Founder Launched Scrappy Networking Community
The network replaces traditional pitch-based events with activity-focused social outings for Bay Area founders.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Startups
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In early summer 2026, Alena Beliauskaya launched paid memberships for 12 Scrappy Founders, a network connecting over 600 entrepreneurs. The group focuses on peer connection through non-transactional outings in San Francisco and beyond.
Why it matters
The community emerged to provide an alternative to formal pitch-heavy networking by prioritizing interpersonal relationships among early-stage leaders. It offers a structured space for founders at the seed, Series A, and Series B stages to connect outside of professional environments.
The network generates over $10,000 in monthly revenue, supported by approximately 20 paid members who pay $99 monthly or $3,000 annually. This represents the total income stream derived from its base of 600 founders.
The players
Alena Beliauskaya
The founder who established the networking community as an alternative to formal, pitch-focused startup events.
Red Bull
An energy drink brand that maintains a sponsorship partnership with the 12 Scrappy Founders community.
The details
The community utilizes Slack for digital communication and organizes physical activities like hiking, camping, dirt biking, go-karting, pickleball, and poker to facilitate bonding. These gatherings in locations such as Tahoe serve as an alternative to transactional industry events where founders feel pressure to pitch. Membership tiers are restricted to Bay Area founders at seed, Series A, or Series B stages to ensure relevant peer dynamics.
Timeline
March 2025: Beliauskaya moved to San Francisco.
Early summer 2026: The founder launched paid memberships.
The Tech Race
This network diverges from the traditional startup accelerator networking circuit by deprioritizing formal deal flow. It represents a shift toward activity-based social cohesion as a primary value proposition for startup founders.
Participation requires being a seed, Series A, or Series B founder based in the Bay Area to qualify for the paid membership tiers. Current members gain access to exclusive events and a private Slack network intended to foster peer-to-peer relationships.
The takeaway
The platform succeeds by decoupling networking from professional solicitation, focusing instead on shared outdoor and social experiences. Founders can watch for future expansion metrics as the community balances its 600-person network with its paid membership model.
Further reading
For more on the local ecosystem, visit our Startups section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by International Business Times UK.
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