Demo-Teas at NOVA: Connection over a cuppa

Sometimes the best ideas don't come from a boardroom or a business plan but from a simple chat over a cup of tea.

That's the thinking behind NOVA's Demo-Teas, our monthly morning tea bringing together SRI Founders, NOVA Members and Residents for a relaxed catch-up that we’ve started to help foster a sense of connection and community.

Once a month, the NOVA community comes together to step away from their desks, grab a cuppa and spend some time with the people around them. Attendees are invited to give a short presentation or demonstration — a "demo-tea" — sharing who they are, what they do and what inspires them. There's no pressure, no formal agenda and no PowerPoint required. Just come as you are and share your story.

NOVA kicked off the series in January, with the first Demo-Tea drawing a great mix of Founders, Members and Residents. The February and March events followed with the same welcoming energy, and already a sense of the Demo-Teas becoming a regular event that everyone looks forward to.

With roughly 10 to 15 people gathering each month, the Demo-Teas have quickly become one of those events that feels bigger than its size. The best part is, the vibe feels very genuine and not at all like a forced networking event… coupled with the delicious morning tea spread, the conversations flow.

To make sure as many people as possible can attend, Demo-Teas are held on alternating days each month. Because working with founders and freelancers, part-time students and remote professionals, we totally get how important flexibility is for the modern worker.

And that's perhaps what makes these gatherings so valuable. For many in the NOVA community, whether they're working remotely, running their own business or deep in the early stages of a startup — the day-to-day can be a solo effort. The feedback from attendees has been overwhelming positive: our residents love having a regular, relaxed space to step away from work, connect with others and feel part of a community makes a real difference.

It's a small thing that means a lot. And it's exactly what NOVA is here for.

The Demo-Teas will continue monthly throughout the year. If you're an SRI Founder, NOVA Member or NOVA Residentand haven't joined one yet, we'd love to see you at the next one! Keep an eye on our communications for upcoming dates.