Reframe Venture Breakfast: Where Did DEI Go?
- Date
- 2026-04-09
- Location
- London, England, United Kingdom
- Host
- Personal
About this event
The conversation around DEI has shifted fast. What was recently a central part of how many firms, founders, and operators talked about talent, decision-making, and company building now feels more cautious, more politicized, and in some circles, noticeably quieter. This breakfast is a space to talk plainly about that change with people in venture and the startup ecosystem who are paying attention and want a sharper read on what is actually happening. About the Event Reframe Venture Breakfast: Where Did DEI Go? is an in-person morning gathering in London for candid discussion, thoughtful networking, and practical perspective. The focus is not abstract debate for its own sake; it is a grounded conversation about how the language, priorities, and visibility of DEI have evolved across venture, startups, and adjacent communities. Expect a room of people who care about how ecosystems are built, who gets backed, who gets hired, who stays, and how priorities change when markets tighten or public narratives shift. The breakfast format creates a more conversational setting than a stage-heavy evening event, making it easier to exchange views, compare experiences, and ask better questions. This event sits at the intersection of community, networking, and serious industry reflection. If you have noticed the tone changing around inclusion work, representation, hiring, or founder support, this is a chance to discuss that change in a way that is direct, useful, and informed by the people in the room. What to Expect The morning will likely begin with arrival, coffee, and informal introductions, giving attendees time to settle in and get a sense of who is in the room. Breakfast events work well because they attract people who are there with intent; conversations tend to be focused, open, and less performative than larger, busier meetups. From there, expect a structured discussion centered on the core question in the title: where did DEI go? That question can open up several practical lines of conversation, including: Whether DEI work has genuinely lost momentum or simply changed language How venture firms and startup leaders are talking about inclusion now versus a few years ago What founders, investors, and operators are seeing on the ground The gap between public positioning and internal practice What still matters, even when the label itself becomes contested There should also be space for peer exchange rather than one-way listening. You may find yourself comparing notes with investors, operators, founders, community builders, or others working close to company formation and growth. That mix matters: the most useful conversations on this topic often happen when people from different roles test assumptions against each other. Because this is framed as a breakfast rather than a formal conference session, expect a more intimate and conversational pace. Come ready not just to listen, but to contribute: a sharp observation, a challenging question, or a real example from your own work will add far more than generic agreement. Why Attend If you work in venture or startups, this topic has practical consequences. DEI is not only a communications issue; it affects who gets visibility, who receives opportunities, how teams are built, and how firms define merit, risk, and potential. When the framing shifts, the outcomes can shift with it. Attending gives you a chance to get beyond headlines and social-media shorthand. You will hear how others are interpreting the current moment, what patterns they are noticing, and where there may be real changes versus cosmetic rebranding. That kind of clarity is valuable whether you are making hiring decisions, backing founders, building community, or trying to understand the direction of the ecosystem. You should also expect strong networking value, but in a way that is tied to substance. Shared discussion creates better connections than generic mingling. When people gather around a live question that matters to their work, conversations become more honest, memorable, and relevant. You may leave with: A clearer sense of how peers are thinking about DEI right now Better language for discussing the topic in nuanced, credible ways Fresh perspective on what has changed and what has simply gone quieter New connections with people who care about building a more thoughtful venture ecosystem More confidence in navigating difficult or politically charged conversations in your own circles Practical Details This is an in-person event in London, United Kingdom, which means the value comes not only from the topic but from being physically in the room with others who want a serious conversation before the workday fully begins. If you are London-based or already moving through the city for startup, venture, or community events, the breakfast timing makes it easy to fit into your day. The event takes place on Thursday, April 9 at 8:30 AM GMT+1. Morning events tend to reward punctuality, so plan to arrive on time and ready to engage early. The best networking often happens in the first conversations, before the main discussion gets underway. As with most discussion-led meetups, it is worth coming prepared with a point of view. You do not need a polished argument, but it helps to reflect in advance on what you have observed: shifts in language, priorities, hiring, founder support, or institutional commitment. Specific examples and thoughtful questions will make your experience, and everyone else's, much stronger. If this topic has been sitting in the back of your mind, this is a good setting to bring it into the open. Not as a slogan, not as a performance, but as a real conversation with people who understand the stakes.
Who should attend
This is for you if you want a more honest, better-informed conversation about how DEI is showing up, disappearing, or being reframed across venture and startups. - You work in **venture capital** and want to compare notes with peers on how inclusion, representation, and sourcing conversations have shifted in practice. - You are a **founder** navigating fundraising, hiring, team culture, or ecosystem access, and you have seen the gap between what people say publicly and what happens behind the scenes. - You are an **operator** at a startup or fund and want sharper language and stronger context for discussing DEI-related questions internally. - You help build **communities, networks, or founder support programs** and want to understand what this moment means for participation, access, and trust. - You are someone who values **substance over slogans** and would rather have a thoughtful breakfast conversation than a vague panel or surface-level networking event. - You are based in or around **London** and want to meet people who care about how the venture ecosystem is evolving, not just who is getting attention in it.