Objective
The objective of the Founders Circle is to create a consistent, trusted space where founders can make meaningful progress on their ventures during the semester. The cohort is designed to reduce the isolation that often comes with building a company, strengthen founder confidence, and encourage thoughtful decision-making through peer learning and accountability. By bringing together a small group of actively building founders, the initiative supports steady momentum, honest reflection, and shared problem-solving.
Purpose
The purpose of the Founders Circle is to provide founders with what they often lack most: a community of peers who truly understand the challenges of building something from scratch. Rather than focusing on pitch quality or idea perfection, the cohort prioritizes commitment, openness, and growth. It offers a confidential, judgment-free environment where founders can discuss real challenges both personal and professional learn from one another’s experiences, and hold each other accountable for progress. Through regular, structured conversations, the cohort helps founders clarify goals, take action between meetings, and build resilience as they navigate the entrepreneurial journey.
Building a venture is hard. Doing it alone is harder!
The Bentley Founders Circle is a small, founder-only community designed to support students and recent alumni who are actively building ventures. This cohort brings founders together for honest conversations, shared problem-solving, and accountability throughout the semester.
This is not a speaker series or a pitch competition.
It’s a confidential space to think clearly, learn faster, and build alongside other founders who truly understand the journey.
Alumni Leads
What Makes This Different
Unlike typical entrepreneurship programs, the Bentley Founders Circle is designed specifically for founders- not clubs, teams, or classes. Itprioritizes honest, candid discussion over polished pitches and emphasizes real progress throughout the semester. Rather than top-down instruction, the Founders Circle is built around peer accountability, where founders learn directly from one another’s lived experience. The model draws from proven peer-founder and executive advisory group frameworks, thoughtfully adapted for the Bentley ecosystem.
Expectations & Culture
To protect the quality and trust of the group, the Bentley Founders Circle is guided by a shared set of principles. Conversations are confidential what is shared in the room stays in the room. Members are expected to attend consistently and participate actively, ensuring the group benefits from the full range of perspectives and experiences. The Founders Circle is built on mutual respect, where ideas are challenged thoughtfully without challenging the individuals behind them. As the group matures, feedback is encouraged and the structure may evolve to best serve the founders involved.
Founders Circle is designed for individuals who:
- Identify as founders (one representative per venture). A founder is the person actively responsible for starting and building the company.
- Are actively building a venture or moving an idea into execution.
- Commit to showing up consistently, participating fully, and contributing to the group.
- Value peer learning, recognizing that insight from fellow founders is as valuable as guidance from mentors or advisors.
- Are open to accountability, honest feedback, and candid discussion.
Priority is given to Bentley students and recent alumni. A limited number of non-Bentley founders may be included to enrich perspectives and strengthen the peer learning environment.
1. Application & Selection
Interested founders complete a short application sharing:
- What they are building
- Current stage and goals for the semester
- Availability, commitment, and expectations
Applications are reviewed to ensure a strong peer mix and shared commitment to participation.
2. Structure
Each circle runs through the end of the semester and meets in person for facilitated, discussion-based sessions. See the dates below. Participants commit to attending consistently and contributing actively throughout the term.
- Circle size: ~10 founders
- Format: In-person, discussion-based
- Frequency: Bi-Weekly
- Length: 80–90 minutes per session
- Location: Somers Garage (or confirmed campus space)
Each meeting follows a simple, repeatable structure that keeps the focus on progress:
- Founder Check-In: Quick personal and venture check
- Scorecard & Goals: Founders track a small set of self-defined metrics and semester goals
- Founder Issue Deep Dive: One or more founders bring a real challenge (personal or professional). The group works through it together using structured discussion
- Commitments & Next Steps: Each founder leaves with clear actions before the next meeting
This structure keeps conversations focused, practical, and respectful of everyone’s time.
Last edited: Feb 2, 2026