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

If you’ve spent any time in an improv comedy class, you’ve likely heard the golden rule: “Yes, and…” It’s not just a performance technique — it’s a mindset. It’s exactly how I think about startup communities and I have referenced yes, and thinking many, many times. (This is probably not the last time either.)

See, a great startup community happens when a whole cast of characters step onto the stage, each saying “yes, and” — yes, I’ll show up and I’ll bring a friend. Yes, I’ll share my story, and I’ll mentor a new founder. Yes, I’ll build my company, and I’ll invest in the community that surrounds it.

So what does that mean if you’re a startup founder?

You might be thinking, “Every minute I spend on something other than my company feels like a wasted minute.” I hear that. I’ve lived that. But here’s where the “yes, and” matters most. Yes, you’re heads-down building your company — and, you should be part of your startup community. Here’s why:

1. An Investment in Community Is an Investment in You

Startup communities are ecosystems. You are not an island. Every cup of coffee you buy for a fellow founder, every intro you make, every time you show up — those moments compound. They create the kind of place where founders thrive. And guess what? You live here too. So when you invest in the community, you’re laying the foundation for your own future success. Classic flywheel thinking.

2. Your Future Team, Investors, and Customers Are Already Here

Communities are long games. The people you meet today may become your co-founder next year, your customer in six months, or your investor in two. You can't wait to start those relationships the day you need them. Relationships are not a light switch. You have to invest in the people before you need the help.

3. Community Wins Waterfall Down to You

When your startup community gets stronger, so do your chances of success. Every time someone else raises money, hires great talent, or wins national recognition, that light shines on all of us. Helping others is helping yourself. That’s not a feel-good theory — it’s how ecosystems grow.

So, founders: the next time you wonder whether it’s worth joining that meetup, helping that new founder, or mentoring at an accelerator, I hope you remember: Yes, and.

Yes, build your startup. And help build the stage where others can shine too — because you’ll find the spotlight follows.

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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