Autor: Elizabeth Sutkowska

Founders Live is a social platform and media channel created by Nick Hughes. It includes unique and unforgettable 99-second pitch competitions in selected cities creating local founder celebrities, and bursts open additional pockets of creativity and entrepreneurial activity. Also, it delivers curated articles, videos, live-streamed expert talks, AMA’s, posts, and private member messaging that together make them world-class entrepreneurs.

LET’S HAVE A LOOK AT THE BACKGROUND

It all started on a rainy Friday in Seattle.

Nick Hughes noticed a growing disconnect between inner early-stage entrepreneurial circles and the more general global business population. Usually, local business networking events lacked uniqueness, authenticity, and inspiration. Pitch events tended to be too long, too detailed and often simply lost the audience’s attention. He also noticed how disconnected the pockets of local entrepreneurial activity are around the world. During the research, he noticed that most of the social media platforms were ill-suited for entrepreneurs who desire connection, content, and relevant experiences. Combining it all, Nick felt hard-pressed to find a centralized environment to connect with other entrepreneurs around the world. He wanted to give a possibility to highlight emerging entrepreneurial talent, discover relevant and up-to-date content, all within a brand that tied together with the detached and separate local startup cultures into the wider global entrepreneurial community.

In March 2014, Nick organized a small gathering for the Seattle startup community, but with a little twist. Nick wanted to create a fun and casual networking event, and at the same time, he wanted to offer an opportunity for early-stage founders to announce something they recently launched to a roomful of eager entrepreneurs, potential partners, and employees. What started as a simple monthly gathering emerged into a must-see event with a cult-like following in the city of Seattle. Nick realized if this event was so popular in Seattle, it would probably be popular in other parts of the world too.

THE BIRTH OF FOUNDERS LIVE

Founders Live was launched in May 2016, to inspire, educate and entertain entrepreneurs around the world. In the fall same year, Nick decided to bring it to other corners of the world. The unique event equation offers a values-driven community, fast-paced pitch competitions, real-time audience voting, live streaming to social media, and inspiring leadership. 

Founders Live growth hinges on the ability to expand the signature event into new cities, spreading its influence and gaining members along the way. In just five years the Founders Live event has reached almost 70 cities and launches two new cities each month on average. 

THE FOUNDERS LIVE CORE VALUES

• Respectful Authenticity. We encourage everyone to be their authentic selves, in everything they do. We believe anyone, from any city and country, with any color of skin and identifying with any gender and orientation deserves an equal opportunity for entrepreneurial success. This means we expect inclusive behavior and respect for each individual’s diverse backgrounds, unique beliefs, practices, or anything else that makes them who they are. We do not tolerate anything less than respectful authenticity. 

• Gather Around The Campfire. Where there’s a campfire, there’s usually a creative story being told by someone who enjoys entertaining. Although Founders Live does not take place around a literal fire, as creators we embrace community, creativity, storytelling, and entertainment just as much as our ancestors gathered around their favorite campfires.

• Open The Door. Do great things for people without expecting anything in return. Nick owes much of his success to those who came before him and graciously opened the door of opportunity. We encourage you to open doors for people, introduce them to someone they might not know but should, or offer free help or advice to move them forward. You never know where it will lead them – and you – and what it will bring back to you in return.

• Business = Fun. The world does not need another boring business event, but it does need a lot more fun! We believe you can have fun as well as a great business. Founders Live removes anything which creates awkwardness, boredom, or dullness at our events and within our global community to create a fun, inspirational, and unforgettable atmosphere.

WHAT WAS GOING ON IN GDAŃSK?

The event started with an opening entertainment where two wonderful presenters shared their insight on different topics. 

The first one focused on women in the IT industry, and Anita Kijanka shared her thoughts on: Why are we going to create a global community of strong women in IT in Poland? The statistics she presented were very impressive and convincing at the same time. It looks like Polish women are leading among other nations, and there is a chance of becoming role models for other women across the world.

The second presenter, Krzysztof Kanawka, focused more on Pomerania Region, its attractiveness, and answered the question: What’s special about Gdańsk & the Pomerania Region? He presented several possibilities for those who’re taking into consideration this region as a new location for their businesses.

At the event participants were building up valid business models out of ideas with the help of mentors and workshops. To the contest participants were coming from more than 15 countries involving the V4, Western Balkan, Eastern European and Central Asian states, making the event the most international online idea challenge in Central Europe. Some of the participants came already with a business idea, while many of them didn’t. They formed a team during the first day and started to work on their idea from scratch.