By Chris Heivly, Managing Director at Build The Fort and Startup Community EIR @ Techstars

About 2,500 years ago in ancient Greece, introductions were a little more poetic, a little more rooted in place and pride. You wouldn’t just say, “Hi, I’m Orpheus.” You’d say, “I am Orpheus of Athens.” (Orpheus was a legendary musician.) That second part — “of Athens” — wasn’t filler. It was the anchor. It told people not just who you were, but where you came from and who you claimed to be a part of. It was a declaration: I belong to a community. I am part of something bigger than myself.

What if we brought that mindset back into the startup world?

Imagine this: Instead of saying, “I’m Sarah, a founder,” you say, “I’m Sarah, a fearless member of the Fargo startup community.” Instead of “I’m Mike, a VC,” it’s “I’m Mike, a backer of the Roanoke startup ecosystem.”

That subtle shift does something powerful — it reminds everyone, including yourself, that this journey isn’t just about you. It’s about us.

Startup communities thrive not because of one unicorn or a fancy new coworking space, but because of the many — the mentors who give first, the founders who show up (even when it’s hard), and the connectors who bridge networks like it’s second nature.

When I say, “I’m Chris, (legendary instigator) of the Raleigh-Durham startup community,” I’m not being cheeky (okay, maybe a little). I’m owning the role I’ve played, the contributions I’ve made — and more importantly, the community I’ve helped shape alongside thousands of others. Because this isn’t just my story — it’s our story.

That’s the point. When you introduce yourself as part of your community, you signal that you’re building with others in mind. That is true topophilia - love of place. You’re not just chasing the next big thing for your own ego; you’re creating momentum, building culture, and fostering connection.

So here’s a thought for you, fellow founder, mentor, investor, or dreamer:

How would you introduce yourself if you saw yourself as a reflection of your startup community?

Would you be a visionary of Vancouver? A catalyst of Kalamazoo? A nurturer of New Orleans?

Try it. Say it out loud. And then go out there and be that person. Your community is better for it.

Learn more about Techstars Startup Community partnerships, a new way for you to build your thriving startup community as a member of the Techstars network.

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