Building a startup demands more than just a great idea. Entrepreneurs need guidance, feedback, and access to seasoned mentors to scale effectively. Thankfully, the digital era provides access to powerful online communities where founders connect, share experiences, and solve problems together. These platforms not only foster knowledge-sharing but also offer emotional support, motivation, and networking opportunities. Below is a detailed look at the best online communities every entrepreneur should consider for startup advice.
1. Indie Hackers
URL: https://www.indiehackers.com
Indie Hackers empowers bootstrapped entrepreneurs. Founders, developers, and solopreneurs use this space to share revenue numbers, growth tactics, and product development journeys. The platform thrives on transparency and real-world results. Entrepreneurs ask questions, publish case studies, and receive constructive criticism from peers who have “been there, done that.”
Key Features:
- Active forum with thousands of threads
- Interviews with successful founders
- Niche groups by product type, location, and revenue goal
Why it works:
Users support each other through shared struggles and honest feedback. Real numbers and detailed discussions replace vague motivation and theory.
2. Reddit – r/startups
URL: https://www.reddit.com/r/startups
Reddit’s r/startups community attracts over 2 million members. Early-stage founders and seasoned entrepreneurs both contribute here. The subreddit remains highly active and uncensored, making it a go-to destination for brutally honest startup advice.
Key Features:
- Weekly feedback threads for startup idea validation
- AMAs with successful founders
- Candid discussion on mistakes, pivots, and exits
Why it works:
The community doesn’t sugarcoat responses. If an idea lacks market fit or a founder asks something unrealistic, users offer honest opinions. This clarity saves time, money, and energy.
3. Y Combinator’s Hacker News
URL: https://news.ycombinator.com
Hacker News, run by Y Combinator, focuses on startups, tech, and entrepreneurship. It attracts founders, developers, and investors alike. Many viral startup discussions originate here. When you post a well-thought-out question or idea, industry veterans and YC alumni often respond.
Key Features:
- Strong signal-to-noise ratio
- Intellectually stimulating startup and tech discourse
- Frequent input from high-level entrepreneurs and investors
Why it works:
The community values deep thinking. If you can articulate a complex challenge, someone with real experience often offers insight. You also gain access to emerging trends and smart contrarian viewpoints.
4. Product Hunt Discussions
URL: https://www.producthunt.com/discussions
Product Hunt spotlights new tech products daily. Alongside launches, its Discussions section offers a vibrant community space where founders ask for marketing ideas, pricing strategies, and MVP feedback.
Key Features:
- Early access to innovative tools
- Q&A with creators and community members
- Themed threads like “How do you promote your startup?”
Why it works:
Because product launches sit at the core of the platform, Product Hunt draws professionals who understand rapid validation, product-market fit, and user retention. Feedback often focuses on actionable product tweaks and growth hacks.
5. GrowthHackers
URL: https://growthhackers.com
If your startup needs help with customer acquisition, this community serves as a goldmine. GrowthHackers focuses on metrics-driven growth. Marketers, founders, and product managers explore strategies to scale through experimentation.
Key Features:
- Case studies on viral campaigns and onboarding
- AMAs with growth leads from top startups
- Growth Ideas, a curated section for experiments
Why it works:
You can apply proven growth experiments to your own product. Community members don’t just explain “what worked” but also “how it worked” with real metrics and breakdowns.
6. Slack Communities for Founders
Slack communities give founders a more intimate, real-time way to network and learn. Many channels cater to specific needs—bootstrapping, fundraising, SaaS growth, and more.
Popular Slack communities:
- #startup: General support and advice
- Online Geniuses: Marketing-focused
- SaaS Founders: Specifically for B2B SaaS builders
Why it works:
Slack promotes casual yet in-depth conversations. Because channels remain semi-private, founders open up more freely. You can DM mentors, join weekly Zoom meetups, or brainstorm in niche topic channels.
7. LinkedIn Groups
While not as fast-paced as Slack or Reddit, LinkedIn Groups offer access to professionals with deep industry experience. When you join groups like “Startup Specialists,” “Founders Helping Founders,” or “Growth Hackers,” you enter curated networks that focus on credibility.
Key Features:
- Direct access to experts and consultants
- Group posts filtered by topics like funding or marketing
- Opportunity to form strategic B2B relationships
Why it works:
LinkedIn verifies professional backgrounds, so you speak to real people with real experience. Many group members have launched, sold, or funded startups.
8. Facebook Groups
Facebook remains relevant for startup communities, especially for niche audiences. Groups like “Startup Entrepreneurs Network” or “Female Founders Community” attract thousands of members globally.
Key Features:
- Region-specific advice and collaborations
- Opportunities to pitch and receive feedback
- Job postings, tool suggestions, and mentorship
Why it works:
The format encourages organic interaction. Founders often share mistakes, launch updates, or urgent questions—and receive quick help. The diversity in group types also makes it easier to find communities aligned with your values and startup stage.
9. Startups.com Community
URL: https://www.startups.com/community
Startups.com offers education, mentorship, and funding tools for founders. Their community includes experts from every phase of the startup journey—ideation, MVP, funding, and scaling.
Key Features:
- One-on-one mentorship sessions
- Active Q&A forum
- Founder-led webinars and roundtables
Why it works:
Startups.com curates both content and experts. Their support goes beyond forums into live mentorship and strategic help, which makes it ideal for first-time founders seeking structure.
10. Quora
Although Quora spans every topic, it includes a highly valuable startup section. You can follow top voices in entrepreneurship—such as Jason Lemkin, Paul Graham, and Naval Ravikant—and read their answers to detailed business questions.
Key Features:
- Long-form responses with real-world examples
- Topic curation like “Startup Advice,” “Venture Capital,” etc.
- Expert-led threads with direct founder insights
Why it works:
Quora organizes content by question and topic, which helps you follow themes or thought leaders. The platform also retains quality answers for years, so newcomers benefit from evergreen advice.
Final Thoughts
Startups don’t succeed in isolation. Founders thrive when they connect with others who understand the grind, the uncertainty, and the need for constant evolution. Whether you prefer in-depth analysis, fast-paced discussions, or one-on-one mentorship, these online communities provide the tools, voices, and support every entrepreneur needs.
Pick two or three that align with your goals. Participate regularly. Ask questions, offer help, and build genuine connections. The startup world is chaotic, but with the right community, you never have to face it alone.