There’s no denying that life as a start-up entrepreneur is tough. Long hours, endless worry and sleepless nights are just a snippet of what’s ahead in your quest to create the next big thing.

But life shouldn’t always be this hard and the quote ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’ rings true in the world of start-ups and business growth, (although what you know matters a lot too – having friends in high places will only get you so far).

So, how can you increase your chances of meeting the right people in this highly competitive world of start-ups?

Luckily there’s a huge number of meet ups for entrepreneurs in London, so you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding where to meet like-minded people for some evening bevvies.

Our mobile app developers are used to giving advice to startups and know the importance of networking. We’ve put together their favourite London meet-ups to ensure you know exactly where to go and when, in order to get your fellow entrepreneur fix – and free beer.

Silicon Drinkabout London

Next meet up: 17/06/16

Time: 6pm

Venue: Electricity Showrooms, Hoxton Square

Taking place every Friday evening at different venues, Silicon Drinkabout is a great event for you to unwind after work with drinks whilst pretending to be ‘networking’.

It is hosted by 3 Beards, a company who run events primarily for start-ups and techies. This is where to go when you want to meet like-minded people and return home with the realisation that you are not alone in this crazy start-up world.

Silicon Drinkabout is a great place to start networking and meet potential co-founders in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Don’t Pitch Me Bro!

Next meet up: 28/7/16

Time: 6pm

Venue: Albert House, Islington

Don’t Pitch Me Bro is the event to go to if you want market validation without having to fully build out your product.

Their mantra is ‘get the feedback your product deserves, not the feedback your pitch earns’. The meet up is designed to get to the ‘nitty gritty of business…to help you ascertain where the next step may lie’.

The idea is you pitch (but ‘don’t pitch’) your idea in front of a group of entrepreneurs and receive helpful advice and comments. Attend this event if you want to get honest but constructive feedback on your product in a social and relaxed environment.

Our app designers Elliott and James attended the last one and said there were free burritos and beer, need I say more?

It’s the same team behind Silicon Drinkabout, so the atmosphere is similar, although the events are less regular. It’s hosted every month and the next one is Thursday July 28^th.

London Ruby User Group

Next meet up: 13/6/16

Time: 6pm

Venue: CodeNode

A meet up to see various speakers talking about different aspects of running a business. The next event has talks on managing information overload and a beginner’s guide to passwords.

Whilst this may not sound overly enthralling, it is free and there’s a pub trip afterwards.

Google Campus

Next meet up: 13/6/16 (for new members)

Time: 8.30am

Venue: Google Campus Café

Google Campus is a space for entrepreneurs to ‘learn, connect and build companies that will change the world’. It’s free to become a member of Google Campus and you will join a huge community of founders, entrepreneurs and start-ups.

If you’re serious about getting your start-up ready to go, Google Campus events are the ones to look out for. Their events seek to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and larger corporations, so you could even meet your next investor or cofounder.

There’s casual meet ups, talks from premier speakers including successful entrepreneurs and inspiring industry leaders, and mentoring sessions including marketing and brand awareness.

This is just one meet up out of many, so have a look on the website and you’re sure to find one to suit you.