Bob Crimmins, a longtime Seattle entrepreneur, founded Startup Haven in 2006 with the simple goal of connecting founders and investors through poker games. Nearly two decades later, Startup Haven has grown to include over 2,500 members in 18 cities, including two abroad. The group recently announced a partnership with the Columbia Tower Club and The Collective in Seattle to establish a physical headquarters for members, offering access to special events, member breakfasts, and co-working space. Despite initially starting as a passion project that lost money each year, Startup Haven has evolved into a successful community with a strong network of connections forged through poker games and other events.
What began as a gathering of entrepreneurs playing poker in Seattle has expanded into a global network of founders and investors. Bob Crimmins recognized the potential of the relationships formed through Startup Haven and shifted his focus to the organization full-time in 2019. He raised $4.5 million for the Startup Haven Fund, investing in early-stage startups across the world. The group also runs an accelerator program to share Crimmins’ expertise and experience in advising and mentoring companies over the years. Even as Startup Haven grows, the core of the organization remains in the city where it all began: Seattle.
Seattle holds a special place in Crimmins’ heart as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. He believes the city’s startup ecosystem has reached a point of success and maturity that sets it apart as an ideal location to start a company. Crimmins views Seattle as a testing ground for new ideas and initiatives, such as the physical headquarters space established for Startup Haven members. The city’s culture of collaboration and support among veteran founders and investors is essential for the growth of startups, and Crimmins emphasizes the value of experienced individuals helping newcomers navigate the challenges of building a successful company.
Startup Haven’s expansion into different cities around the world, including Reykjavik and London, reflects the organization’s commitment to fostering connections and collaboration on a global scale. The community groups in each city, united by a shared passion for entrepreneurship and innovation, form the foundation of Startup Haven. The physical spaces provided by the partnership with the Columbia Tower Club and The Collective serve as hubs for members to come together, share ideas, and support each other in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Crimmins believes that building strong relationships within the community is essential for founders to succeed in the competitive world of startups.
As Crimmins continues to lead Startup Haven, he relies on a team of dedicated individuals to manage operations and support the organization’s growth. Venture partners and an investment director assist with the Startup Haven Fund, while chapter directors in each city oversee local activities and events. Crimmins values the contributions of experienced founders and investors in helping newer entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of building successful companies. By creating spaces like Startup Haven and Foundations, he aims to provide a platform for knowledge sharing and mentorship that can make a significant difference in the success of startups. Through poker games, events, and the shared camaraderie of the community, Startup Haven remains a vibrant and supportive network for entrepreneurial growth and success.
