Founder’s Inner Circle: Co-founder Speed Dating
The YC matching platform falls short. VCs romanticize stories of founders meeting in high school and chasing their dreams together, but not everyone has that privilege. Finding the right co-founder—or even just people who truly understand your vision—isn’t as simple as a random match on a platform.
That’s why Founder’s Inner Circle is back—to help founders connect in a way that actually works. Last season, 120+ founders applied for just 20 spots. No business cards were exchanged, yet 8 spontaneous friend hangouts happened, 3 group chats formed, and even an impromptu dinner took place post-event. Attendees reported ongoing daily conversations and support within their new circles. (read more here)
This event, we’re refining the experience for founders who are:
Searching for a co-founder who shares their vision
Looking to meet people who get their ambition and values
Building something alone but craving trusted thought partners
About the Event
Finding a co-founder—or even just the right founder friends—shouldn’t feel like a transactional networking event. Founder’s Inner Circle creates a space for real, meaningful conversations beyond small talk and LinkedIn swaps.
Through curated small groups and guided conversations using Odd One In cards, this evening is designed to help founders connect at a deeper level—so you can walk away not just with new contacts, but with people you actually want to build with.
About Odd One In
Odd One In is a social connection brand designing tools and experiences to foster human-first relationships. Our flagship card game—found on playoddonein.com and Instagram —was created to help people step away from screens and reconnect through intentional conversation.The prompts encourage vulnerability beyond surface-level chats, whether used with loved ones at home or strangers becoming friends. For this event, we’ve tailored questions specifically for founders—because sometimes the person who understands your struggles best isn’t in your boardroom, but sitting across from you in a circle of peers.
The Experience
Curated Matches
A pre-event survey groups you with founders who share:
Parallel silent struggles (“Who else feels guilt about work-life balance?”)
Values beyond valuation (“Who prioritizes team well-being over growth-at-all-costs?”)
Quirks that spark curiosity (“Who secretly writes poetry to process stress?”)
Guided Conversations
Your circle will explore Odd One In prompts like:
Past: “What is your favorite childhood memory?”
Present: “What are you still figuring out?”
Future: “How do you want to be remembered?”
Evening Flow
10:00–10:30 AM | Arrival
Check in and light bites
10:30–11:30 AM | Conversation Circles
Progressively deeper conversations with your group, guided by Odd One In prompts
11:30–12:00 PM | Closing
Exchange handwritten notes with a person in your group and optional contact swaps (no business cards) for those wanting to continue the connection.