Start a Startup Grind Chapter
The Startup Grind 'Start a Chapter' page is a recruitment and application hub for entrepreneurs who want to become Chapter Directors and lead a local node of the world's largest independent startup community. It lays out the mission (educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs), the eight-step application journey, the commitment required, and the support directors receive to host monthly events for founders, investors, and builders across 600 cities in 125+ countries.
People
On the Startup Grind team
Latest
LiveCompany Facts
At a glanceUpdates
Recent updatesTimeline
Company historyFriends begin gathering in Derek Andersen's Silicon Valley office for what becomes Startup Grind.
Startup Grind launches its flagship annual conference in Silicon Valley.
Startup Grind joins with Google for Entrepreneurs (now Google for Startups) on a multi-year global partnership.
The community expands past 185 chapters and welcomes 3,000 to the Global Conference.
The event-management software built for Startup Grind becomes Bevy, a standalone company.
Global Conference 2025 draws 5,000+ founders and operators to Redwood City.
Community footprint reaches 600+ cities across 125+ countries and 2M+ entrepreneurs.
Product History
What shipped, and whenLocal Chapters & Events
Monthly founder-focused events - fireside chats, workshops, and networking - organized by volunteer Chapter Directors in hundreds of cities worldwide.
Startup Grind Global Conference
Flagship annual conference in Silicon Valley bringing together thousands of founders, investors, and operators for sessions, pitching, and networking.
Memberships
Startup, Investor, Expert Network, and Partner memberships offering access, perks, discounts, and connections across the community.
Student Program
University-focused chapters and programming aimed at student founders and campus entrepreneurship.
Online Content & Media
Interviews, articles, and recorded talks published across the Startup Grind blog, Medium, and YouTube.
FAQs
Frequently askedWhat is Startup Grind?
A global community for entrepreneurs that runs local founder events in hundreds of cities and a flagship annual conference in Silicon Valley, connecting founders with investors, operators, and mentors.
Who founded Startup Grind and when?
It was founded in 2010 in Silicon Valley by Derek Andersen, growing out of informal gatherings in his office.
Is Startup Grind connected to Google?
Yes. Startup Grind is powered by Google for Startups (formerly Google for Entrepreneurs) through a long-running global partnership, but it operates as an independent community.
How big is Startup Grind?
It reports a presence in 600+ cities across 125+ countries and a community of 2M+ entrepreneurs, with a flagship conference drawing 5,000+ attendees.
How does Startup Grind make money?
Through corporate partnerships and sponsorships, conference ticket sales, and paid memberships for startups, investors, and partners, while local events are largely run by volunteer directors.