5 Global Communities That Every Startup Founder Needs to Join

Hi Beamer,

A common trait among successful founders is their involvement in founder and startup communities, where they connect, learn, and grow as entrepreneurs. These communities provide valuable resources, insights, and opportunities to accelerate your startup journey. They are especially important for you as a founder because, you are surrounded by people who share your interests and have similar challenges and questions about building and growing a startup. You are also likely to meet experienced founders who are willing to share their resources, insights, and opportunities with you.

Here are five carefully sourced global communities that you should consider joining as a startup founder.

1. Startup Grind: Renowned as one of the largest independent startup communities in the world, with access to a network of over 3.5 million entrepreneurs across 600+ chapters in 125+ countries, Startup Grind hosts monthly events featuring successful local founders, innovators, educators, and investors who share their stories and insights. It also organizes annual global conferences, regional summits, and online programs to connect and educate entrepreneurs around the world, providing founders with a platform to share ideas and learn from each other's experiences.

2. Google for Startups: Google for Startups is a global initiative that helps startups thrive across every corner of the world. Google for Startups provides startups with access to Google's products, tools, and expertise, as well as connections to mentors, investors, and partners from Google and beyond. It also supports startup communities and hubs, such as accelerators, incubators, and co-working spaces, to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Google for Startups has programs in over 100 cities around the world, and it has helped over 100,000 startups to date.

3. Global Startup Ecosystem (GSE): Global Startup Ecosystem (GSE) is one of the world's largest digital accelerators, supporting startups from emerging markets and underrepresented communities. GSE offers online programs, events, and media platforms that cover various topics, such as AI, blockchain, space, health, agriculture, and more. GSE also hosts the annual Global Startup Ecosystem Summit, which brings together thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and influencers from around the world.

4. Indie Hackers: Indie Hackers is an online community for bootstrapped and solo founders who are building profitable and sustainable businesses. It features interviews with successful indie hackers, podcasts with experts and influencers, articles and guides on various topics, and a forum where founders can ask questions, share their progress, and give feedback.

5. Founders Network: Founders Network is a peer mentorship network for tech founders who are looking to scale their startups and raise funding. It offers a curated and confidential platform where founders can connect with each other, exchange insights and feedback, and access exclusive opportunities and resources. Founders Network also organizes peer advisory boards, mastermind groups, webinars, workshops, and partner events to help founders grow their skills and networks.