Title: Engineers To Founders (ETF) Hangout
Date and Location: August 31, 2024, at SAO Cafe, 4 Chris Efuyemi Onanuga St, off The Providence Street, Lekki Phase I, Lagos
Organizer: ETF Forum, Sponsored by WajuSoft
On a bright and breezy Saturday afternoon, the tech and startup community in Lagos came alive at the much-anticipated Engineers To Founders (ETF) Hangout. Held at the cozy and eclectic SAO Cafe in Lekki Phase I, the event brought together a dynamic mix of engineers, founders, investors, and a few close friends for an afternoon of fun, networking, and insightful exchanges.
Setting the Stage: A Casual Yet Purposeful Gathering
The ETF Hangout wasn’t your typical tech event. It was relaxed, informal, and centered around the idea of creating meaningful connections in a laid-back environment. With about 50 attendees, the event felt more like a gathering of friends than a formal networking event, which made it all the more special.
The audience was a blend of seasoned founders, bright-eyed engineers, and familiar faces from the ETF Community. This diverse group made for some interesting conversations as different perspectives collided in the most productive ways possible.
Kicking Off with a Bang: Games, Laughter, and Camaraderie
The event started on a light-hearted note with an energizing Charades game between the team of organizers and sponsors while waiting for the guests to arrive. Laughter filled the air as participants tried to outguess each other in a lively display of teamwork and creativity. The camaraderie was infectious, setting the tone for what would be a fun and engaging afternoon.
As more guests arrived, they were immediately drawn into the action. The Charades continued, but this time, the audience split into smaller groups of five, turning the cafe into a lively battlefield of wits and gestures. The room buzzed with excitement as each team competed to outdo the other, making the Charades game the highlight of the hangout.
But the fun didn’t stop there. Once the Charades wrapped up, guests moved on to other classic games like Scrabble, WHOT, Monopoly, Jenga, and Ludo. Each game table became a hub of activity, where participants could relax, have fun, and—most importantly—connect with one another.
Networking in Full Swing: Conversations That Matter
While the games provided a perfect icebreaker, the real magic happened during the networking sessions. Engineers mingled with founders, exchanging ideas, discussing challenges, and even brainstorming potential collaborations. The casual atmosphere made it easy for even the shyest participants to jump into conversations, turning what could have been a stiff networking session into an organic and engaging experience.
The paparazzi were out in full force too, capturing candid moments and interview sessions with attendees. These snapshots of the event not only documented the day’s happenings but also gave everyone a chance to shine in front of the camera.
The Atmosphere: Fun, Engaging, and Impactful
The vibe at the ETF Hangout was nothing short of electric. There was a sense of camaraderie in the air, as everyone seemed genuinely interested in connecting, learning, and sharing their experiences. The atmosphere was fun and engaging, with laughter echoing through the cafe and animated discussions happening at every corner.
Everyone was involved, from the seasoned founders to the engineers just starting out. The interactive nature of the event ensured that no one was left out, and by the end of the day, it felt like everyone had made a new connection or learned something valuable.
Key Takeaways: Building Bridges in the Startup Ecosystem
One of the standout takeaways from the event was the opportunity it provided for engineers and aspiring founders to meet, learn from, and connect with established founders. These interactions are crucial in fostering a thriving startup ecosystem, not just in Lagos but across Nigeria and Africa as a whole. The ETF Hangout proved that when people come together in a relaxed setting, great ideas can flow, and meaningful connections can be made.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for ETF?
The success of the August edition of the ETF Hangout has set the stage for even bigger and better events in the future. Plans for the next hangout in September are already in motion, and if this past event was anything to go by, it’s going to be another must-attend gathering for anyone in the startup community.
But that’s not all. This week is packed with more activities from ETF, including a Practice Pitch Session [Sign Up Here] with VCs on Wednesday, September 4th at 6PM WAT (8PM EAT) and a Product Feedback Session [Register Here] on Friday, September 6th at 6PM WAT (8PM EAT). These events promise to build on the momentum generated by the hangout, offering even more opportunities for learning, networking, and growth.
Capturing the Moments: Photos, Videos, and Social Media Buzz
For those who missed out or just want to relive the fun, be sure to check out the photos and videos from the event. ETF’s Instagram page (@ETF_Community) is buzzing with highlights, showcasing the best moments from the hangout. From the intense Charades face-offs to the casual networking chats, every moment was captured, making it easy for everyone to share in the experience.
Personal Reflections: A Day Well Spent
Reflecting on the day, it’s clear that the ETF Hangout was more than just an event—it was an experience. The food and drinks were top-notch, with the pizza being a particular crowd favorite. If the delicious spread was any indication, it’s safe to say that attendees will be eagerly anticipating the next hangout.
Conclusion: A Step Forward for the Startup Community
In summary, the ETF Hangout was a resounding success, bringing together a vibrant community of engineers, founders, and investors in a setting that was both fun and impactful. It’s events like these that help to strengthen the bonds within the startup ecosystem, fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth.
As we look forward to the next edition, there’s no doubt that the ETF Hangout will continue to be a key event for anyone looking to connect, learn, and grow in the startup space. If you haven’t yet attended an ETF event, now is the perfect time to get involved. Join the community, follow the action on social media, and don’t miss out on what’s coming next. The future of the startup ecosystem is bright, and it’s gatherings like these that will light the way forward.
SEE ALSO: Nigeria’s Tech Initiatives for 2024: Paving the Way for Digital Transformation
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ABOUT ETF COMMUNITY
The Engineers to Founders (ETF) Community is a dynamic platform designed to support engineers and tech professionals in their journey toward becoming successful entrepreneurs. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer, an aspiring founder, or someone simply looking to turn innovative ideas into reality, the ETF Community is here to provide resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
At ETF, we believe that the next wave of groundbreaking startups will be founded by those who understand both engineering and business. Through curated events, training programs, and an active online community, members are empowered to take their technical skills and apply them to solving real-world problems.
Why Join ETF?
- Connect with like-minded engineers and entrepreneurs.
- Learn from industry leaders, founders, and venture capitalists.
- Grow your startup with the help of experienced mentors and resources.
Join the ETF Community today and be part of a network that transforms engineers into successful founders.
