Back to feeds

Final day of The Startup Mafia Series: From Outsider to Insider – How to Enter the Startup Elite Every startup ecosystem has an inner circle—a group of founders, investors, and operators who control the real opportunities. If you’re not in it, raising money, finding co-founders, and scaling fast feels impossible. But here’s the secret: Every insider today was once an outsider. So, how do you go from unknown to well-connected? 1. Don’t Chase, Get Chased Most founders try too hard. They spam investors, beg for mentorship, and hope someone will notice them. It never works. The real way in? Make yourself impossible to ignore. Build something impressive—even if it’s small. Share sharp insights about your industry. Help key people without expecting anything in return. When you add value first, influential people start reaching out to you. Example: Ankur Warikoo became a thought leader by consistently sharing valuable startup lessons. Now, top investors and founders engage with his content—he doesn’t have to chase them. 2. Use the “Network Ladder” Strategy You don’t need direct access to billionaires or top VCs. You just need to start one level up from where you are now. Connect with ambitious early-stage founders. Offer value to small investors and ecosystem builders. Slowly move up to bigger players through trusted introductions. This is how first-time founders break into elite networks without fancy degrees or connections. Example: Many founders who raised from Sequoia or Accel didn’t pitch them directly. They first got backing from smaller investors who later made introductions. 3. Get Into the Right Rooms Being seen in the right places builds instant credibility. Join private founder groups, not just open communities. Attend invite-only startup events. Speak at small industry panels or podcasts. When people see you in the same circles as top founders, they assume you belong. Perception becomes reality. Example: The Indian startup elite—Flipkart Mafia, Paytm founders, and top VCs—frequently engage in closed forums and private WhatsApp groups. Getting into just one of these rooms can change your career. Final Truth: The Game is Rigged—But You Can Still Win Startup success isn’t just about hard work. It’s about access. The best founders don’t wait to be invited in. They create their own way in. Now you have the roadmap. Will you stay an outsider, or will you build your way into the startup mafia? Follow Vishu Bheda now. This is just the beginning.