ABOUT US
InFounders started as a humble gathering in Toronto back in 2017.
Since then, we’ve helped thousands connect and grow together.
And, the best part? We’re just getting started.
ABOUT INFOUNDERS
Masterminds are not new. However, they are often hard to access.
They tend to be select clubs with expensive membership, reserved for already highly successful CEOs.
We created InFounders to remove these barriers and bring the incredible power of Masterminds to ALL.
The best way we found of doing this is to work directly with organizations that support entrepreneurs and leaders.
We help them enhance their programming with the addition of Masterminds.
It keeps Masterminds accessible while power-boosting and infusing an amazing culture to these programs and organizations.
With every new group we launch, we’re thrilled.
We are incredibly grateful to run a company that creates support, growth, and friendships, and that measures success by high fives, hugs, and inspiring stories of success and empowerment.
We love doing what we do.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Humans are hard-wired for connection.
Bonding with others.
Feeling appreciated.
Being loved.
These are the emotions that give meaning to our lives, that make us feel whole.
Although it feels like we live in a world filled with connections, the truth is that we’re facing an epidemic of loneliness.
More and more, technology is giving us the illusion of connection.
Our large online networks compile endless acquaintances, but very few friends with whom we can go deep.
We started our Masterminds as a side project, to scratch our own itch to connect. But what we ended up seeing blew our minds.
Every time we launched a group, something special happened.
- People deeply listened to each other and leaned in.
- People dared to reveal their real selves, with courageous sincerity.
- People genuinely cared and generously helped.
- People shared deep belly laughs. People cried.
- People passionately worked together, going much further and faster than they could ever have gone alone.
True connections are far from dead.
And those are the types of connections that we need more of in this world.
Uplifting. Sincere. Compassionate. Meaningful. Supportive.
This is why we exist.
To bring them back and to help the world reconnect the real way. With empathy, laughs, and tears.
We can’t tell you enough how good it feels to be part of a supporting, kind, and loving group of people.
More about the power of connections
“The clearest message that we get from this 75-year study is this:
Good relationships keep us happier and healthier.
Period.”
– Dr. Robert Waldinger, Harvard University
ABOUT AÏKO
Aïko Thurlow is the CEO of InFounders.
When she was little, her parents had a small business.
It gave her a front row seat at understanding how difficult entrepreneurship was.
Over the years, she started a number of businesses, all with the mission of better supporting entrepreneurs.
Coming across Masterminds was a revelation.
She witnessed such growth from founders who participated in them.
And she absolutely loved that Masterminds brought back meaningful values like trust, empathy & courage, bravely tackled big taboos (imposter syndrome, anyone?), and created stellar communities.
By creating InFounders, she hoped many more entrepreneurs could benefit from their incredible power.
And with InFounders expanding beyond entrepreneurship, she is thrilled to expand the benefits of peer networks to as many people as possible.
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Aside from InFounders, Aïko was also the Associate Director of Entrepreneurship at York University, where she launched ELLA, an award-winning accelerator for women. She was also the Program Director at Shad Canada and a sustainability and strategy advisor at Seneca College.
She now lives in Upstate New York with her husband and two kids.
See more of her work in entrepreneurship here or find her on LinkedIn.
