Strangers to Friends - Networking Doesn't Have to be Tough

Most startup networking events put you in a room with strangers and a badge on, hoping you'll figure out what to say. This one puts a knife in your hand instead. Strangers to Friends is a new networking experience for people building things in Boston — founders, operators, investors, and others shaping the startup and tech ecosystem. And since we're launching the first one during Tough Tech Week, it seemed like a good time to prove that networking doesn't have to be tough. A small group of us will cook a dish together from start to finish, with some guidance along the way. It’s not a cooking class, and no experience is needed — though you’ll probably pick up a few techniques while you’re at it. Then we sit down, open some wine, and eat what we made. No panels. No pitches. No slides. No awkward standing around wondering who to approach. Everyone has something to do from the moment they walk in, which makes getting to know each other a lot more natural. What to expect: Cook a shared dish together — guided, no experience required Sit down and eat what we made, family-style ~16 people from across Boston’s startup and tech ecosystem Details: Wed, Oct 28, 5:30 PM · VETTii Showroom, 526 Tremont St, Boston $75/seat — ingredients, wine, and fun included Seats are intentionally limited to keep it a table, not a room At sign-up, you’ll answer a quick allergy question, optionally opt in to LinkedIn-based match suggestions, and check off a short waiver (knives and stovetops are involved) — under a minute total Hosted by Marita Genebashvili — who has spent a decade building food businesses and founder communities across two continents, and whose kitchen is where many of her closest friendships in Boston actually started.