built for founders, by founders

We're a decentralized network of Midwest founders looking to challenge the status quo and build the future of our region. The Founders Community is here to support all startup founders by ensuring that the navigation of our ecosystem is as frictionless as possible for those that choose the path less traveled.

what does a startup ecosystem led by founders look like?

community

We make it possible for people to connect more deeply with each other around shared interests and goals, which leads to stronger communities.

Capital

We make it possible for people to connect more deeply with each other around shared interests and goals, which leads to stronger communities.

customers

We offer resources to help founders connect with potential customers, present products or services, engage with early adopters, and receive feedback to improve their offerings.

more about us

A region’s infrastructure for startup founders is crucial. It's not just about funding, but also about having multiple layers of support to help founders navigate early uncertainties quickly and confidently. Yet, in most regions, founders are left to fend for themselves.
‍They spend as much time building a network of resources as they do on the idea itself, which can be wasteful. Startup founders and the new jobs they create play a foundational role in the economy of cities, but founders must ask themselves whether they can make it there or somewhere else.

Midwest Founders Community prioritizes customers, capital, celebration, and connections to support a community of change-makers.


We believe that wasting time organizing and managing structure can hinder serendipitous moments while recurring events that distract from meaningful connections are equally unhelpful.

Our approach is to fully immerse founders in a passionate community that can support them throughout their journey.
Our community is governed through democratic voting with no boards, committees, or consultants involved.

Instead of investing in state-of-the-art locations and long-term pipelines, we could invest in building upon the intellectual infrastructure that already exists. A network focused on growth can foster similar growth outside of that community as it flourishes.
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Startups need relationships to succeed. Midwest Founders Community (MFC) is a community of founders looking to challenge the status quo and build the future. MFC is here to support all startups and help them succeed, regardless of where they're from or what organization they represent.

Focus + Structure

🛠️ Be constructive.

All founders have a vision. Even more people have ideas and feedback. How can you help founders progress? Know the boundary between being helpful and harmful.

🧠 Think inclusively.

Founders are problem-solvers. Let's build accessible solutions to the greatest problems of our time that also address the needs of the most marginalized among us.

💯 Keep it real.

We're built on relationships. Acknowledge that each person is unique and brings something valuable to the table, even if they don't know it just yet.

🤝 Bring others in.

The collective gets better with each new person that's added. Maintaining a warm and open atmosphere takes effort; do your part to bring people into the fold.

READY TO JOIN US?

Meet Our Founding Team + Lead Curators

What’s on Tap?