Building a startup can feel like a solo journey, but it does not have to be. Startup Happy Hour brings founders, entrepreneurs, and small business owners together for an evening of conversation, insight, and community.

Join us on Tuesday, March 24 at Tres Hermanas in Davis for a relaxed networking event designed specifically for people who are building companies, testing ideas, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

The evening will feature an Ask Me Anything conversation with Strived.io Founder and CEO, Shweta Gandhi, along with plenty of time to connect with other founders in the region.

A Space Built for Founders

Startup Happy Hour was created to give entrepreneurs a place to connect without the pressure of formal pitches or presentations. It is a space where real conversations happen.

Founders attend to meet peers, exchange ideas, and learn from others who understand the realities of starting and growing a business. Some people come looking for collaborators or mentors, while others simply want to spend time around people who are building something of their own.

If you are an early stage founder, entrepreneur, or small business owner, this event gives you the opportunity to expand your network while gaining new perspectives from others in the startup community.

AMA Guest: Shweta Gandhi, CEO of Strived.io

This month’s featured AMA guest is Shweta Gandhi, Founder and CEO of Strived.io.

Strived.io is an AI powered education technology platform that helps educators and administrators turn complex student data into clear, actionable insights. The platform aggregates academic data into a single system, allowing schools to better understand student performance and make more informed decisions.

Shweta brings more than 15 years of experience working at the intersection of education and technology. During her career she has led large teams at AT&T, helped build a global platform serving users in recruitment and education, and launched a grassroots nonprofit that raised six figures to expand access to learning.

During the AMA conversation, Shweta will share lessons from building and scaling a technology company, navigating difficult founder moments, and staying focused on mission driven innovation. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn directly from her experience.

Great Conversations and Great Food

In addition to the AMA conversation, Startup Happy Hour gives attendees time to meet other founders and entrepreneurs in a casual setting.

Delicious appetizers will be provided during the event, creating a welcoming environment where conversations can flow naturally. Whether you come with a question, a challenge you are working through, or simply curiosity about what others are building, you will find people ready to connect.

Many founders leave the event with new relationships, ideas, and opportunities that continue long after the evening ends.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, March 24
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM PDT
Location: Tres Hermanas, 805 2nd St, Davis, CA 95616

Reserve your spot and join fellow founders for an evening of connection, insight, and community.

Register Now!

Your Hosts

Startup Happy Hour is organized by StartupSac and the Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Both organizations work to support entrepreneurs by creating opportunities for founders to connect, learn, and grow within the Greater Sacramento startup ecosystem.

About This Month’s Sponsor

The Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship serves as a regional hub for accessible entrepreneurial education, community building, and startup support. The Center works to ensure founders of all backgrounds have the tools, connections, and confidence needed to explore ideas and launch businesses.

Through programs, mentorship, and events, the Carlsen Center helps strengthen the Greater Sacramento innovation ecosystem and supports founders as they build impactful companies.

Interested in learning about more events happening in the Greater Sacramento region? Check our event listings!