Join the Insurgency
COMMON is a worldwide community of innovators who are working to take care of the planet and all the creatures on it. We believe in business as UNusual.
Ifyou believe that “crushing it” in business is not about crushing the competition… that succeeding in business and doing good for the world are not mutually exclusive pursuits… that the key to success is not in the what you are doing but in the why and how, then join us.
Together We Can Be FearLess
Our purpose is to accelerate entrepreneurs, business professionals and investors who want to make a difference in the world. We are a community of Insurgents who gain strength in numbers, economies of scale, and create shared value, for the benefit of all. So far:
- 60 companies/innovators have joined, representing 13 countries.
- The range of companies spans those that are being courted for acquisition, to entrepreneurs with an idea.
- Members include veteran entrepreneurs with prior exits under their belt, former high level execs who’ve left the corporate world, first-time and veteran angels and VCs, and people with no prior business experience who have an idea they want to take to market.
- We are in tech, organic farming, consumer products, manufacturing, finance, logistics/supply chain, media, law, creative services, management consulting and more.
To learn more about our history and what we stand for, visit COMMON.is
Insurgency Has Its Privileges
Here are just some (see The Details below for more):
- Community-based acceleration via Slack, Pitch Events, Yearly Summit, and more.
- Virtual Bootcamps on topics including: How to Attract Investment, Structuring for Success, and Moneyball for Angel Investors.
- Executive Advisory Sessions to help you stay on track with your goals.
- Discounted services from partners, including: Crowdfunder, Westaway Law, Apple Computer, and more.
How to Join COMMON
- Complete our questionnaire: click here.
- Video chat with a Lead Insurgent.
- Follow the on-boarding process.
Insurgent Academy
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor or professional; whether you are seeking investment, or seeking other quantum leaps in value for your business, the Academy is designed to help.
Your education is two parts: training for your brain and the things you do outwardly to further your business; the other, self-discovery and self-mastery to unleash what is in your heart and soul. Both are important, but so often we forget about the importance of the latter. Don’t worry, this is not psychotherapy or Tony Robbins — though we think those can be valuable.
Our approach is based on neuroscience, mindfulness and the school of hard knocks. Rather than just advise you on the business we also work on the “inner game”. This starts with getting clarity on your purpose and seeing your blind spots. It continues with helping you remove subconscious blocks which may be impeding your ability to achieve your business goals.
Academy Orientation
Together we will make sure you are ready to commit to the work, and we will work with you to define your specific curriculum. You will get a first-hand dose of what the Academy has to offer in the form of insights about your business and where you are currently stuck.
Skills Practice (Weekly)
Whether you are raising money, perfecting your sales close, or trying to explain what you do to your family, you need to master the art of the one minute pitch (no slides or notes). We train as a group, taking turns pitching, asking tough questions, and giving constructive feedback.
Strategy & Tactics Lab (Monthly)
Work with a Lead Insurgent via video conference, Trello and Slack to further your specific business and objectives.
Calibration (Quarterly)
Being an entrepreneur is a hero’s journey. Lead Insurgents will work with you to make sure you are following your internal compass, battling demons with compassion, and ultimately fulfilling your destiny.
The process starts when you complete the questionnaire.
Meet the Lead Insurgents
Rafe Furst
Rafe knows how to hack the fundraising matrix. He connects ideas, people and resources to make good things happen faster.
Jason McKinley
Jason solves problems that other people can’t. Much like Winston Wolfe, but for people who are doing good.
Mark Eckhardt
As the CEO of COMMON, Mark blends Getting Things Done with Be Here Now to help you Do Shit That Matters.
Collectively the we have over 75 years of startup experience and expertise in: Investment-Readiness, Offering Structure, Fundraising Strategy, Equity Crowdfunding, Campaign Management, Pitch Decks, Live Pitches, Closing Investors, Business Model & Valuation, Corporate Structure, Equity & Cap Table, Brand Strategy, Marketing & Sales Strategy, Organizational Design, HR & Compliance, Intellectual Property, Software Technology, Music, Entertainment & Sports, Exit Strategy.
Changing the World Has To Be Fun!
At COMMON, we believe in having fun, working together, and challenging the status quo. That’s our promise. We are hopeful that the information we’ve shared inspires you to say “YES” with the confidence of knowing that we are focused on the right things, and that you will be supported in fulfilling your dreams and aspirations of making an impact through your business.
No need to go it alone. Reach out if you have questions: itmatters@common.is
The Details
More Benefits of COMMON Membership
- Valuable networking opportunities, including facilitated introductions to other community members upon request.
- An introductory announcement to welcome you into the COMMON community and generate support from existing members.
- Heightened awareness around your business, through and introductory announcement and features in COMMON communications and marketing activities.
- An invitation to participate in our annual COMMON Summit, to help keep you on track and up-to-date with the latest social business strategies.
- Opportunities to present and speak at COMMON Pitch events.
- Invitation to our private Slack community.
- Eligible to participate in the COMMON Equity Pool
Pricing
- Membership $99/month
- Insurgent Academy Tuition $5,000 for 6 month program.