I don't know whether you'll find people near you but as far as making good friends is the concern, 'We3' app is the best app I've ever tried 😌 We3 App Website. Source: over 1 year ago

For those who like smaller scale thing, checkout WE3 app: https://we3app.com/. Source: about 2 years ago

I'm trying to decide if I should exercise the stock options. I have been saving up some money that could be used for this, but I'm not sure it's the best idea. I've started looking into the service equitybee that would enable me to exercise the options without using my own money but I would be sacrificing a portion of the upside. I believe they take about 30% of the profits when there is a liquidation event. Source: over 1 year ago

You could look into companies like Equity Bee. They will review the company (as much as they can) and determine if the options are worth acquiring. If the answer is yes, they will purchase on your behalf and pay you out a portion of the value. Source: over 1 year ago

Check out these companies that lend you money to exercise your options if they find the company tasty. Https://vested.co Https://equitybee.com. Source: over 1 year ago

Additionally, there is a company called EquityBee that offers to connect you with investors who participate in the cost of the options in exchange for a portion of the profit once they're worth something. This can essentially remove the risk you take when buying the options, in exchange for some of the profits later on. Source: about 2 years ago

EquityBee - "EquityBee enables startup builders, the employees, to obtain the capital needed to exercise their stock options.". Source: about 2 years ago