Hi!Founders

What Hi!Founders does

Hi!Founders Srl is an Italian startup ecosystem community platform founded in 2020 and headquartered in Milan, operating as a legal entity under Italian Srl law (P. IVA 12101610967). The company operates a four-pillar offering: (1) a free Telegram-based Community with 900+ active members growing at 100+ per month, (2) a subscription-based Academy platform delivering 150+ hours of video courses across business, legal, tech, HR, and marketing topics with 11+ courses and reported 96% completion rates, (3) the Hi!Network event series with 30+ events held across 15+ Italian cities drawing 145-200+ participants per event, and (4) Corporate Services targeting corporations and ecosystem players seeking engagement with the startup community.

The underlying technology stack is modest and non-proprietary: a Telegram group for community, a web-based Academy platform with Stripe-powered subscription billing, video distribution via Teyuto.tv and YouTube, and standard event management tooling. No proprietary technology, novel architecture, AI/ML capabilities, patents, or API infrastructure is disclosed. Distribution is predominantly direct and self-serve, supplemented by a network of strategic partnerships with Italian innovation hubs (Murate Idea Park, OGR Torino, CTE Next) and corporate players (Qonto, Tot Money, Prolaw).

The business model combines a freemium consumer funnel (free Community driving top-of-funnel awareness and member acquisition) with two monetization layers: recurring Academy subscriptions priced at €18-35/month across Silver, Gold, and standard tiers, and B2B Corporate Services revenue from event sponsorships and customized ecosystem engagement packages. The company serves three customer segments: early-stage startup founders (primary), corporate ecosystem players, and students/aspiring entrepreneurs. Hi!Founders is founder-owned with no disclosed external institutional funding and operates with a lean team of 1-10 employees distributed across Lombardy, Piedmont, and Tuscany.

Name

Hi!Founders

Legal name

Hi!Founders Srl

Website

https://hifounders.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Startup Community & Education

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Product & Innovation Summits (Roadmap, Launch Readiness, Innovation Days) (THAHAMAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

B2B Demand Generation & Lead Nurture Agencies (BPAFAKAA)

Keywords

• Startup community
• Founder networking
• Online education platform
• Entrepreneurship events
• Corporate innovation services

Headquarters

HQ city

Milan

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Academy Subscription: Monthly or annual subscription-based access to online course library. Payment processed through Stripe platform. Content includes video lessons, downloadable resources, and certificates upon course completion.
2. Corporate Services: Customized services for corporations and ecosystem players seeking to engage with the startup community. Includes event sponsorship, partnership packages, and targeted access to the founder network.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Hi!Founders operates an integrated ecosystem platform for Italian startup founders, combining a free Telegram-based community (900+ active members), a subscription-based online Academy of video courses (150+ hours across 11+ courses), in-person networking events (Hi!Network) held across 15+ Italian cities, and tailored B2B corporate services for ecosystem players. The platform connects early-stage entrepreneurs with peers, mentors, investors, and corporate partners across Italy.

Product overview

Hi!Founders operates as a multi-product platform for the Italian startup ecosystem consisting of four main offerings: a free Community (Telegram-based networking platform with 6,000+ founders), an Academy (subscription-based online course platform with 11+ courses covering business, legal, tech, and marketing topics), Hi!Network Events (in-person networking events held in 15+ Italian cities), and Corporate Services (B2B offerings for corporations engaging with startups). The Community and Academy are the primary digital products, while Events and Corporate Services provide线下 and enterprise touchpoints.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Hi!Network: Networking event format for startup founders and investors across Italian cities
• Hi!Founders Academy
• Italian Startup Network (ISN)

Products and services

• Hi!Founders Community
• Hi!Founders Academy
• Hi!Network Events
• Corporate Services

Quantifiable outcome

• Community growth: 100+ new members monthly
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Tot MoneycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 February 2024Fintech platform simplifying financial and administrative management for professionals and businesses. Co-organizer of Hi!Network Roma 2 event. Provided content and networking opportunities.
• Roma StartupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 February 2024Rome-based startup ecosystem organization. Provided support and promotion for Hi!Network Roma 2. Gianmarco Carnovale, Chairman, participated in startup stress test panel.
• ZerynthminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 December 2023Pisa-based IoT startup that raised over 7 million euros. Co-founder Gabriele Montelisciani spoke at Hi!Network Pisa event.
• Murate Idea ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 October 2023Innovation hub and workspace in Florence, hosting Hi!Network Firenze event. Provides venue and exposure to local startup ecosystem. Historical building formerly a prison, now main innovation space in Florence.
• QontocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench fintech unicorn providing business banking solutions. Co-organizer of Hi!Network Bari. Lorenzo Zatini, Ecosystem Builder at Qonto Italy, participated as speaker and interviewer.
• ProlawcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLegal services firm and recurring partner across multiple Hi!Network events. Stefano Toro, Founder, speaks at events and provides legal expertise to community.
• Uno Quattro Studio LegaleminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLegal studio partner for multiple Hi!Network events including Turin and Bologna editions.
• Mokka StudiosminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCreative studio participating in Hi!Network events including Abruzzo and Rome editions.
• InnoValleyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation valley organization. Federico Fioriti, DG, announced as Director of Casa delle Tecnologie Emergenti d'Abruzzo. Partner and speaker at Abruzzo event.
• 20tabminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSoftware development company, sponsor of Hi!Network Abruzzo event.
• SCAI ComunicazioneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunication agency partner for Hi!Network Roma 2. Michele Franzese spoke at the event.
• Bugnion SpaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIntellectual property firm, supporter of Hi!Network Roma 2.
• InnovUpminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit association representing and uniting Italian innovation supply chain. Provided patronage for Hi!Network Roma 2 and Bologna events.
• La OrangeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerStartup producing low-calorie beer. Partner for Hi!Network events providing beverages at networking events.
• TreedomminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlorence-based successful startup. CEO Federico Garcea spoke at Hi!Network Firenze on sustainability and entrepreneurship.
• Confimi Industria AbruzzominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness association providing patronage for Hi!Network Abruzzo. Mirko Maiorano, President of Digital category, participated in expert panel.
• Camera di Commercio del Gran Sasso d'ItaliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChamber of Commerce providing patronage for Hi!Network Abruzzo event.
• Roma CapitaleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRome municipality providing official patronage for Hi!Network Roma events.
• Pont-TechminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness accelerator. President Damiano Bolognesi spoke at Hi!Network Pisa.
• OGR TorinocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficine Grandi Riparazioni - major innovation hub in Turin. Venue for Hi!Network Torino Seconda Edizione with 200+ participants.
• CTE NextcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of Hi!Network Torino Seconda Edizione. Major partner for tech ecosystem events.
• Young PlatformminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCryptocurrency platform. CEO Andrea Ferrero participated in Hi!Network Torino event.
• Puglia Women LeadminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWomen's entrepreneurship organization. Sonia Elicio participated in Bari and Firenze events. Announced Puglia Women Startup initiative.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Techstars: Global accelerator running startup programs and a worldwide founder community. Comparable in serving early-stage founders with community + educational content, but with an investor/accelerator model that Hi!Founders does not replicate.
• Slush: Global startup event and community operator (best known for the Helsinki Slush Conference). Comparable in event-driven founder community model, but operates at far larger scale and international reach.
• Product Hunt: Community-driven product discovery platform where makers and founders launch and discuss new products. Comparable in serving early-stage founders with a community-led model, but at much larger scale and broader scope.

Regional players

• InnovUp: Italian non-profit association representing and uniting the Italian innovation supply chain, including startups, investors, and innovation hubs. Comparable as an Italy-wide ecosystem community operator that Hi!Founders already partners with.
• Italian Tech Alliance: Italian tech industry association representing the country's leading digital companies and startups. Comparable in building community and policy support for the Italian tech ecosystem, but at an institutional rather than founder-led level.
• Nana Bianca: Italian accelerator and venture investor based in Florence, operating a startup acceleration program and community events. Comparable in Italian startup ecosystem focus and education/networking programming.
• Talent Garden: Italy-based innovation hub and coworking network with locations across Europe, hosting events and educational programs. Comparable as an Italian-rooted community for founders and digital professionals, though with a physical coworking focus rather than pure community.

Direct peers

• Indie Hackers: Online community for solo founders and indie entrepreneurs offering content, forums, and revenue data sharing. Closely comparable community-led GTM targeting founders at similar stages.
• Founders Forum: Curated global community for tech founders and CEOs with curated events and intimate networking. Comparable in focus on founder community and high-touch events, though at a higher tier of company.
• Startup Grind: Global startup founder community running events, educational content, and chapter-based networking in 600+ cities. Directly comparable model: free community + paid programs + events targeting early-stage founders.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCKbSsKud9ciuA7MdvXutZzw
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/79047484
• Instagraminstagram.com/hi.founders

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hi!Founders