Networking events can be a great way for startup founders, investors, and professionals to connect and build valuable relationships. However, breaking the ice and starting conversations with new people can sometimes be challenging. Icebreaker questions are a perfect way to kick start a conversation and get the networking flowing. Here is a list of 50 icebreaker questions that you can use at startup networking events:
Get to Know You Questions:
- What brought you to this networking event today?
- What is it that you do and what inspired you to pursue this career?
- What’s something interesting that not many people know about you?
- Where did you grow up, and what brought you to [current city]?
- What’s your favorite book, movie, or TV show?
Startup & Business Questions:
- What inspired you to start your own startup/business?
- What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a founder/entrepreneur?
- What are you currently working on that excites you the most?
- How do you define success for your startup/business?
- What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far in your entrepreneurial journey?
Personal Development & Hobby Questions:
- What’s a skill you’d like to learn or improve on in the next year?
- How do you like to spend your free time outside of work?
- What’s a hobby or interest you have that’s completely unrelated to your work?
- Have you picked up any new hobbies or activities during the pandemic?
- What’s a goal you’ve set for yourself recently, personal or professional?
Fun & Random Questions:
- If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
- What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
- If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
- What’s the last TV show you binge-watched?
- What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Be mindful of, the goal of these icebreaker questions is to spark interesting and engaging conversations that will help you build meaningful connections with fellow attendees. Feel free to customize and tailor these questions to suit the tone and atmosphere of the networking event. Have fun networking and making new connections!