Founders need each other

Each spring we recruit, review, and select high-quality leaders of innovative, high-growth-potential startups with activated ventures in market.

The Collective kicks-off with a 3-day summer retreat to focus on exchanging best practices, building connections and lowering barriers. The retreat is lightly structured and heavy on candid conversations about what it takes to lead a company and unlock growth. The retreat expands every year with alumni returning to connect with the new cohorts. Experience the retreat here.

After the retreat cohorts gather for monthly accountability check-ins which include status updates, a deep dive on a featured venture, and themed discussions around a universal need (sales, marketing, ops, talent, product, capital, etc.)

A key element to SC is surrounding participating leaders with the resources and people they need to unlock growth and build great companies. Seasoned, been-there-done-that leaders (Founders in Residence), executives, and industry experts are pulled into the retreat and monthly check-in's to offer support and elevate the discussions around leadership and key challenges.

To maintain quality and consistency of the check-ins and the retreat, attendance is a requirement. We know life happens, especially when growing a company, however no more than two check-in absences are permitted during this 12 month period. The summer retreat is mandatory.

StartupAZ's mission to help young companies grow AND give back is a core value of this initiative. While The Collective is made possible by the support of community partners and at no cost to participants, StartupAZ recommends and hopes that participating Founders/CEO's sign on to The Generosity Pledge and continue to build generosity into the DNA of our startup community.