The Startup Morning Club

The Startup Morning Club is a weekly community for founders and future founders to get clarity, mentorship, and funding pathways — while starting the day with social pickleball.

If you’re building something new (or want to leave corporate but don’t know what business to start), this is your space.

Every Thursday. 9 AM - 11 AM. Serangoon

Join

No membership fees.
The Startup Morning Club is free to join — you only pay entry fees when you attend events.

What happens on Thursdays

  • Social Pickleball

    We start with pickleball because:

    - Pickleball is the quickest, most inclusive way to get everyone moving and engaged

    - Simple rules and a short learning curve make it easy for beginners to join in confidently

    - Small court size and doubles format encourage conversation and connection

    - Ideal for networking and team-building because it promotes interaction naturally

    - Low-impact physical activity raises energy and focus without exhausting participants

  • Sharing Session (Real progress, not just talk)

    Expect structured formats like:

    - Founder Hotseats (get feedback on your idea / pitch / go-to-market)

    - Lightning Pitches (60–90 seconds to share what you’re building)

    - Mentor Clinics (small-group Q&A with experienced operators)

    - Idea Lab (turn a vague concept into a clear next step)

    - You’ll leave with clarity, momentum, and one action to execute before next Thursday.

Who it’s for

Future Founders (Exploring)

You want to start something, but you’re still figuring out the right business idea.

Founders (Building)

You’re already working on a startup and want sharper strategy, traction, partnerships, or hiring support.

Mentors & Backers

You’re an operator, founder, or investor who wants to give back, meet talent early, and support the next wave.

What you get

✅ Weekly idea and execution support
Turn messy thoughts into a focused plan.

✅ Mentoring access
Learn from people who have built companies, scaled teams, and launched products.

✅ Funding pathways
Get introduced to the right backers and learn what to prepare — with opportunities to pitch.

✅ Business ideas for corporate leavers
Not sure what to start? We share vetted, practical business concepts and help you validate quickly.

✅ A high-calibre community
Meet builders who show up consistently — and actually execute.

Origin Story.

I started The Startup Morning Club because I noticed something simple. A lot of capable people want to build something of their own, but it is hard to do it alone.

In Singapore, many people have ideas but no steady place to talk them through, test them, and take action. Some networking events feel forced. Online groups can be helpful, but the energy fades. After work, most of us are tired, and it is easy to push the dream to next week.

So I chose the morning.

I wanted a weekly routine that feels light, welcoming, and useful. I picked Thursday mornings because it is a good reset point in the week. I chose pickleball because it helps people relax and connect quickly. You can meet people naturally, and you do not need to be experienced to join.

After we play, we sit down for a sharing session. People share what they are building, what they are stuck on, and what they need next. The goal is simple. Leave with clarity and one action to take before the next session.

That is how The Startup Morning Club began. I am building it slowly, with care, and with the hope that it becomes a small corner of the week where founders and future founders feel supported.

Darren Teo, founder

Join The Startup Morning Club

You’ll be asked what you’re building or exploring — and what support you’re looking for.

FAQ

  • It’s for founders and future founders who want to build or validate a business idea, plus mentors/operators/backers who want to support early-stage builders. If you’re leaving corporate and don’t know what business to pursue, you’ll fit right in.

  • Each session is split into two parts:

    • Social Pickleball (rotating games) to meet people naturally

    • Structured Sharing (hotseats, lightning pitches, mentor clinic, or idea lab) so you leave with a clear next step

  • Not at all. The pickleball portion is social and beginner-friendly, with rotations designed to help people mix and connect. If you’re new, we’ll guide you.

  • It’s a builder community, not a hard-selling networking event. You can share what you’re working on and ask for help, but we keep the culture give-first and no spammy pitching.

  • Register via our form below. Then just come in your sports attire, bring your paddle (we will provide if you do not have one) and an open mind. If you have a business idea, you can also bring a one-liner + your biggest question—we’ll help you sharpen it.

  • No — there are no membership fees. You only pay the entry fee for events you attend.

Founding Members

Help shape the first wave of The Startup Morning Club.

We’re opening a limited number of Founding Member spots for the builders who will set the culture from Day 1.

Learn more

The Founding Members of Startup Morning Club

Adrian Teo is the Sports Manager at Play! Pickle. He oversees day-to-day operations across sessions and events, making sure everything runs smoothly for players of all levels. Friendly, steady, and highly organised, he brings a calm structure to every court, so the community can focus on having fun and improving.

Sports Manager

Adrian Teo

Clara Ong

Clara Ong is a professional dancer whose style was shaped by her time training in Korea before she brought her craft back to Singapore. Her movement is known for clean and precise lines.

Professional Dancer

Alexis Wee

Darren is the CEO of Play! Pickle, a provider of pickleball experiences in Singapore, with 16 courts across the island. Play! Pickle is known for organising lifestyle sports events and corporate team-bonding sessions.

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