future self.
Step into a space where every conversation could spark something new. Enjoy music, refreshments, and a lively atmosphere designed to bring people together, whether you’re exchanging ideas, discovering collaborators, or simply sharing a laugh. This is the perfect moment to unwind, connect, and let serendipity guide your evening.
Andrew, Director of Venture Café Manchester, kicks off the New Year with a welcome, highlighting the importance of partnerships and sharing insights into VCM’s upcoming collaborative initiatives.
Harpreet Kaur, Programme Manager, will emphasise why internationalisation is vital for Venture Café as a global organisation, and how it supports the growth and global ambitions of the Manchester entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Manchester-based founders are increasingly looking beyond the UK to unlock new markets, partnerships, and opportunities for growth.
This panel brings together international founders and global ecosystem experts to explore how Manchester-based entrepreneurs can build and navigate networks across borders.
Together, the panellists will unpack the trends, challenges, and opportunities in curating international relationships, and discuss how founders can leverage these networks to scale, while navigating cultural sensitivities, market entry strategies, and potential pitfalls.
The session will also include an interactive Q&A, giving you the chance to ask experts practical questions about expanding their networks globally.
W/Youth is shifting power to young people, building a city with and for them. Manchester is the UK’s fastest-growing city economy - yet over 40% of young people live in poverty.
Our youth-powered consultancy helps businesses and public sector organisations co-create solutions with young people. Every pound earned is reinvested into youth services, paying young contributors a Living Wage and supporting their development. We’re on a mission to reinvest £1 million from Manchester’s economy directly into young people by 2026.
Join us on February 19th, 2026 at Manchester Museum for our launch event - an evening of connection, innovation, and youth-led problem-solving. You will:
- Hear directly from young people and businesses
- Boost your social impact and create tangible solutions
- Build your network with the future workforce or employers
Ready to spark some real change in Greater Manchester? Don't miss this high-energy day where 50 top businesses meet 100 ambitious young people to co-create the future of work! Link to Sign Up: Powershift
Join ex-pro athlete and sales expert David Mercado from Sales Geek Manchester. This session moves beyond physical endurance to focus on building the mental resilience required for life’s challenges and building a successful business. David will share practical lessons from his journey as an athlete, business owner and sales expert, including:
- Consistency Creates Confidence: Learn why daily, small actions build unstoppable momentum and a resilient identity more effectively than fleeting motivation.
- Control the Controllables: Discover how to direct your finite energy toward purposeful action and preparation, rather than worry, to shape better outcomes.
- Tools for a Resilient Mindset: Acquire a practical toolkit of habits and strategies to reframe setbacks and strengthen your mindset daily.
Leave with actionable strategies to build resilience as a repeatable skill, proving it’s a trait developed through practice, not innate talent.
📍 Venue: SISTER – Renold Building, 32a Altrincham Street, Manchester, M1 7JR
In today’s global economy, founders who think beyond borders unlock new markets, collaborations and pathways to scale. This event brings together entrepreneurs, ecosystem builders and international partners to explore how cross-border relationships can drive innovation and growth. We’ll discuss the realities of expanding internationally, the support available to help founders enter new markets and the partnerships that can accelerate global ambitions.
In the spirit of Dry January, all drinks served at this event will be non-alcoholic, so you can focus on connecting, learning and kickstarting your health goals for the year.
In partnership with digitalThursday
digitalThursday is Manchester's networking event that brings together professionals, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads across the digital, creative, fintech, and technology sectors to share best practices, build connections, and support the thriving tech scene.
This event is sponsored by Novabook
Novabook is the accountant for startups. Founded by entrepreneurs, Novabook has grown a tech platform serving 12 million users, combining financial expertise with scalable technology to help startups grow.
Bring your sales questions to our partner experts from Sales Geek Manchester and get practical advice on all things sales.
Topics will include:
- Investor & customer pitches
- Positioning and pricing your offer
- Getting prospects to respond
- Defining your USP and standing out
- Securing commitment
- Sales process basics
Whether you’re looking to refine your pitch, win more customers, or build a stronger sales process, this is your chance to get expert guidance and actionable tips.
Please note: Each slot is 10–15 minutes and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re interested, kindly collect a ticket at the registration desk.
Get Pitched: A Game of Serendipitous Solutions is taking over the Café for a teams edition.
Get ready for fast-paced game full of determination, wit and ingenuity.
You play as a startup company, who is tasked with delivering a solution to a current societal challenge to an investor.
You will be a set of randomised variables:
- The Problem
- A Technology
- An Industry Focus
- A Resource
You must strategise a serendipituous solution on the spot and convince your investor and the room to #makeithappen.
Start 2026 with purpose! Take a moment to reflect, set your goals, and write a letter to your future self that you’ll open in January 2027.
This workshop is a unique opportunity to:
- Reflect on your personal and professional goals
- Set meaningful intentions for the year ahead
- Track your growth and celebrate your progress in 12 months
- Connect with like-minded professionals in a supportive space
Don’t miss this chance to make 2026 your most goal-focused year yet, starting with a letter to your future self.
Step into a space where every conversation could spark something new. Enjoy music, refreshments, and a lively atmosphere designed to bring people together, whether you’re exchanging ideas, discovering collaborators, or simply sharing a laugh. This is the perfect moment to unwind, connect, and let serendipity guide your evening.
Andrew, Director of Venture Café Manchester, kicks off the New Year with a welcome, highlighting the importance of partnerships and sharing insights into VCM’s upcoming collaborative initiatives.
Harpreet Kaur, Programme Manager, will emphasise why internationalisation is vital for Venture Café as a global organisation, and how it supports the growth and global ambitions of the Manchester entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Manchester-based founders are increasingly looking beyond the UK to unlock new markets, partnerships, and opportunities for growth.
This panel brings together international founders and global ecosystem experts to explore how Manchester-based entrepreneurs can build and navigate networks across borders.
Together, the panellists will unpack the trends, challenges, and opportunities in curating international relationships, and discuss how founders can leverage these networks to scale, while navigating cultural sensitivities, market entry strategies, and potential pitfalls.
The session will also include an interactive Q&A, giving you the chance to ask experts practical questions about expanding their networks globally.
W/Youth is shifting power to young people, building a city with and for them. Manchester is the UK’s fastest-growing city economy - yet over 40% of young people live in poverty.
Our youth-powered consultancy helps businesses and public sector organisations co-create solutions with young people. Every pound earned is reinvested into youth services, paying young contributors a Living Wage and supporting their development. We’re on a mission to reinvest £1 million from Manchester’s economy directly into young people by 2026.
Join us on February 19th, 2026 at Manchester Museum for our launch event - an evening of connection, innovation, and youth-led problem-solving. You will:
- Hear directly from young people and businesses
- Boost your social impact and create tangible solutions
- Build your network with the future workforce or employers
Ready to spark some real change in Greater Manchester? Don't miss this high-energy day where 50 top businesses meet 100 ambitious young people to co-create the future of work! Link to Sign Up: Powershift
Join ex-pro athlete and sales expert David Mercado from Sales Geek Manchester. This session moves beyond physical endurance to focus on building the mental resilience required for life’s challenges and building a successful business. David will share practical lessons from his journey as an athlete, business owner and sales expert, including:
- Consistency Creates Confidence: Learn why daily, small actions build unstoppable momentum and a resilient identity more effectively than fleeting motivation.
- Control the Controllables: Discover how to direct your finite energy toward purposeful action and preparation, rather than worry, to shape better outcomes.
- Tools for a Resilient Mindset: Acquire a practical toolkit of habits and strategies to reframe setbacks and strengthen your mindset daily.
Leave with actionable strategies to build resilience as a repeatable skill, proving it’s a trait developed through practice, not innate talent.