From Stanford, YC, & More
The value I get from the Founders Cafe community is a group of successful founders who already have revenue. Every time I ask a question, multiple people will respond with customized answers and options. Since everyone is pre-vetted, I know it's information I can trust from people who understand my position. And since its only founders - no investors or mentors - I can ask "dumb" questions freely and get the help I really need.
I love the community of people who genuinely want to help and learn from other founders. Its nice to feel like you are working on a team when you are a solo founder.
For who should join: Anyone in the startup space that is working solo. The have to value being committed and your annual fee helps weed out the people who don't. I think you are on to something.
- Solo first time marketplace founder in SF, AriseDaily.io
I have experience raising tons of money (~$100M in total) from top VCs (a16z, NEA, Khosla, HCP, ...) at favorable terms (e.g. uncapped SAFE notes). I can also make investor intros and help you run a process.
Looking for diverse people to connect with and learn from.
- 2 exits (Series B + Series D), solo founder in Palo Alto. AriseDaily.io
I've met many awesome people and learned from what they are doing/have done (both successes and mistakes). I was also able to help out some others (in giving feedback, connecting to venture capitalists, etc). It makes me feel like I'm both giving and getting a lot out of this community, and I'd be sad for it to disappear. I also find the events very valuable and try to go to as many as I can! Hearing what they're doing and have done, getting advice, getting to know them beyond a LinkedIn Profile - struggling together!
For who should join: I would say any founders who recognize that they have something to give and take. Meaning, they are willing to share war stories/give advice, but also know that there is something they could learn from others, even if those other founders aren't as far along as them.
- Solo first time founder, living in Boston with a young founder + VC network
Founders Cafe is an invaluable resource. We're a giving focused community and the people bring a special blend of knowledge and generosity. I get answers to questions in minutes that used to take hours of googling, and with the benefit of experience behind the answers!
- first time solo founder, bootstrapping and exploring ideas with potential co-founders. Bobo leads Venture Deals Reading Club and Casual Crypto Reading Group in Founders Cafe
Founder's cafe has been a great way for me to chat quickly with other founders and share ideas / support them. Meeting other founders, bouncing ideas in the subgroups, learning about topics I'm not familiar with.
For who should join: New founders who are looking to grow their network. There's a mix of serial entrepreneurs and new founders and it's really cool to see both sides.
- 4-time founder with 1 exit, industry expert in esport, https://valts.com
I built a good network in Founders Cafe to take Buji next level. Network from SF to which helps me get introes to investors. Additionally, I learned new things from other founders that I wouldn't have learned by myself.
For who should join: Early stage founders with or without intent of raising funds.
- 3rd time founder. Toronto, Canada, Buji.tv
I've co/founded have brought in over $100M. I've advised companies who have brought in a similar amount as well. I've hired over 700 engineers + elite scientists, managers, designers. hiring A+ executives (3-12months per close). Running largest internship program at several universities.
In general, more than happy (probably too happy) to help any other founders.
- 2x YC Founder. Solo founder and Solo dad from Australia. strongcompute.com
Shoot the shit
Share our struggles
Develop lifelong friends
Female solo founder joined Founders Cafe in Nov.
By April, she got 8 paying B2B customers & fundraised 1.4 million!!
Thanks Charles, Rishi, and many more for supporting her! In return, she's been helping other members get customers and fundraise!
- Pitch Deck Review: Get your first drafts of your pitch deck reviewed
- Product Feedback: Get feedback on product, UX flow, or anything else (onboarding, site, GTM)
- Ben Sand Office Hours: Get fundraising & pitch from advice from 2x YC solo founder (raised 100M)
- Growth office hours: Discuss how to grow through marketing, leads
- B2B Sales Jam: Get advice on B2B Sales pickles
- Support groups: Shoot the shit with founders in consumer, d2c, b2b/saas, or fundraising
- Live Discussions: like "How to get in YC as a solo founder," "Trialing cofounders," "How to fundraise pre-seed"
- Accountability Group: Stay accountable with fellow solo founders - reflect on goals and set new ones together every week!
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