Founder Council

A curated 4-day retreat for bootstrapped founders, with a full year of peer-to-peer support.
So you can unlock a powerful network without the grind.

Next cohort kicks off January 2025

Step into Something Different

What if a year could change everything?

It starts with intimate quarterly peer groups—paired with founders who understand your challenges, because they're living them too.

Then, we gather. For four days in a French village with 24 vetted founders and hand-selected mentors.

No quick fixes. No surface-level networking. No startup theater.

Just real founders building real businesses, supporting each other through the hard parts, and building toward what's next.

Are you haunted by founder-shoulds? 

I should be building my network.

I should be going to more events. 

I should be connecting with other founders.

I should raise money in order to scale.

At Founder Council we shed the shoulds.

We create a bespoke, curated program based on the needs of each cohort. So that you can feel confident you’re doing the right thing for your business and leave the shoulds (and FOMO) to everyone else.

It’s Time for a change.

It's time to gather differently, in an intimate setting where real connections can flourish.

You are not alone

Where bootstrapped founders find their people

While others chase pitch meetings and dilution, you've built something real. Something profitable. Something that's yours.

But sustainable growth can feel lonely when everyone else is chasing their next round. Where do you turn for advice on:

  • Building a team without burning runway?

  • Scaling what's already working?

  • Growing through profit, not pitch decks?

That's why we created Founder Council.

We've gathered 24 founders just like you—turning real traction into meaningful scale, profitably. People who:

  • Understand the balance of growth and profit

  • Make every decision count

  • Navigate the same challenges you're facing

Plus, you'll learn from mentors who've walked this exact path.  No fluff. No theory. Just real experience from people who get it.

Because choosing your own path doesn't mean walking it alone

Not ready to apply? Read our FAQ or fill out this form to learn more.

“Our personal and professional networks have shrunk by 16% since the start of the pandemic.”

— Harvard Business Review

OK, but what is it?

Founder Community

Outside of the peer groups we will gather (virtually) for workshops, goal setting, reflections, AMAs, and you’ll also get matched with expert 1:1s with mentors throughout the year based on what you need help with most.

Your needs are evolving, so are our services. Just think of us as your business concierge / booster pack.

quarterly peer groupS

It’s time to rebuild our executive networks, reconnect with other founders, and grow together.

Each quarter you’ll meet (virtually) with 5 other founders and a facilitator to work through your business’ biggest challenges.

4-day bespoke retreat

Spend 4-days in a French village with a curated peer group and hand-picked mentors specifically invited based on your business needs.

This isn’t a one-size fits all agenda, this is a bespoke experience meant to help you level up and jump ahead a few steps in your journey.

Why Us?

Where real relationships turn into real opportunities.

The best opportunities don't happen at conferences.

They happen over dinner. In group chats. Through warm intros.

You already know this. You've seen how investing in your executive network creates new clients, speaking engagements, and media hits that just "fall into your lap". 

Yet here you are, drowning in conference badges, craving something more meaningful.

That's where we're different.

I'm Christina Hug, and I've spent over 12 years building a global network of founders and tech leaders. Now, I'm bringing together 24 carefully selected founders for a year of meaningful connection and growth.

Let me help you find your people—for the long run.

“Christina has a way of making the world feel smaller and more connected through her remarkable ability to bring the right people and ideas into your path just when you need them."

Ricard Garriga, Founder of Trioteca

“Christina is the most well-networked person I know. I've found myself working with incredible companies in Barcelona, landing clients in Brooklyn, and having dinner with tech leaders who previously wouldn't have picked up my call— all because Christina is in my corner.”

Sarah Stockdale, Founder of Growclass

“Christina has a rare gift for facilitating meaningful experiences that not only elevate and connect those around her but also drive real, meaningful change for their businesses and lives. Her empathy, industry expertise, and strategic insight make her programs not just inspiring, but transformative.”

Katherine McDonald, Former COO of CreativeMornings

It takes a village

So we’re gathering in one.

April 29 - May 2nd we will gather in our peer groups, with invited mentors, in a medieval village in Gascony, France.

What’s included in our 4-day retreat:

  • Transport to and from Bordeaux or Toulouse Airport (bus)

  • 3 nights single occupancy room with en suite, in a shared village home

  • All food and drinks at the village

What’s not included:

  • Airfare to and from France

Can’t make it to the village? You might like our virtual-only program.

For more details on eligibility and cost structures visit our FAQ section or reach out to learn more.

Watch a short video on where we’ll be staying

The Format

  • The first step is getting clear on what your core challenges are. Accepted Founders will have a 1:1 session with our team to map out the core challenges you're facing right now.

    Yes, we do this every quarter – challenges evolve and so do we.

  • Your peer group is formed! We will place you in a group of 5-6 other founders with a dedicated facilitator. Matching is based on company stage, challenge, and expertise to ensure maximum value.

  • Every quarter, we gather.

    Once a quarter, we come together (virtually) for four hours to tackle our challenges. Each founder gets the chance to share their challenge and receive valuable insights from the group. In turn, they also provide insights into their peers' challenges.

  • For those that want to take it a step further we will also match you with 1:1 virtual mentor meetings to help you move through your challenges even more.

Join Us

To ensure the best connections, Founder Council is invite-only.

This allows us to curate each group based on business needs and compatibility.

Learn More

Submit your details and our team will follow up to answer your questions or book an info call.