We are ready to launch the first ever event with Startup Grind,  the largest independent startup community, actively educating, inspiring, and connecting 1,000,000 entrepreneurs in over 200 cities. We nurture startup ecosystems in 85 countries through events, media, and partnerships with organizations like Google for Entrepreneurs. 

The cornerstone of our global community are monthly events featuring successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share lessons learned on the road to building great companies. Founded in Silicon Valley, Startup Grind has now hosted 5,000 fireside chats since its founding in 2010. To date, Startup Grind has helped millions of entrepreneurs find mentorship, connect to partners and hires, pursue funding, and reach new users. 

On our first Fireside Chat we will be joined by Mike & James Balfour on Thursday 16th March at 6.30 pm. 

Mike Balfour bought a bankrupt squash club in 1992 and transformed it into the world’s largest chain of fitness clubs. With Mike as CEO, Fitness First had 550 clubs in 21 Countries across the world, with 1.5 million members and 20,000 employees.

James began his career in investment banking before leaving to fulfil his dream of climbing Mount Everest in 2008. James has since climbed the highest mountain on 5 of the 7 continents and trekked to the South Pole. 

James co-founded Jatomi fitness building it to 70 clubs across 7 countries, before returning to London to co-found 1Rebel. 1Rebel was recently anointed "King of Gyms" by GQ magazine and has taken the boutique fitness market by storm. In addition James has teamed up with Bear Grylls to launch Bear Grylls Fitness, an innovative obstacle course training zone with multiple locations around the UK. 

Fitness First was floated on AIM in 1996 at a valuation of £14 million and went on raise funds a further five times. The company was sold to private equity in 2005 for £835 million.

The recently inaugurated Supernatural at the new World Trade Centre http://www.worldtradecenter.gi will be the venue of choice. State of the art facilities, co-working space, new businesses and a thriving location are the perfect backdrop for the Startup Grind launch.

Our food and drink will be provided by the uber healthy, trendy Supernatural. A UK based brand just arrived in town with a selection of concious cocktails, smoothies and balanced menu. They are fast becoming a popular hot spot with the super dynamic Amara  Perez Almodovar fronting the team and founder Dan Thomson the ultimate young, successful entrepreneur.

Save the date for Thursday 16th March starting at 6.30 pm an evening of joining friends, helping each other and creating something together is in store.