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Startup events are the networking hub of entrepreneurs. It is where information is exchanged; contacts are made and even the foundations of lifelong relationships are laid.

No matter what your think about them, they are quite inescapable. They may just culminate in the signing of your dream deal.

And just like any social event, it has its fair share of usual attendees. These usual suspects are to be found at each event and surely you must have run into most of them. Read on to count how many you’ve come across.

1. The introverted wallflower

This character prefers to keep to him/herself hoping someone would approach them to break the ice. They may be full of bright, innovative ideas, but will never take the first step.

They are usually found in the background sipping onto their coffee, playing out scenarios of perfect conversations in their heads. Mostly newcomers, they are shy and nervous, and are more likely to make friends with an animal (if one were to loiter in) that engage in human interactions.

2. The doe-eyed newbie

This is the doe-eyed beginner who is probably attending his/her first such event. With refreshing passion, they are always eager to lap up at any networking opportunities that flashes their way.

Fresh out of college, or a corporate job, with their ‘big’ idea, they are hungry for any opportunity to show off any insider knowledge they have. They are ever-curious and want to gobble as much information as possible. Like tail-wagging puppies, they follow even the remotest promises of success but their enthusiasm surely lifts the mood of the event.

3. The know-it-all

This person claims to have it all down. ‘Been there, done that’ is their tagline and are always ready with some handy tip to give you from their huge trunk of experience.

They claim to have been part of every kind of venture possible, which may or may not be true. But, no one knows any better, so everyone just goes along. They seem to be all over the place and to know everyone. You are sure to end up with their business card and number by the end of the event and it won’t take you more than three chance meet-ups at such events to be greeted like a lifelong friend.

4. The professional

This is the person who has actually ‘been there, done that’. They are the people to look up to and associate with. But, they are ever so fleeting. They’ve earned their reputation and are just as busy.

They are the visionaries who aimed high and won big and are a living example of the sweet fruits of dedication. Full of intimate knowledge of the workings of the field, they are hunted by everyone. You are sure to find a long queue waiting on their attendance, so consider yourself lucky if you manage to possess their attention for a moment.

5. The Scribbler

This person is obsessed with making notes. They have an inescapable urge to write everything down which is manifested in their accompaniment with a notepad at all times. They make videos of everything and make sure to get a copy of every presentation made in the event.

They fear missing out on any bit of information, no matter how meager and are known to gobble up all information around them. You are just as likely to find them repeating your exact words to you at any successive event, precisely because they keep a record of ‘everything’.

6. The God

They are the ‘angels’ everyone has been waiting for. The investors, with all the big bucks, everyone wants to get their pitch to them. They are the Gods of the startup universe, with people dying to make their acquaintance. Their reputation precedes them with a long trail of successful investments behind.

7. The Silicon Valley returnee

These are the unlucky chumps who just returned from Silicon Valley, either as ex-employees or entrepreneurs. They are aware of the happening of the international market and make it a point to boast about all this knowledge and their glorious past experiences.

Though they may possess increased knowledge, they do tend to give off a certain air. You will often find them comparing Silicon Valley to everything, getting depressed at everything.

8. The Social media addict

If you happen to miss out on the event for some reason, it is this person you are to thank for keeping you up to date with its happenings.

These social media enthusiasts can be found recording the entire event and clicking selfies with everyone. They upload all the happenings of the event, making sure to send out a lot of tweets. If you happened to make their acquaintance, be assured to find a friend request from these social media addicts within a week.

9. The self-promoting salesman

Everyone at these events is basically a salesman, trying to market their idea, but this person is absolutely shameless in their endeavor.

Concerned only with self-interest, they only allow discourse to their ends. They will hit you up with all the well-rehearsed details of their pitch, slipping you their business card in the process. With no room for yourself in the conversation, you might find yourself left with a general sense of confusion about whatever happened.

10. The foodie

As with every other event, there is always that one person who is there just for the food. They are more likely to concern themselves with the calories on the menu than the graphs on the screen.

If you aim to catch their attention, bringing up the takeout topic might be a good way to go.

Comment below if you think we missed any of the startup event characters.