Episode 9 | Why Chasing Unicorns Weakens Startup Communities

Original Description

In this episode, Chris Heivly challenges one of the most persistent myths in startup community building: that a single unicorn can transform an entire ecosystem.

He unpacks why chasing breakout companies is not just unrealistic, but actively harmful. A unicorn focused strategy narrows attention, sidelines early stage founders, and poisons the aspirational stack that healthy communities depend on.

Instead, Chris makes the case for a different approach. One rooted in volume, connection, and long term participation. By supporting founders at every stage and planting many seeds instead of betting on one outcome, communities create the conditions where real momentum compounds over time.

This episode is a reminder that unicorns do not build communities. Communities build companies. And the work that matters most happens well before the headlines.

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