The 12 Best Founder Peer Groups for Startup Momentum in 2025

The founder's journey is notoriously isolating. You make high-stakes decisions with incomplete data, navigate uncharted territory, and carry the weight of your team's success. While mentors and advisors are valuable, they're not in the trenches with you. This is the specific problem founder peer groups are designed to solve: connecting you with a confidential circle of leaders on the same path.

This guide analyzes the top founder peer groups available today. We've cut through the marketing fluff to provide a practical, evidence-based analysis to help you find the right fit for your specific stage and needs. Whether you're an early-stage founder building a culture from the ground up or a scaling CEO optimizing team performance, this list offers a clear, honest assessment. As you explore these communities, consider how they also serve as a powerful resource for learning how to find business partners who fuel your growth.

Each entry details its structure, ideal member profile, pricing, and potential limitations. We've included screenshots and direct links to help you quickly evaluate which community will provide the accountability, strategic insights, and genuine support necessary to accelerate both your company's growth and your own development as a leader.

1. SprintDojo

SprintDojo isn't a traditional peer group; it's a high-performance ecosystem for early-stage teams. It connects founders through a shared methodology of intelligent, rapid execution rather than just conversation. Its unique AI-driven approach transforms routine progress tracking into a powerful tool for strategic insight, making it essential for founders who prioritize operational excellence and a culture of continuous improvement. This focus on shared, intelligent execution connects founders through a common methodology rather than just conversation.

The platform’s core strength is its AI-powered sprint intelligence, which analyzes daily wins to forecast momentum and flag potential risks. This data-driven approach is grounded in the psychological principle of "small wins," which research from Harvard Business Review shows is a powerful motivator. It eliminates time-consuming standup meetings, giving founders and their teams back valuable hours while maintaining complete visibility. For remote-first teams, this asynchronous model is a game-changer.

Key Strengths & Use Cases

• Eliminate Meeting Fatigue: SprintDojo replaces daily standups with asynchronous check-ins. This is ideal for geographically distributed teams or those in deep-work sprints who find synchronous meetings disruptive.
• Proactive Course Correction: The AI engine provides early warnings on slowing momentum. Founders use these insights to intervene precisely when needed, preventing small issues from becoming major setbacks.
• Build a Winning Culture: By focusing on and celebrating daily wins, the platform helps build a positive, progress-oriented culture. This is critical for maintaining high morale and motivation in early-stage startups.
• Data-Driven Leadership: Founders gain objective clarity on team performance without micromanaging. The AI provides the "what," allowing leaders to focus on the "why" in their 1-on-1s.

SprintDojo is currently in early access, inviting forward-thinking founders to join its community. It's best suited for small, agile squads of up to 10 members committed to building a sustainable, high-performance work environment.

Feature	Description
AI Sprint Intelligence	Forecasts team momentum and identifies risks from daily progress updates.
Asynchronous Check-ins	Replaces standups, saving time while keeping everyone aligned.
Global Community	Access to a network of other AI-forward founders and startup squads.
Resource Library	Science-backed best practices for performance, focus, and productivity.

Website: sprintdojo.com

2. Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO)

Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) is a global, member-led network for founders who have achieved significant business scale. It stands out by combining local chapter engagement with a structured, confidential peer group experience called a “Forum.” This model is ideal for established founders seeking both a tight-knit local support system and access to a worldwide network.

The core of EO is the Forum, where 8-10 members meet monthly in professionally moderated, confidential sessions. This structured format, backed by extensive training, ensures deep, meaningful conversations rather than surface-level networking. This makes it one of the most effective founder peer groups for tackling complex business and personal issues, fostering what psychologists call "psychological safety"—a critical component for candid feedback.

Key Details & Considerations

• Best For: Founders with businesses generating over $1M in annual revenue who value structured, in-person peer support and local events.
• Unique Offering: EO’s professionally moderated Forum groups provide a level of structure and confidentiality that is difficult to replicate. The dual benefit of a small, consistent peer group and a larger local chapter is a key differentiator.
• Admission & Cost: Requires being the owner or controlling shareholder of a business with at least $1 million in annual revenue. A path exists for venture-backed companies that have raised significant capital. Costs include a one-time initiation fee plus annual global and local chapter dues.
• Limitation: The strict revenue requirement makes EO inaccessible for most early-stage founders, though some chapters offer an "Accelerator" program for businesses nearing the $1M mark.

Website: https://www.eonetwork.org

3. YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization)

YPO is a premier global leadership community for chief executives who achieved significant leadership success at a young age. It caters to a more established tier of founders and CEOs, offering an unparalleled global network and confidential “Forum” groups similar to other elite organizations. YPO is designed for enterprise-scale leaders managing high levels of complexity.

The YPO experience revolves around its Forum, where members engage in highly confidential, moderated discussions. This commitment to deep, trust-based sharing makes it one of the most impactful founder peer groups for those leading large enterprises. Members gain access to a powerful cross-industry network and exclusive global events focused on business, personal growth, and family. The value proposition lies in shared experience—gaining insights from peers who have navigated similar high-stakes challenges.

Key Details & Considerations

• Best For: CEOs and founders under 45 leading businesses with significant revenue, employee count, or enterprise value.
• Unique Offering: The combination of an extremely high-caliber, curated peer set and a truly global reach is YPO's key differentiator. The resources and connections are geared toward leaders of substantial, complex organizations.
• Admission & Cost: Requires applicants to be under 45 and meet strict criteria related to title and company scale (e.g., minimum employee counts and revenue thresholds). Costs are premium, involving an initiation fee plus significant annual dues.
• Limitation: The strict age cap (<45) and high bar for company size make YPO inaccessible to most founders.

Website: https://www.ypo.org

4. Vistage

Vistage is a long-standing leader in executive coaching and peer advisory, offering structured, chair-led groups for CEOs, founders, and key executives. It combines professionally facilitated peer group meetings with one-to-one executive coaching, creating a comprehensive leadership development program. This model is built for leaders who are serious about accountability and professional growth.

Each Vistage group consists of 12-16 executives from non-competing industries who meet monthly for a full-day, professionally facilitated session. The inclusion of monthly 1:1 coaching with the Vistage Chair sets it apart, ensuring insights from the group are translated into actionable plans. This dual approach makes Vistage one of the most robust founder peer groups for solving complex challenges, a process supported by research on the effectiveness of combining peer accountability with expert coaching.

Key Details & Considerations

• Best For: Established CEOs and founders who value a highly structured, professionally facilitated environment that includes both peer advisory and individual executive coaching.
• Unique Offering: The combination of a professionally facilitated peer group and mandatory one-to-one executive coaching provides a unique, dual-support system for leadership development.
• Admission & Cost: Membership is selective and tailored to different leadership levels. Pricing is not public but is known to be a premium, five-figure annual investment.
• Limitation: The requirement for full-day monthly meetings represents a substantial time commitment that may not be feasible for all founders.

Website: https://www.vistage.com

5. TIGER 21

TIGER 21 is an exclusive peer membership organization for high-net-worth entrepreneurs, investors, and executives. It caters to a unique segment of founders—often those who have exited—who are now focused on wealth preservation, investment strategy, and legacy. The group provides an intensely private environment for members to navigate the complex challenges that accompany significant financial success.

The core of the TIGER 21 experience is the monthly, day-long confidential meeting. These sessions, led by a professional Chair, allow members to present their personal balance sheets and discuss their most pressing concerns, from asset allocation to family dynamics. This structure makes it one of the most elite founder peer groups for navigating life after a major liquidity event.

Key Details & Considerations

• Best For: Exited founders and ultra-high-net-worth entrepreneurs focused on wealth preservation, philanthropy, and personal growth beyond running a company.
• Unique Offering: The signature "Portfolio Defense" process, where members annually present their entire investment portfolio for critique by their peers, offers an unparalleled level of transparent, candid feedback.
• Admission & Cost: Membership requires a minimum of $20 million in investable assets. The organization charges a significant annual membership fee.
• Limitation: The extremely high financial threshold makes TIGER 21 inaccessible to all but a tiny fraction of founders. Its focus is on managing wealth, not operational business growth.

Website: https://tiger21.com

6. Chief

Chief is a private network designed for senior women leaders, including a significant number of founders and CEOs. It creates an ecosystem dedicated to helping women at the top navigate the unique challenges of leadership. The core of the experience is the "Core Group," a professionally guided peer session that offers a confidential, high-trust environment.

Chief’s Core Groups bring together 8-12 non-competing members who meet every 5-6 weeks with a professional guide to tackle pressing issues. This focus on a gender-specific, senior-level community fosters a unique level of psychological safety and shared understanding. Research consistently shows that strong in-group identity can enhance learning and support. For women founders, these founder peer groups offer a support system often missing in male-dominated networks.

Key Details & Considerations

• Best For: Women founders and C-level executives of established companies seeking a curated, professionally facilitated peer group with other senior leaders.
• Unique Offering: The combination of professionally guided peer groups, a focus on senior women leaders, and optional access to physical Clubhouses creates a multifaceted support network.
• Admission & Cost: Membership is selective, based on seniority, team size, and professional accomplishments; it is not suited for most early-stage founders. Pricing is available upon inquiry.
• Limitation: The strict seniority requirements make it inaccessible for founders of newer or smaller ventures. The network is also exclusively for those who identify as women.

Website: https://chief.com

7. Hampton

Hampton is a private, application-only community for high-growth founders, CEOs, and ambitious entrepreneurs, co-founded by Sam Parr (of The Hustle and My First Million). It combines exclusive, professionally facilitated peer groups with a highly active digital community and in-person events. The model is built for founders of tech-enabled, fast-scaling businesses seeking a curated network of true peers.

The core of Hampton is its "Core Groups," where 8-9 founders meet monthly with an executive coach to tackle their most significant challenges confidentially. Unlike more traditional networks, Hampton’s strict vetting process ensures every member operates at a similar scale and mindset. This focus makes it one of the most effective founder peer groups for navigating the unique pressures of scaling a venture-backed or high-revenue company.

Key Details & Considerations

• Best For: Founders of fast-growing, tech-enabled businesses who meet high revenue or fundraising thresholds and desire a modern, highly curated peer network.
• Unique Offering: The combination of a high-signal Slack community, professionally led Core Groups, and strict, transparent admission criteria creates a uniquely focused environment.
• Admission & Cost: Membership is by application and requires meeting one of three criteria: over $3M in annual revenue, over $3M raised in a single venture round, or a company exit of over $10M. Membership fees are paid annually.
• Limitation: The selective admission process makes it highly exclusive and inaccessible for early-stage or non-tech founders.

Website: https://joinhampton.com

8. Founders Network

Founders Network is a curated community for tech founders, offering non-dilutive support from the idea stage through scaling. It blends peer advisory with direct access to mentors, including active VCs, providing a powerful combination of peer support and tangible fundraising assistance. This focus makes it an ideal environment for tech entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of building and funding a technology company.

The platform's core value lies in its stage-specific programming and peer roundtables, which ensure conversations are always relevant to a founder's current growth phase. Members gain access to a vibrant Slack community, investor mentorship, and warm introductions, creating a continuous feedback loop that is critical for growth. This structure positions it as one of the most practical founder peer groups for tech startups seeking a direct path to capital and expertise.

Key Details & Considerations

• Best For: Tech founders at any stage, from pre-seed to growth, who are actively seeking fundraising support, VC connections, and a dedicated tech-centric community.
• Unique Offering: The tiered membership (Launch, Scale, Lead) and integrated investor mentorship program provide customized support that evolves with the company. The focus on warm introductions offers a clear ROI.
• Admission & Cost: Membership is selective and geared toward tech founders. Pricing varies based on the selected tier, making it accessible at different company stages.
• Limitation: The strong emphasis on technology and venture-backed startups makes it less suitable for founders of service-based or non-tech companies.

Website: https://foundersnetwork.com

9. On Deck Founders & On Deck Scale

On Deck offers cohort-based programs for founders at distinct stages, combining intensive sprints with long-term network access. On Deck Founders (ODF) targets the pre-idea to pre-seed stage, while On Deck Scale (ODS) serves founders navigating rapid growth. This dual-track approach provides tailored support, whether you are searching for a co-founder or managing the complexities of scaling.

The model is built around high-energy, curated cohorts that kick off with an immersive in-person week, creating powerful initial bonds. This "mere exposure effect" builds trust quickly. After the program, members gain access to an active alumni ecosystem, a deep content library, and investor connections. This structure makes On Deck one of the most dynamic founder peer groups for those seeking both an accelerant and a lasting community. Founders looking to maximize their time can also explore strategies to be more productive.

Key Details & Considerations

• Best For: Early-stage founders seeking co-founders and ideation support (ODF), and scaling founders looking for a peer group to navigate growth challenges (ODS).
• Unique Offering: The blend of a high-intensity, in-person kickoff week with continuous virtual community access creates strong, lasting peer relationships.
• Admission & Cost: Admission is application-based for each cohort. Program formats and pricing are subject to change, so prospective members should confirm the latest details.
• Limitation: The required in-person week can be a significant time commitment, and the program's structure has evolved over time.

Website: https://www.beondeck.com

10. Pavilion

Pavilion is a private community for Go-To-Market (GTM) leaders, which includes a large number of founder/CEOs. It uniquely blends executive peer groups with operator-led courses, making it a powerful resource for founders deeply involved in their company's revenue growth. The platform is ideal for leaders who want both high-level peer support and tactical, actionable education.

The core value lies in its integration of community and curriculum. Members gain access to curated peer groups and Slack forums while also benefiting from courses taught by practicing executives. This dual focus ensures that conversations within these founder peer groups are grounded in practical, real-world GTM challenges and solutions, moving beyond theory into direct application.

Key Details & Considerations

• Best For: GTM-focused founders (CEOs, CROs, CMOs) who want to combine peer networking with practical, revenue-centric executive education.
• Unique Offering: The combination of peer groups with an extensive, operator-led curriculum is a key differentiator. It offers a "player-coach" environment where members learn from both peers and proven GTM leaders.
• Admission & Cost: Membership is tiered based on seniority and requires an application. Costs are billed annually, with pricing varying by membership level.
• Limitation: Its strong focus on GTM means founders with primary roles in product, engineering, or operations might find the content less relevant.

Website: https://www.joinpavilion.com

11. Founder Institute (FI Core)

Founder Institute (FI Core) is a pre-seed accelerator program that functions as an intensive, cohort-based peer group for founders at the idea or pre-launch stage. It organizes entrepreneurs into structured cohorts that progress through a 14-week program, offering weekly feedback sessions, demanding milestones, and direct access to seasoned mentors. This model is designed to provide immediate, actionable guidance in a highly accountable environment.

The core of the experience is the cohort itself, which acts as a powerful support system. Founders work alongside peers facing similar early-stage hurdles, creating strong bonds and a shared sense of purpose. This structure makes FI Core one of the most effective founder peer groups for individuals needing to validate an idea, build an initial product, and prepare for their first funding round. The program culminates in access to a global alumni network and an Equity Collective.

Key Details & Considerations

• Best For: Aspiring or pre-seed founders who thrive in a structured, curriculum-driven environment with high accountability and intense mentor feedback.
• Unique Offering: The combination of a fixed-term accelerator program with a long-term peer network and a shared equity pool (the "Equity Collective") offers a unique support model that aligns incentives.
• Admission & Cost: Applicants go through a predictive admissions assessment. Costs include a course fee. Graduates contribute a small warrant (typically 4%) to a shared equity pool distributed among their cohort, mentors, and program leaders.
• Limitation: The curriculum is laser-focused on the pre-seed stage. Founders with established traction or who have already raised a seed round may find the content too fundamental.

Website: https://fi.co

12. TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs)

TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) is a global nonprofit network dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship through mentoring, networking, and education. While known for its broad community events, many local chapters offer dedicated peer cohorts for founders. This makes it an accessible option for entrepreneurs at various stages who want both community-wide networking and focused peer support.

Unlike platforms exclusively focused on curated groups, TiE’s strength lies in its multi-layered engagement. A founder can join for general networking and then opt into a more structured peer group if their local chapter provides one. This flexibility allows members to tailor their experience, making TiE an excellent ecosystem for those seeking a blend of broad industry access and intimate, confidential support.

Key Details & Considerations

• Best For: Early-stage to growth-stage founders looking for an affordable entry point into a global network with strong mentorship and potential access to local peer forums.
• Unique Offering: The model combines broad community benefits like pitch events and investor access with the option for more intimate founder peer groups in certain chapters, offering a hybrid support system.
• Admission & Cost: Membership is generally open, with affordable annual dues that vary by chapter. Higher-level memberships are typically invite-only and more expensive.
• Limitation: The availability and quality of dedicated peer groups are inconsistent and depend heavily on the local chapter’s leadership and resources.

Website: https://tie.org

Founder Peer Group Comparison Matrix

Platform	Core Features/Characteristics	User Experience/Quality ★	Value Proposition 💰	Target Audience 👥	Unique Selling Points ✨	Price Point 💰
SprintDojo 🏆	AI-powered sprint intelligence, no standups	High clarity, real-time course correction ★★★★	Saves time, prevents burnout	Startup squads (1–10), remote-first founders	AI-driven momentum insights, no meetings	Early access, pricing TBD
Entrepreneurs’ Organization	Moderated peer Forums, 220+ chapters	Strong founder culture ★★★★	Local engagement, structured peer	Founders $1M+ revenue	Professionally moderated, eligibility standards	Global + Chapter dues + fees
YPO	Strict criteria, confidential forums	Premium peer network ★★★★★	Exclusive global network	CEOs/Founders <45, large scale	Curated elite community, global reach	Premium dues + chapter fees
Vistage	Chair-led peer groups, coaching, monthly full-day	Structured facilitation ★★★★	Executive coaching + peer support	CEOs/founders, various company sizes	Executive coaching + large leadership network	Premium, typically 5-figures/yr
TIGER 21	High net worth, specialty networks	Ultra-high-caliber peers ★★★★★	Wealth & leadership focus	$20M+ investable assets/net worth	Exclusive, candid peer conversations	Premium dues and initiation
Chief	Women leaders, curated small groups	High trust, gender-focused ★★★★	Leadership & executive education	Senior women leaders	Gender-focused peer groups, clubhouses	Pricing varies, inquiry needed
Hampton	Coach-led Core groups, active digital community	Founder engagement ★★★★	Focus on high-growth tech	Founders >$3M revenue or raise/exit	Tech startup focus, retreats, strict admission	Selective, retreats extra cost
Founders Network	Peer advisory, mentorship, stage-based tiers	Broad tech founder support ★★★★	Fundraising & scaling support	Tech founders across stages	VC mentor access, multi-tiered membership	Variable by plan and promotions
On Deck Founders & Scale	Cohort-based, in-person + virtual	High energy cohorts ★★★★	Founder matching & ideation	Pre-idea to scaling founders	Intensive week + ongoing network	Changing formats, pricing TBD
Pavilion	GTM executive peer groups + courses	Practical, operator-led ★★★★	Revenue leadership skills	GTM founders/CEOs	Operator-taught curriculum, team options	Varies by seniority/location
Founder Institute (FI Core)	Pre-seed accelerator, mentor feedback	Strong accountability ★★★	Affordable pre-seed support	Pre-seed founders	Non-dilutive fees + equity collective	Entrance fees vary
TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs)	Mentoring, investor access, chapter events	Affordable entry ★★★	Broad entrepreneur support	Entrepreneurs, founders, CXOs	Global nonprofit, multiple membership tiers	Low-cost entry, some invite-only

Final Thoughts

Navigating the entrepreneurial landscape can feel solitary, but it doesn't have to be. The right founder peer group transforms isolation into a strategic advantage, providing a confidential sounding board, a network of high-caliber allies, and a structured environment for growth. We've analyzed twelve top options, from the AI-driven sprints of SprintDojo to the global influence of YPO and EO, each offering a distinct pathway to support.

The primary takeaway is this: There is no single "best" founder peer group, only the one that is best for you right now. The ideal choice hinges entirely on your current stage, specific challenges, and long-term ambitions.

How to Choose Your Founder Peer Group

Before applying, take a moment for honest self-assessment. This crucial step prevents you from investing significant time and capital into a group that isn't aligned with your needs.

Consider these critical factors:

• Your Stage and Scale: Are you a pre-seed founder seeking product-market fit (like those in Founder Institute), or are you scaling a multi-million dollar enterprise (a better fit for Vistage or YPO)? The conversations will differ dramatically.
• Your Biggest Pain Point: What is the single most pressing issue keeping you up at night? If it's tactical execution and team alignment, SprintDojo's sprint-based model might be ideal. If it's navigating board dynamics or preparing for an exit, the seasoned CEOs in TIGER 21 offer invaluable wisdom.
• Time and Financial Commitment: Be realistic. Groups like Pavilion or Founders Network offer high value at a more accessible price point. In contrast, organizations like TIGER 21 demand a substantial financial commitment.
• Desired Format and Community: Do you thrive in structured, facilitated meetings, or prefer an organic, community-led forum? Do you need a global network or a tight-knit local chapter? Your personality and learning style are key.

Your Actionable Next Steps

With your self-assessment complete, it's time to act.

1. Shortlist Your Top 3: Based on your criteria, select the three most promising founder peer groups from our list.
2. Initiate Contact: Visit their websites, review the specific application criteria, and reach out. Many have a preliminary interview or discovery call.
3. Ask Probing Questions: During these calls, inquire about the specific makeup of a typical forum or cohort. Ask about the facilitation style, confidentiality, and how they measure member success.

Joining a founder peer group is one of the highest-leverage investments you can make in your leadership journey. It's a commitment to move beyond just working in your business to strategically working on your business and yourself. The shared experiences, accountability, and collective wisdom found within these communities are the essential tools you need to not only survive the founder's gauntlet but to truly thrive.