principles and faq
Five ground rules that don't bend, and straight answers to what people usually ask before they apply.
the ground rules
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non-profit
Membership is free. No fees, no equity, no cut of anything you build. The platform takes no credit for what members do together.
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no content
No posts, no feed, no likes, no follower counts. You're here to find people and build, not to perform.
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request-based contact
Members can message you only after you accept their intro request. Declining needs no explanation.
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privacy first
Profiles are visible only to approved members. Public pages never show real member data. You can leave and delete your data at any time.
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transparent and neutral
Harsh, who runs failed founders, may occasionally offer to back or join an idea. When he does, it goes through the same intro channel as everyone else. Always voluntary, easy to decline. Nothing is mandatory.
questions
Something missing? Write to hello@failedfounders.fail.
who can apply?
Founders whose venture didn't succeed, for any reason, whether you're figuring out what's next or already building again.
You also need at least 1 year of experience in your industry. That part is required for everyone, including founders who are already building something new.
is it really free?
Yes. failed founders is non-profit. No fees, no equity, no paid tiers. Nobody pays to get in or to stay in.
what happens after i apply?
Harsh reads every application personally. If it looks like a fit, you're invited to an interview. After that, the decision is made against written selection criteria, the same for everyone. If you're approved, you get a private invite link to create your account.
how does the interview work?
It's a conversation with Harsh, by [video call or phone]. Expect questions about what you built, what went wrong and what you want to do next. It isn't a pitch, and there's nothing to prepare beyond being honest.
who can see my profile?
Only approved members, once you're in. Your application is read by Harsh and nobody else. Nothing you share appears on public pages.
can i leave and delete my data?
Yes, at any time. Email hello@failedfounders.fail from the address you applied with, and your application and any profile data are deleted. No questions asked. Details are in the privacy notice.
does harsh invest in members?
Only optionally. Harsh may occasionally offer to back or join an idea. When he does, it arrives as a normal intro request, through the same channel as any member's, and you can decline it like any other. Saying no has no effect on your membership.
ready to build again?
The application takes a while, on purpose. Honest answers matter more than impressive ones.
start your application