Founders and Friends

Founders & Friends is a networking social designed to connect and inspire the Cleveland business community.

What is Founders & Friends?

A night where relationships begin, partnerships form, and Cleveland’s next big ideas get their start.

Founders & Friends is a curated networking event designed to bring together some of Cleveland’s top founders, innovators, and business leaders for an evening of meaningful connection.

This event gives attendees rare access to high-impact entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of Cleveland - providing opportunities to meet, learn from, and spark collaborations with the people building the city’s most exciting companies.

What to Expect

• Meet & network with top Cleveland founders
• Founder spotlights & inspiring 3-minute toasts
• Real conversations that lead to real opportunities
• Curated gift bags featuring local brands
• Elevated social experience & welcoming atmosphere

Who Should Attend

• Founders & business owners
• Startup operators & innovative thinkers
• Investors & advisors
• Creatives, community builders, and partners supporting entrepreneurship

🪩 Bobby Rutter founder of FHG (@thefarmcle , @johnboycle )
✨ Callie Yad founder of @calliespilates
🍯 Brent Wesley founder of @akronhoney
📈 Jeffrey Stern founder of @layofthelandpodcast and Axuall
🔥 Breeonne Reed founder of @thesalon2you
💻Hanna Kassis founder of Babylon Asset Management and @whistle.cle
🎨 Otelia + Ariel Vergez founders of @vergezinc
🤝 Craig Myeroff founder of Myeroff Wealth Management
🧠Maclin Bilski founder of Mind LLC
👜 Aimon Ali founder of @the_fashiontalks
☕️ Emilie + Erin Stack founders of @emiliescoffeeandwine
🥂 Jacob Holland founder of @gordongreenevents