The Hook Up Dinner (THUD)

Last night I attended one of the most inspiring and innovative events that I have been to in a while - The Hook Up Dinner. 

THUD is a monthly networking event for entrepreneurs that last night had their function in Maboneng, Johannesburg. THUD is a platform where entrepreneurs from all walks of life can come together to connect and collaborate on new initiatives - Interns and students can engage CEO's and investors without having to learn how to play golf or send 50 emails through a PA who never passes them on.

The self-funded event was very professionally handled, their 5 startup pitchers posed solutions to problems that could not have been handled better, the audience was supportive and constructive, the food was very "foodie" (hipster bamboo plates and carefully chosen snacks) and the key note speaker delivered the most insightful presentation on vision that made me feel like I should immediately get working on my business plans for the future when I get home. 

At one point in the evening, everyone in the crowd was told to split up into groups of 10 - where each member of the group would have one minute to pitch their own ideas to the group and then make the connections they thought to be valuable. As an added bonus the organizers of the event had hidden investors within the crowd who were tasked to scout out good ideas that they believe have potential - the fact that they remain anonymous, encourages participants to interact with everyone on the same level of respect and interest that you would anyone else.

What I loved most about this event is that no one was seen as better than anyone else, and no ideas were bad ideas so long as you had the passion and determination to make them work - and there was definitely no shortage of passion. The startup culture in South Africa is thriving and ever growing, and it's events like this that nurture its very essence. Encouraging growth and rewarding capability - the winners of the pitching rounds went on to receive a unique prize to help them on their venture.

So I can tell you with confidence and pride, that if you want to get involved or even just take a look at whats happening around you - then this is the place for you. If you are looking for inspiration on your latest venture - then this is the place for you. If you are looking for support or advice - then this is the place for you. If you are looking to have a great night out with some incredible like-minded individuals, then this, is the place for you.

I still cant seem to get over the atmosphere that enshrouded every inch of the main-exchange in Maboneng last night... Everyone was there for the same reason, and everyone there, even if they did not (yet) have a company or idea of their own, were entrepreneurs.

Hopefully I will see you there next month.

Every first Friday of the month, RSVP via the website below in your respective city. Cost is only R80 which you pay on the night and it goes towards funding the event and your dinner for the evening. You can also apply to be one of the startups that pitch on the event night by posting your pitch on YouTube and following the instructions on the link below.