Competition and Collaboration In the startup ecosystem—and not only there—businesses thrive only when they are truly sustainable. Like it or not, fierce competition is often the default setting. That’s why, after conducting over 2,000 recruiting interviews , every time I bring a new partner or teammate on board, I ask myself: 👉 What’s the right balance between collaboration and competition? From personal experience, one of the most critical success factors is a collaborative mindset and a genuine commitment to empowering others . Because let’s face it—the real competition is outside the team , not within it . This mindset means: Focusing time and energy on solving problems together Delivering results as a unified force Avoiding internal rivalries or wasting effort second-guessing each other 💡 When the focus stays on customers , partners , and future collaborators , progress becomes not only possible—but genuinely enjoyable . This approach has served us remarkably well for over a decade —especially in a community project where even brief remote check-ins were enough to stay aligned, and in-person meetings became something to genuinely look forward to. At the end of the day, competitions and challenges will come and go , but the relationships you build with your team can be lasting. #MakeFriendsnotContacts #TeamBuilding #TeamManagement #Partnership #Recruiting #PeopleFirst

We couldn’t be more excited to share this. We just launched The Mayfield | Divot AI List— a new recognition spotlighting 100 under-the-radar voices building the future of AI — presented by Mayfield and Startup Grind . We’re recognizing the people doing bold work behind the scenes. Whether it’s a researcher training new models, a founder rethinking the future of work, or a startup pushing boundaries — now is the time to celebrate them. If you know someone driving real progress in AI — or if that’s you — do the world a favor and get them on this list. Drops in October, noms open until Sept 10. Nominate now! Let’s celebrate bold work, real impact — and the people changing the game before the world catches on.

We're thrilled to host an exciting session with Amado Villar, founder of xNova, this Friday at Startup Grind Guangzhou! As founders and entrepreneurs in the buzzing Guangzhou ecosystem, the thought of expanding globally might be both thrilling and daunting. Discussion Prompt: What are the key factors you consider when planning to expand your startup internationally? Have you encountered any unexpected challenges in the process? How did you or your peers overcome them? Join us for an afternoon of deep insights as Amado Villar shares a practical framework on building a winning international strategy and avoiding costly mistakes. Event Details: Date: Aug 8 (This Friday) Location: Foshan, Shunde

Hi, I'm Gábor . I recentl y moved from South Florida but am originally from Hungary. I've successfully built and sold three internet and e- commerce companies in Europe. Currently, I support other leaders and founders as a coachsultant, helping them grow their businesses. More about me can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kocsisgabor/ and www.CoachGabor.com . I'm happy to assist anyone in the group when ever I can.

The Perfect Swing: Balancing Business Challenges as Founders Just like achieving the perfect golf swing, being a successful founder requires precision, practice, and attention to detail. As entrepreneurs, we often face unique challenges that require us to adapt and fine-tune our skills continually. For this discussion, we want to dive into the parallels between mastering a golf swing and navigating the entrepreneurial journey. What strategies have you found effective in maintaining your focus and form amid the ups and downs of startup life? How do you balance overcoming obstacles while striving for those 'birdie' moments where everything just clicks? Share your tips, stories, and advice as we explore the art of finding the perfect swing on and off the course. Join the conversation and let's tee up some ideas!

We’re still buzzing from our summer party last Thursday. A huge thanks to everyone who joined us on the rooftop in Soho — founders, investors, operators and friends. No panels, no pitches, just real conversations, great energy, and a golden slice of London summer. (Well… almost golden. It almost rained, and Sam had his heart in his mouth the entire time, hoping the clouds wouldn’t put a damper on things. Let’s just say the rain held off, or maybe our prayers were answered. Either way, the community showed up, and it was magic.) We also got to play a round of Chatty Elephants , a brilliantly fun game made up of whimsical objects designed to break the ice and get people talking. Within minutes, strangers were laughing, swapping stories, and turning the rooftop into a buzzing hub of connection. If you're planning your next hangouts, a conference or team mixer, you give it a go. Check out pictures from event here .

Exciting Times Ahead for London's Startup Scene! Last January, Tom from Pie Tax took home the prestigious UK Startup of the Year Award, marking a momentous occasion for our community. This year, we are on the brink of witnessing another thrilling showdown at the Startup Grind London All-Star Pitch Battle 2025 ! As we eagerly await the announcement of the judges and anticipate the innovative applications rolling in, we invite you to share your thoughts and predictions. How do you think this year's pitch battle will differ from previous years? What are you hoping to see from the participating startups? Are there particular trends or innovations you're excited about that could influence the outcomes? Share your expectations and experiences with the community! Looking forward to hearing your insights and engaging in a lively conversation about the future of startups in London!