You’re building the next big thing. Propel has your back.
Our community is home to current and future founders making an impact through their work. Find connection, gain accountability, and accelerate your learning as a member of Propel.
"Propel has been instrumental in creating a safe space for me to test my ideas in a large setting. The community pushes and challenges me to make Kleido a more scalable business."
Founder, Kleido
Propel is designed around authentic connection.
We've normalized asking for help. This is a community where both you and your ideas have space to grow.
Build with Others
- Lively Slack with 300+ high-performing and kind builders
- Curated 1-to-1 member matching
- Evergreen portal with details on members’ startups and goals
Collaborate Intentionally
- Cohort-based sessions to build deeper relationships with peers
- In-person gatherings in our city hubs — NYC, LA, and SF
- Job board and talent pool
Expand Your Impact
- Mentorship from founders, operators, VCs, and coaches
- Virtual AMAs and pitch sessions
- Knowledge hub with resources shared by the community
"Being a first-time founder, this support allowed me to stay focused. From the weekly virtual coffees to the 'Idea Propellers,' Propel has increased my speaking and pitching skills to VCs and colleagues."
Founder, Gifted
Who we are
We’re a group of 300+ current and future founders in tech and consumer. We know building happens from many seats — that's why our community includes early-stage founders and operators.
Whether you're pre-idea, building an MVP, or setting off to fundraise, you’ll learn from the experiences of peers across functions and products.
Members are building companies like:
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And currently operating at companies like:
The Propel team
We have a small yet mighty team behind the scenes running Propel. As a member, you’ll interact the most frequently with the community leaders:
Emily is a Propel co-founder. She's a prior athlete and startup manager turned founder and coach. Read more about her founder story in this Visible Hands interview.
Esmé is a three-time founder turned community builder. Also a former athlete, her entrepreneurial background spans professional development, fashion-tech, and wellness. Get to know her on the Propel Blog.
A founder's journey is rarely linear.
We're here for you before, during, and after you're ready to build.
1. Dream of building something impactful
Discover your interests and identify problems in our ideation sessions. Surround yourself with peers that have an entrepreneurial mindset — think of them as your own personal advisory board.
Attend a coaching workshop or event with founders that pivoted, like Jane — Co-founder of Frankly and ex-Uber.
"Propel has been such an amazing experience from Day 1. Being surrounded by world class people with shared momentum is nothing short of magical. Normally surrounding yourself with this wealth of knowledge and experience takes years and Propel helped me get a head start in just a few months."
Co-founder, Quinn
2. Prepare to take the leap
When you're a first-time founder, there's a lot to learn about starting a business. Our supportive group helps you find your future co-founder, test your solution, and form a company.
Join a discussion on finding technical co-founders with Paul, Tiffany, and Jared — founders and Propel members.
"When I joined Propel, I was in between jobs and had been deciding whether to pursue a new role or a venture of my own. During each Propel learning track, I gained a greater sense of clarity regarding my career direction: to ultimately double down and build something of my own."
Co-founder, Stealth
3. Launch your MVP
We'll celebrate the launch of your startup — and help you maintain momentum! Ask for introductions to advisors, customers, and consultants. If you're exploring financing opportunities, find investors or learn how to best bootstrap.
Attend a roundtable on accelerators, meet angels, or pitch at an "Idea Propeller" session to investors.
“Propel was hugely beneficial for me from the earliest stages of starting a company. When I was just getting started it provided a supportive community of entrepreneurs to build alongside. Then when we raised our first round of funding, it was through Propel that I got connected to two of our first investors.”
Co-founder, Whalesync
4. Iterate to deepen your impact
Navigate the challenges of startup growth with guidance from founders who are one step ahead of you. Ask technical questions, recruit great talent, and receive pointers to be the best leader you can be.
Learn hiring and culture best practices from leaders like Sarah — Head of People at Orum.
“Working from home and then taking the leap to start a new business can feel really lonely. Propel has been this amazing community of people who keep me feeling encouraged, inspired, and engaged every day. Propel pushed me to effectively launch my Kickstarter.”
Founder, Rotten
5. Grow and find product market fit
Increase your revenue by creating or updating your business strategy. We're here to help you onboard functional experts and build a company culture that will welcome future employees and customers for years to come.
Attend a strategic planning, product development, or growth session with advisors like Maxine, Keren, or Eric.
"Propel has surrounded me with bright, ambitious professionals with whom I can openly share ideas. The introductions to people have been important in getting advice on growing our business; members have a 'how can I help' attitude, and that generosity is hard to find anywhere."
Co-founder, Mint Measure
Ready to apply?
We're a private community welcoming new members who meet the following criteria:
- You identify as a high-performing operator or leader
- You have intentions to build a company or learn from founders
- You're building in tech or consumer or you run a services business (e.g. consulting) for startups
- You’re ready to participate in our active community
Access to the Propel community is $50/mo and discounted to $45/mo billed annually!
What our members say
"Everyone is eager to help and share their knowledge."
Leyna Chiang
Operations, DOOMSDAY X
“It gives me such energy to see everyone moving forward in Propel.”
Sara Romano
Founder, Just Parent
“Propel is hands down the best community experience I’ve had.”
Michelle T.
Founder & CEO, Homiah
“Propel allows me to take a breath and appreciate the progress I’ve made.”
Janet Lee
Business Development & Operations, Stealth
"After attending business school for 2 years, I can arguably say I’ve received more tangible network value from Propel than a top MBA program."
Justin Snyder
Business Development,
Cognitiv
“As potential founders, we need a solid network of people to connect with whether for help, feedback, or inspiration. Propel is that.”
Abe Anwar
Founder & CEO, Superspace
“I’m certain you will see the next generation of startups, operators, and investors emerge from this community.”
Ryan Baker
Chief of Staff, CINC Systems
“The energy is high in the group and it's a community that doesn't feel sales-y — this is important to me!”
Christina Perla
Co-founder & CEO, Makelab
“The other day I got on the phone with another Propel member and it felt like we had known each other for ages.”
Daniel Ortiz
Operations, Premier Lacrosse League
"I appreciate how you gain perspective from people at all different phases of building."
Jeff Barg
Co-founder & CTO, Avenue
“Propel is more than a networking opportunity; it’s a thoughtful community of operators and founders who cheer each other on.”
Malkie Rothman
Operations, H1
"As I've transitioned into a new operating role, it's been great to have such a knowledgable and friendly community to refer to whenever I have a question."
Dennis Huang
Business Operations, Stytch
"Since joining, I’ve met fascinating people, been given great advice, and made a major shift in my career into climate tech.”
Curtis Kline
Chief of Staff, Frost Methane Labs
“I am so grateful for being a part of this welcoming and engaging community."
Karishma Shah
Program Management, Facebook
“The Propel community has impressed me from day one. It's filled with people who are an impressive blend of ambitious, thoughtful, and friendly.”
Sophie Kaye
Chief of Staff, Frame.io
“People opt into the community by choice and the results are magic: a network of startup professionals eager to connect, share, learn, and grow.”
Elliott Fisher
Chief of Staff, Ntropy
“As I look to one day launch a venture, Propel is a community that will help me continue to build.”
Cassie Coash
MBA Candidate, Stanford GSB
“Everyone I’ve met is driven and working on interesting things, both full-time and as side projects.”
Mike Maseda
Chief of Staff, Reside Health
Have any questions?
Who is Propel for?
Propel is for builders. More than anything, we’re looking for people with a demonstrated history of achievement (in their jobs, side hustles, hobbies, or creative endeavors) and a burning desire to build something.
Your timeline to build a business or team is your own — we'll set the table to help you take steps forward.
Who are Propel’s members today?
Right now, our members have a range (2-30 years!) of work experience and come from a mix of backgrounds — e-commerce, SaaS, climate, crypto, health tech, fintech, and more.
That said, we’re focused on building a diverse community, so if the above doesn’t quite describe you, worry not — we’re always looking for new members with different backgrounds!
What should I expect in the application process?
The first step is to submit an application. This helps us get to know you better and understand your goals. Please include as much detail as you'd like us to have to evaluate your intention in joining. If we think you’ll be a good fit for our next class, we'll reach out regarding next steps.
We always have more high-quality applicants than we have spaces for new members, so you may be placed on our waitlist until we have a spot for you.
How much does Propel membership cost?
Membership costs $50 billed monthly or $45 billed annually.
We believe that investing in a support system as you build is one of the most meaningful investments that you can make and we’re confident that you’ll get a lot of value out of Propel.
What does the first month as a Propel member look like?
Engaging in conversation in the community and asking for help are the best ways to see value from the community quickly and frequently. Specifically:
- Meet with a curated list of peers based on your goals and interests
- Receive invites to our rotation of founder AMAs, skill-based bootcamps, pitch events, and sessions with our leadership coaches
- Opt-in to a cohort, which is a peer group dedicated to meeting on a recurring basis for accountability in the building process
- And, depending where you’re located, come to an in person social for you to bring these online relationships offline
Are you an accelerator or studio?
We’re not. If you’re interested in applying to an accelerator or studio while you're a member of Propel, we’ll provide you with vetted information and contacts as you navigate that process.
I’d love to get more information about the Propel community. How can I do that?
Thanks for your interest! Please email emily@propel.run and she will help you out!
Interested in joining?
We're a private community welcoming new members who meet the following criteria:
- You identify as a high-performing operator or leader
- You have intentions to build a company or learn from founders
- You're building in tech or consumer or you run a services business (e.g. consulting) for startups
- You’re ready to participate in our active community
Access to the Propel community is $50/mo and discounted to $45/mo billed annually!
