The Next Generation of Community Infrastructure: What We Look for in Founders

The Next Generation of Community Infrastructure: What We Look for in Founders

In today's digital age, communities have become an integral part of our lives. From professional networks to hobbyist groups, communities provide a sense of belonging and support. However, most communities are facing a common challenge - their infrastructure. The community tech stack is incredibly fragmented, with community builders stitching together a variety of individual solutions to meet the needs of their members. This lack of a cohesive platform is preventing communities from reaching their full potential and creating fundamental challenges for community builders.

Community builders often find themselves using software meant for other purposes and repurposing them for their community. Sarah Noeckl, the founder of Femstreet, highlights this issue, stating, "None of my tools are bespoke for community. I use software meant for other things and repurpose them for my community." This fragmentation leads to confusion among community members, as they have to navigate multiple platforms like email, Slack, Zoom, and more to stay engaged. It becomes challenging to understand what takes place where and when.

To address this issue, communities need something to tie all of their point solutions together. A platform model would leverage the power of modularity to create massive value across the community tech stack. By having a cohesive platform, communities can reach their full potential, and community point solutions can scale as communities grow.

While the infrastructure of communities is a crucial aspect, the success of any community ultimately depends on its founders. When looking for founders, determination is a key trait. Starting a startup is filled with obstacles and challenges, and founders need to possess the resilience to overcome them. As Paul Graham, co-founder of Y Combinator, states, "You can't be the sort of person who gets demoralized easily." Founders need to be able to modify their dreams on the fly and adapt to the ever-changing startup landscape.

Imagination is another essential trait that founders should possess. While intelligence is crucial, the ability to come up with surprising new ideas is what sets successful founders apart. In the startup world, most good ideas seem bad initially. It takes a creative and imaginative mind to see the potential in these ideas and turn them into successful ventures.

Moreover, the relationship between founders plays a vital role in the success of a startup. Empirically, it is hard to start a startup with just one founder. Most big successes have two or three founders, and the relationship between them must be strong. Genuine liking and the ability to work well together are essential. While disagreements and arguments are inevitable, unresolved tension can hinder progress and ultimately lead to the downfall of a startup.

In conclusion, the next generation of community infrastructure requires a cohesive platform that ties together the fragmented community tech stack. This platform model would enable communities to reach their full potential and allow community point solutions to scale alongside them. Simultaneously, when looking for founders, determination, imagination, and a strong relationship between co-founders are crucial. Founders need to possess the resilience to overcome obstacles, the creativity to come up with innovative ideas, and the ability to work effectively with their team. By combining a robust infrastructure and exceptional founders, communities can thrive and unlock the full power of their network effects.

Actionable Advice:

1. Evaluate your community tech stack: Take a critical look at the tools and software you are currently using for your community. Are they specifically designed for community-building, or are you repurposing other solutions? Identify gaps and explore platforms that can tie your point solutions together for a more seamless experience.

2. Foster a strong co-founder relationship: If you are starting a startup, consider finding a co-founder or two. Look for individuals you genuinely like and can work well with. Nurture this relationship and ensure open communication to avoid unresolved tension that may hinder your startup's success.

3. Embrace creativity and adaptability: As a founder, be open to new ideas and embrace creativity. Understand that initial perceptions of ideas may not reflect their true potential. Stay adaptable and be willing to modify your dreams on the fly to navigate the unpredictable startup landscape.

By implementing these actionable advice, you can enhance your community infrastructure and increase your chances of startup success. Remember, the power of community lies in its ability to bring people together and create meaningful connections.