Hackers / Founders

Hackers/Founders, operating under the hf.cx domain, has established itself as a significant support structure for technology entrepreneurs since its inception in 2008. The organization was founded by Jonathan Nelson, who drew upon his extensive experience in entrepreneurship, which began with his first company launch at the age of 19, to build a community-centric entity. His background includes co-founding a startup incubator and serving as CEO and co-founder of an e-commerce company, experiences that directly inform the practical, founder-focused approach of Hackers/Founders.

The firm's primary activity revolves around a global community which, prior to 2020, was one of the largest of its kind, with over 350,000 individuals attending events across 47 countries and 200 cities. This extensive network serves as the foundation for its business operations. The company monetizes its community and expertise through several channels. A key offering is its advisory services, which assist technology companies in navigating the process of going public, particularly on small-cap stock exchanges such as the London AIM and the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE).

Expanding on its advisory role, Hackers/Founders operates the H/F Co-op, a program that provides a structured framework, capital, and a network to help startup teams scale their operations. This model functions by taking a small equity stake in participating startups, aligning the firm's success with that of the entrepreneurs it supports. Furthermore, the organization has ventured into direct investment through H/F Capital, a venture capital fund that has invested in over 150 companies. This dual approach of community building and direct financial engagement allows Hackers/Founders to serve a broad spectrum of technology startups, from early-stage ventures seeking guidance and initial funding to more mature companies preparing for a public offering.

Keywords: founder community, venture capital, startup advisory, public listings, global network, entrepreneur support, H/F Co-op, tech ecosystem, equity investment, small-cap IPO