17 Best Online Startup Communities for Founders

A strong support system can drastically impact your startup’s success. That’s why we developed this list of the 17 best online startup communities for entrepreneurs based on industry, cost, accessibility, and services offered.

About

Startup founders with growth-oriented companies can almost always benefit from mentorship. With GrowthMentor, fully vetted startup mentors can help founders and entrepreneurs navigate startup ownership and help them scale their business effectively. Not only do members gain access to a large pool of mentors, but they also receive an invitation to the platform’s Slack channel, where they can network and connect with other entrepreneurs, founders, and growth marketers.

Best For:

• Tech startup founders
• Growth marketers

About

Mentorship is a valuable addition for any entrepreneur or founder; Founders Network makes it easy to find mentors or to become a mentor yourself. By providing a peer-based mentorship program, the site encourages entrepreneurs to connect and communicate with others to help propel startups forward. In addition, the site hosts a Peer Advisory Board to help entrepreneurs with strategic problem solving as well as opportunities with angel investors and venture capital firms. To join, you will be required to pay an annual fee of $41 to $208 or a lifetime membership fee of $10,000.

Best For:

• Growth-oriented startups
• Tech startups

About

If you are an entrepreneur with a no-code business model or even a non-technical entrepreneur, No Code Founders is a great resource for you. On this platform, you can meet other entrepreneurs in your industry to network and receive feedback. Additionally, you gain access to a myriad of tools and resources for no-code businesses and insights to help make your business a success.

Best For:

• Non-technical founders
• No-code startups

About

A collection of stories and insights from experienced startup founders, entrepreneurs, and individuals make up the community of IndieHackers. Not only is this a great space to learn from other professionals, but it’s also a valuable resource for sharing about your entrepreneurial experience, connecting with a network of startups, and gaining critical insights or feedback. With over 45,000 users, you are sure to find inspiration and community on this platform. And, the best news is, it is 100% free.

Best For:

• Tech entrepreneurs
• Experienced startup entrepreneurs

About

If you are a startup founder, CEO, designer, or developer that is passionate about innovative products, Product Hunt is the community for you. Primarily focused on tech products such as apps and websites, Product Hunt also offers a plethora of other industry types such as podcasts, games, and more. Perhaps the best use for this platform is for startups to receive valuable input and feedback from other product enthusiasts about their designs. However, Product Hunt is also used to schedule meetups and connect with fellow entrepreneurs.

Best For:

• Tech entrepreneurs
• Designers and developers

About

Startup Grind is the world’s largest community of startups, founders, innovators, and creators. It is also the world's first community-owned startup accelerator program. Startup Grind began in 2010 when the program's founder, Derek Andersen, got a few friends together who were all dealing with similar issues facing startup founders. 

The get-together was a huge success, and it made Andersen realize that there was immense power in communities that could provide support and advice. Soon the Startup Grind movement was formed and began to attract experts and founders from many different industries. There are now Startup Grind chapters in many countries across the world. The movement has three types of memberships: “Student,” “Startup,” and “Partner.” If you're a startup founder, you're in luck — membership to Startup Grind is free for those approved through the application process. 

Best For:

• First-time startup founders
• Investors and other partners wanting to connect with the startup community

About

Startup Nation is a tremendous resource for novice entrepreneurs looking to connect and learn about every stage of the startup process. From business planning to acquiring startup funding, Startup Nation’s community forums provide readers with a platform to give and receive answers to questions from other entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs. Additionally, the site has a radio show called Startup Nation Radio for entrepreneurs that can’t get enough startup content!

Best For:

• New entrepreneurs
• Entrepreneurs looking for answers and feedback from a community

About

FoundersBeta is a community whose main focus is connecting founders, workers, and professionals to enable each party to reach their goals. Whether you’re a startup founder looking for a co-founder or a designer seeking employment opportunities at startup companies — FounderBeta boasts a membership of over 10,000 users waiting to connect. To join, you must apply to use the service and pay a $199 annual membership fee.

Best For:

• Startup founders and CEOs
• Developers, designers, and anyone interested in working at a startup company

About

Latka SaaS Hackers is a community for software as a service (SaaS) founders, investors, and CEOs. This data-driven platform gives these parties access to valuable industry analytics, data, and insights that can help propel their company forward. In addition to valuable information, site members receive access to a litany of useful software tools and exclusive discounts with industry partners. The annual membership fee is $499, and you must complete an application to be accepted.

Best For:

• SaaS CEOs, Founders, and Investors
• Growth-oriented SaaS companies

About

A global community of startup founders participating in the YCombinator course. The YCombinator Startup School is a free 10-week course available upon application. Once you’ve enrolled in the course, students have access to the online community and forum to meet and engage with other entrepreneurs.

Best For:

• Entrepreneurs looking to further their education
• Students of the YCombinator Startup School

About

The Fastlane Entrepreneur Forum is a discussion forum that its founder, MJ DeMarco, set up based on a framework he outlines in three of his books. The CENTS Entrepreneurial Framework is discussed by DeMarco in the books, “The Millionaire Fastlane,” “UNSCRIPTED,” and “The Great Rat Race Escape.” The forum itself allows startup founders and entrepreneurs from all around the world to gather and discuss topics related to starting and running businesses. Some of the topics include starting, growing, and scaling your business; self-development and improvement; and investment and other financial matters. 

Membership to the general forum is free, but Fastlane also has a premium paid tier that gives you access to additional content and other benefits. DeMarco also hosts a coaching program called Fastlane Legends, in which he walks startups through the journey to success. 

Best For:

• Entrepreneurs looking for advice on a wide range of topics
• Solo founders

About

Astronomic is an operating system that helps startup founders build every stage of their startup, from point of concept to acquisition. Astronomic is divided into six different approach sections which focus on various pain points that almost all entrepreneurs and founders will experience at some point. The approach sections or parts of the "Astronomic Universe," as they call it, include Network, Studio, Agency, Cloud, and Ventures. 

The Astronomic Agency section, for instance, provides growth services for startups with a steep growth curve; the Astronomic Cloud section helps you to manage all your startup's data requirements; Astronomic Studio provides products like investor emails to help enable business growth; Astronomic Network gives you access to a community of startup founders; and Astronomic Ventures is a product for investors which helps to connect them with startups who are looking for investment. Pricing is based on your needs, and the organization's website offers a free demo and call booking service with its advisors. 

Best For:

• SaaS companies 
• Founders

About

SaaS entrepreneurs can apply for access to this free founders club that offers a platform for novice and experienced software entrepreneurs alike to connect and collaborate. The aim of the SaaS Founders Club is to make important information and teachable moments accessible to all SaaS company founders.

Best For:

• SaaS companies
• Founders

About

One of the drawbacks of working remotely is that it can sometimes mean sacrificing valuable connections. Fortunately, online communities such as Nomad List provide a space for remote entrepreneurs, workers, expats, and online business owners to connect. On this platform, you can also find resources and tools for the best places to work remotely as well as important information to make your nomadic work life a success. To become a member, you will need to pay a fee, which ranges from $74.99 to $99, depending on the tier of membership you choose.

Best For:

• Remote entrepreneurs
• Solo founders

About

Started in San Francisco, the Lean Startup Circle provides a space for founders and aspiring entrepreneurs of lean startups to connect in person and online. Additionally, this community offers a myriad of resources and answers to common entrepreneurial questions. With over 80,000 users sharing insights and ideas, this resource is bound to offer some helpful advice for entrepreneurs at varying stages.

Best For:

• Lean startups
• New entrepreneurs

About

Specifically built to support SaaS entrepreneurs, StartupSauce provides an online community for entrepreneurs to learn from other founders, build connections, and even secure valuable partnerships. Additionally, members can participate in a number of helpful workshops and courses on everything from public relations to marketing.

Best For:

• Saas Startups
• Companies based outside of Silicon Valley

About

Aspiring entrepreneurs or young founders, this is the online startup community for you. Future Founders provides educational resources, services, and more to a wide range of young folks with entrepreneurial goals in mind. Separated into three categories; middle school, high school, and 18-30, this organization aims to give the younger generations the tools they need to be successful startup owners. 

Best For:

• Young entrepreneurs
• Students