Join the largest network of Bootstrap Founders
Bootstrap Mafia is a community of passionate bootstrap founders who support each other in building and scaling successful businesses. Join us to connect, share insights, and grow together!
Members Worldwide
of Entrepreneurs Choose Bootstrapping
Higher Survival Rate
Ownership, Control
Trillion Impact
Why Bootstrap
We believe in bootstrap founders for their innovation, resilience, and self-sufficiency in building successful businesses.
Work-life balance
Flexible working and plenty of time off to unwind. We’ll even give you your birthday off.
Recognition
Peer recognition program and quarterly Hero Awards. We celebrate success together.
Staying healthy
A global wellness programme and private health insurance. We support your wellbeing.
Security for the future
Comprehensive health plans for you and your loved ones. We’ll take care of you.
Giving back
Employee-led community outreach, payroll giving and a volunteering day.
Mailchimp: From Bootstrapped Beginnings to $12 Billion Success
Founded in 2001, Mailchimp started as a bootstrapped business and grew into one of the world’s most successful email marketing platforms. Without any external funding, Mailchimp scaled to a valuation of $12 billion before being acquired by Intuit in 2021. This incredible journey demonstrates the power and potential of building a business from the ground up.
Heading on why bootstrap is different than others
Bootstrap vs. VC-Funded:
Bootstrap is all about independence. While VCs may steer decisions, bootstrappers stay in control, making choices that align directly with their vision and values.
Bootstrap vs. Unicorn:
Instead of chasing billion-dollar valuations, bootstrappers focus on sustainable growth and profitability. It’s about smart strategies, high-quality execution, and real impact.
Bootstrap vs. Cockroach/Camel:
Bootstrapping is about resilience and agility. It's not just survival it's thriving on your terms, with the freedom to adapt and innovate without external pressures.
