Founders Day - AT SEA
- Date
- 2026-06-03
- Location
- Mandal, Agder, Norway
- Host
- The Foundry
About this event
Founders Day - AT SEA brings the founder community out of the usual room-and-stage setup and into a setting that changes the pace of the conversation. In Mandal, this gathering is designed for people who build things and want sharper discussions, stronger connections, and a few hours that feel genuinely worth showing up for. There is something different about meeting in person when the format is social, open, and grounded in a real place. Instead of rushed introductions and surface-level networking, this event creates space to talk properly, meet people you would actually want to stay in touch with, and spend time with others who understand the realities of starting and growing something. About the Event Founders Day - AT SEA is an in-person community meetup for founders, builders, and people close to the startup world. The focus is on connection first: meeting peers, exchanging perspective, and having the kind of conversations that are often hard to fit into more formal events. The "AT SEA" setting signals that this is not meant to feel stiff or overly programmed. Expect a social, founder-friendly atmosphere where the environment helps people open up, talk honestly, and connect beyond a quick pitch or polished intro. This event sits at the intersection of community, networking, and meetup energy. That means the value is not only in who is attending, but in how the event is structured: less posturing, more real conversation; less passive listening, more active exchange. If you care about meeting ambitious people in a setting that feels human and relaxed, this is exactly the kind of event that can lead to useful relationships, fresh ideas, and unexpected opportunities. What to Expect You should expect a social, conversational format rather than a highly formal conference agenda. The emphasis is on being in the room, meeting people, and making the most of a shared in-person experience in Mandal. A typical flow for an event like this may include: Arrival and informal check-in so people can settle in and start conversations naturally Open networking with founders, operators, and community-minded attendees Casual small-group discussions around what people are building, what they are struggling with, and what they are learning Social time that lets conversations continue without pressure or rigid structure Because the event is community-led in spirit, the best moments are often the unscripted ones. You may find yourself comparing notes on hiring, product direction, fundraising, market timing, or the day-to-day realities of building a company. You may also simply meet people whose approach, experience, or energy makes you think differently. The tone should feel approachable and direct. Come ready to introduce yourself clearly, ask good questions, and stay curious about who else is in the room. This is less about collecting contacts and more about finding people you genuinely want to keep talking to after the event. Why Attend If you are building something, context matters. The right setting can make the difference between a forgettable evening and a conversation that changes your next decision. Founders Day - AT SEA is built around that idea: put the right people together in a setting that makes better interaction more likely. You should attend if you want to: Meet peers in person and build relationships beyond online messages and quick calls Trade honest insight with people who understand founder pressure, uncertainty, and momentum Expand your local and regional network in a way that feels useful, not transactional Get out of your routine and into conversations that can sharpen your thinking Be part of a community that values openness, initiative, and real connection There is also real value in being present without an immediate agenda. Not every important connection starts with a clear objective. Sometimes the most useful outcomes come from a relaxed conversation, a shared challenge, or a chance introduction that would not happen in a more formal environment. For community-minded attendees, this is also a chance to contribute. Showing up with generosity, curiosity, and a willingness to share what you know helps make the event better for everyone in the room. Practical Details Location: In person in Mandal, Norway. This is a physical event, so plan to attend on site and make the most of being present from the start. Date and time: Wednesday, June 3 at 4:00 PM GMT+2. An afternoon start makes this well suited for people who want to transition from the workday into a more social, community-focused setting. Because the event is in person, it is worth arriving with enough time to settle in and start conversations early. The first part of a meetup often offers the easiest opportunity to make introductions before people naturally form smaller groups. A few simple ways to get more out of the event: Come prepared with a short, clear description of what you are working on Think about the kinds of people you would most like to meet Be ready to talk about current opportunities, challenges, and ideas Dress for an in-person social meetup and the local conditions in Mandal Leave room in your schedule so you do not have to rush out right away If you are the kind of person who values real-world connection, candid founder conversation, and a setting with more personality than a standard networking room, Founders Day - AT SEA is a strong reason to be there.
Who should attend
This is for people who want founder-focused conversations in a more relaxed, social setting and who get energy from meeting others in person. - You are a **founder, co-founder, or startup builder** who wants to connect with peers who understand the reality of building something from scratch. - You work closely with startups as an **operator, early team member, advisor, or community builder**, and you want stronger relationships within the ecosystem. - You prefer **real conversation over formal networking** and would rather leave with a few meaningful connections than a long list of shallow introductions. - You are looking to **expand your network in or around Mandal and Norway** through an event that feels grounded, local, and human. - You have something to share, whether that is experience, perspective, lessons learned, or thoughtful questions, and you know good communities work best when people contribute. - You want a midweek event that helps you **step out of your routine**, meet ambitious people, and have the kind of discussions that can lead to future collaboration. If you are curious, open, and willing to introduce yourself, you are likely to feel at home here.