This Week @ Founders Common

Happening this week

This week is the first Founders Run + Coffee in Chicago!

Last week at Founders Common

Founders Run and Coffee! Every Tuesday at 7 am, we gather in New York City and San Francisco for a run, followed by coffee and great conversations! There's no better way to connect with others than through a shared interest. Register at the links above!

Last Friday, we hosted a wonderful Founders Friendsgiving dinner in collaboration with NYC Women Founder Friends. These types of gatherings embody our belief that some of the strongest founder relationships are built outside of typical networking environments - whether that's over a morning run or breaking bread together.

Last Thursday, we hosted Andy Choi from Do Good Points for our fireside chat series on building better businesses.

Here's what we learned:

• You can build social impact into your business from day one—no need to wait until you're profitable.

• The most impactful businesses (like TOMS & Patagonia) weave social responsibility into their core DNA, rather than just making occasional charitable donations.

• Social impact drives growth: Gen Z prioritizes socially conscious brands, leading to stronger marketing results, better brand loyalty, higher LTV, and lower CAC. Plus, profitable companies can benefit from tax advantages.

• Your mission doesn't have to focus on environmental causes. Choose something that aligns naturally with your startup's identity or resonates deeply with your team and customers.

• Starting is straightforward: implement "buy one, give one" programs, offer donation options at checkout, or explore other ways to create positive social impact.

P.S. Members! The full chat recording will be available in our digital clubhouse soon. We'll notify you when it's ready!

P.P.S. Stay in the loop! Here's a preview of our upcoming fireside chats:

• Starting with SEO (with Alex Birkett)

• Future of Content (with John Hammond & Ari Cagan)

• Becoming the CFO (with Lauren Pearl)

• Viral Newsletters 101 (with Alec Kremmins)

These chats are open to all Founders Common members, with limited in-person and virtual spots for non-members via waitlist. Apply for membership for automatic access or join the waitlist for specific events!

What we’re built on:

• Consistency creates community. It’s hard to develop a real relationship at one-time networking events. When you do the same thing every week, with the same people, relationships form naturally.

• Barrier-to-entry. It’s a certain person who get’s up before 7 am to run 4 miles or jumps in a 38 degree tub. We want to know more of those people.

• Shared values connect us. The people like you who show up, value their health and wellness just as much as their passion for building new things.

• Sweating together makes connecting easier. It’s hard to wear a mask when you’re sweating; that’s the point!

• Our name is who we are. It’s in the name “Founders” Common. We’re not here to pitch our start-ups. We’re here to meet other founders and like-minded people.

Those are the values that inform what we’re building: a community-first wellness club for founders and creators

See you on Tuesday!

-Damian

P.S. If you’d like to explore opening a chapter in your city, send an email to [email protected]. Let’s talk!

Founders Common Membership

• Weekly founder stories and business discussions with Q&A

• Exclusive member dinners

• Personalized founder matchmaking

• Industry-specific networking groups

• Weekly professional development workshops

• 11% discount at Othership

• Plus much more!

Apply to join the Membership