OVERVIEW

After running The Anvil and launching Quasi, I saw a big gap at Purdue. Founders were everywhere, but there was no shared space to connect, build, or learn from each other. Most programs on campus were slow, top-down, and not built for students. I wanted to try something different.

BACKGROUND

Purdue’s startup scene felt scattered. Student founders had energy, but there was no community or clear identity. Programs existed, but rarely reached the people who actually wanted to build.

PROCESS

• Started Purdue Founders as a student-led, open community. No applications, no gatekeeping.

• Built the brand, set up the online space, and created a reason to join: real talk, open feedback, and support for launching new projects.

• Pushed a simple culture—show up, share what you’re building, and help others do the same.

• Kicked things off with one LinkedIn post. Over 100 founders joined in the first week.

• Launched events: founder dinners, workshops, and Catapult, a 36-hour sprint that drew more than 300 students from 25 disciplines.

• When Purdue’s administration pushed back on our name, we rebranded to The Founders Club. The community doubled down on independence and kept growing.

IMPACT

The Founders Club became the hub for student builders at Purdue. Members stuck around because the community worked for them. The first LinkedIn post reached over 20,000 people. Our events turned startup culture from something talked about into something happening for real, on campus.

LEARNINGS

The biggest lesson: Grassroots communities work until the institution sees them as a threat. When your school is set up to compete instead of support, these communities can become tar pits. They attract talent and energy, but also resistance. Success comes from staying flexible, focusing on shared purpose, and knowing when to work around the system—not just within it.