Entrepreneurs don‘t have to go it alone. By joining a startup community, founders can access mentorship, shared resources, industry experts, potential co-founders and investors that can truly take their business to the next level.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 15 of the best startup communities available, including:
- GrowthMentor
- Founders Network
- StartupNation
- SaaS Club
- StartupSauce
- GrowthHackers
- IndieHackers
- DemandCurve
- Startup Grind
- SaaStr
- Product-Led Alliance
- CoFoundersLab
By joining one or more of these thriving entrepreneurial networks, founders can avoid common pitfalls, access insider advice, save valuable time and money, and give their startup the best possible chance at success.
Why Join a Startup Community?
Startup communities provide invaluable resources and support for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey. By joining one, founders can:
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Access mentorship programs: Getting advice from experienced founders and industry veterans can help avoid disastrous mistakes.
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Find potential co-founders: Having compatible co-founders vastly improves a startup‘s chances. Community events and directories make finding them easier.
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Save time and money: Communities provide access to shared resources like workshops, co-working spaces, and service provider discounts that save valuable resources.
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Gain insights: Communities provide inside knowledge of the startup world, growth strategies, funding tactics and technical solutions.
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Get investor exposure: Many communities give access to investor networks or pitch events.
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Weather the storms: Startups can be an emotional rollercoaster. Fellow community members provide moral support during the ups and downs.
Now let‘s explore some of the top startup communities available:
GrowthMentor
GrowthMentor is a mentorship community that connects startups with over 500 experienced mentors who have advised major startups like Uber, Pinterest, Airbnb and more.
Founders complete a questionnaire about their business‘s biggest challenges. They are then matched with 2-3 relevant mentors for 1:1 video calls. The tailored advice helps startups avoid pitfalls and optimize their strategy.
Adam Weinstein, founder of analytics company 6sense, credits his GrowthMentor mentor for their rapid expansion:
_"My mentor introduced me to 12 highly targeted customers in 3 weeks. We closed two $500k expansion deals as a result. I can‘t put a price on that kind of personal service."
