Founders & Friends
Cleveland Vibes
Thu, Jul 23
 at 6:30 PM - 9:45 PM
Details
FOUNDERS OF THE LAND: Summer Rooftop Edition
Thursday, July 23 | 6:30 PM
đź“Ť Rooftop at Shooters on the Water
A night where relationships begin, partnerships form, and Cleveland’s next big ideas get their start.
Founders & Friends is a private, curated gathering of founders, business owners, investors, operators, creators, and community leaders designed to bring together the people building the future of Northeast Ohio.
This special summer edition is co-hosted by Cleveland Vibes, and Lay of The Land.
Bringing together the Cleveland Vibes community and the extensive founder network cultivated through Lay of The Land, this event is designed to create meaningful introductions, authentic conversations, and opportunities that extend far beyond a single evening.
Featured Speakers & Founder Toasts
Hear from an inspiring lineup of local leaders through a series of fast-paced 3-minute founder spotlights:
Franco Kraiselburd — Asclepii
Alec Shankman — Heartrock
Nzinga Young — influencer
Doug Katz — Chef + Restaurateur
Riley Moodry — Riley Cakes
What to Expect
- Curated networking with up to 400 founders, entrepreneurs, and business leaders
- Founder spotlights and inspiring 3-minute toasts
- Meaningful conversations that lead to partnerships, investments, hires, and friendships
- Curated gift bags featuring local brands
- Lite bites included with admission
- Cash bar available throughout the evening
- Beautiful rooftop views overlooking the Cuyahoga River
- A welcoming, high-energy atmosphere designed for genuine connection
Who Should Attend
- Founders and business owners
- Startup operators and innovators
- Investors and advisors
- Creatives and marketers
- Community builders and connectors
- Professionals looking to expand their network and impact
This isn't a traditional networking event. No awkward sales pitches. No endless panels. Just great people, meaningful conversations, and a room full of individuals who believe in building something bigger than themselves.
Whether you're launching your first company, scaling your next venture, investing in entrepreneurs, or simply looking to meet the people shaping Cleveland's future, Founders & Friends is where those conversations begin.
Attendance is limited and registration is required. Join us on July 23 as Cleveland's builders, dreamers, and doers gather for one unforgettable summer evening.
Policy
Policies & Disclaimers
Age Requirement
All attendees must be 21 years of age or older and present a valid government-issued photo ID for entry. No exceptions.
Ticket Sales
All ticket sales are final. No refunds, exchanges, transfers, or credits will be issued unless the event is canceled by the organizers.
Event Admission
Admission is subject to venue capacity and compliance with all event policies. Event organizers reserve the right to refuse entry or remove any attendee for disruptive, unsafe, inappropriate, or unlawful behavior without refund.
Food & Beverage
Lite bites will be provided while supplies last. A cash bar will be available throughout the event. Attendees are expected to consume alcohol responsibly.
Assumption of Risk
By attending Founders & Friends, guests voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation in the event, including but not limited to travel to and from the venue, interactions with other attendees, food and beverage consumption, weather conditions, and use of the rooftop event space.
Weather Policy
Founders & Friends is a rain-or-shine event. Event organizers reserve the right to modify event programming, relocate portions of the event, delay activities, or cancel the event if conditions are deemed unsafe.
Photography & Media Release
By attending the event, attendees grant Cleveland Vibes, Lay of The Land, event partners, sponsors, and their respective representatives the right to photograph, film, record, and use their likeness, image, voice, and appearance in promotional, marketing, editorial, and commercial materials in any media format without compensation or additional consent.
Networking Disclaimer
Founders & Friends is intended to facilitate networking and relationship-building opportunities. Event organizers do not guarantee business opportunities, investments, partnerships, employment, sales, introductions, or outcomes resulting from attendance.
Liability Waiver
To the fullest extent permitted by law, attendees release and hold harmless Cleveland Vibes, Lay of The Land, Shooters on the Water, event sponsors, partners, speakers, vendors, and their respective owners, officers, employees, contractors, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses arising out of or related to participation in the event.
Event Modifications
Speakers, programming, schedule, venue logistics, food and beverage offerings, and other event details are subject to change without notice.
Agreement
By purchasing a ticket and attending Founders & Friends, attendees acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to these policies and disclaimers.