Why Poker?
Startup Poker 2.0 events are simple: dinner followed by a friendly, low-stakes poker game. Joining the game is always optional and beginners are encouraged to join in.
While Poker 2.0 is our flagship event, Startup Haven is so much more than that and you can read more about our programs for founders below.
But why poker?
More than 400 live poker events over nearly 19 years has proved to be the perfect relationship-building activity for founders and investors. It creates an opportunity to get to know your peers while exercising an essential mental muscle for founders: probabilistic decision-making.
Read about 8 Startup Lessons from Poker from a member.
There’s just something about poker…
Learn more about poker inclusivity
We acknowledge that poker, as well as the tech and startup community, has historically been male-dominated. We believe that neither should be and we are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members and players.
We strongly encourage women, people of color, and individuals from all underrecognized groups to join us at our events. Your presence enriches the experience for everyone and we are dedicated to ensuring that our poker community is diverse, respectful, and inclusive.
Read about why we believe poker is for everyone:
Why Every Startup Founder Should Play Poker
Amazing Sponsors Make it Possible
Our partners will often offer prizes to the winner of poker events to sweeten the pot.
Our event sponsors sometimes offer fun and unique bounty prizes to up the ante.
A law firm sponsor sends a representative to events. They sit with the pictured sign and offer free legal advice to attendees!
“A lot of the members help each other. Things come up and you ask around and, for example, we had a large group of executives coming to visit us from a Japanese conglomerate and they wanted to visit our offices, but I work at home, so I couldn’t host them in my guest bedroom!
