In the fast-paced world of startups and venture capital, networks are essential. The right connections can shape the success of entrepreneurs, investors, and students alike. This belief drives Inner Circle, a community born from The Independent Investor to connect self-made entrepreneurs, investors, and aspiring founders committed to building businesses and strengthening the startup ecosystem.
The Birth of The Independent Investor
It was the launch of The Independent Investor which paved the way for the Inner Circle to flourish. Four years ago, Keenan Ugarte and his co-founders launched The Independent Investor (TII), an online publication dedicated to telling honest stories about the early-stage investment world. Frustrated by the dominance of sponsored media and lack of independent startup news, they sought to create an independent platform that provided unfiltered perspectives on entrepreneurship and investment.
What started as a publication quickly evolved into something more. Through interviews and workshops, the team realized that entrepreneurs and investors needed more than just information—they needed a community. “Entrepreneurship is a lonely journey,” Ugarte explained. “Entrepreneurs are contrarian by nature. They start things that are new and often face disagreement. But they’re also open-minded and willing to share their lessons for others to learn.”
This realization led to the creation of Inner Circle, a network designed to connect like-minded individuals who could support and learn from each other.
The Power of Networks
“Networks are the lifeblood of entrepreneurship,” Ugarte emphasized. “In the entrepreneurial world, networks are currency. Studies show that being able to utilize effective networks is an important ingredient to entrepreneurial success”
Ugarte’s own experiences reinforced this belief. Many of his business ventures were made possible through connections he formed throughout his career, and he saw how this support system could benefit others, too.
Unlike exclusive clubs catering to corporate executives or legacy affiliations, Inner Circle is designed for self-made entrepreneurs and investors. “Our criteria are selective,” Ugarte noted. “Members must have started their own companies or invested their own capital. This ensures that everyone in the community has skin in the game.”
A Community for Founders, Investors, and Students
The Inner Circle community consists of three groups: founders, investors, and students. Each has its own membership criteria:
- Founders must have started a company with a Philippine connection with at least $250k in annual revenue.
- Investors must have independently invested at least $20,000 of their own money in the last two years.
- Students must demonstrate a strong interest in entrepreneurship through internships, startups, or academic achievements.
This is the base, and the applicants have to go through interviews with committee members.
Once admitted, members gain access to shared resources, discussion boards, and exclusive events through a community online portal. These include breakfast meetings and dinners where members exchange ideas, challenges, and success stories.
Engagement and Growth
Ron Castro, TII Managing Editor, highlights how the community fosters engagement. “We curate discussions, host problem-solving workshops, and run mentorship programs and networking events,” he explained. “These activities provide multiple avenues for members to connect, share insights, and build valuable relationships.”
Inner Circle hosts both online and in-person events covering key topics like fundraising strategies, innovative business models, market trends, and scaling challenges. “Our goal is to create a space where members can learn from each other and grow together,” Castro added.
Since its launch in December, Inner Circle has grown steadily, now boasting 58 members. The community is expanding, with plans to establish a presence in key Philippine cities like Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo, as well as among Filipino entrepreneurs in North America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. “We aim to build a truly nationwide and global community of Filipino investors and entrepreneurs,” Castro shared.
Why Join Inner Circle?
For those considering membership, the benefits are clear. “The community offers a path to investment and entrepreneurial success,” Castro said. “Members can learn from experienced investors, tap into a strong network, and access exclusive opportunities.”
Students receive a 50% discount on membership fees, and TII newsletter subscribers are eligible for special promotions. The application process is straightforward: candidates must meet the criteria and undergo an interview with a committee member.
Inside Inner Circle: A Founder’s View from John Avrett
John Avrett, CEO of Hive Modular, sees Inner Circle as a game-changer for the local entrepreneurship scene. As both a first-time founder and an expat, he values the opportunity to connect with both international and local founders. “Inner Circle gives me a comprehensive view of what it’s like to start a company in the Philippines. Starting a business is tough anywhere, but the Philippines comes with its own unique challenges. Having a network where you can openly share experiences makes a huge difference,” he shared.
Avrett highlighted the impact of Inner Circle’s curated events, recalling their discussion series SESSIONS with Ian Paradies of Engkanto Brewery. “The insights from that session on scaling and growing a business were incredibly valuable,” he said. He also praised Inner Circle’s selective approach to membership, which ensures meaningful, high-quality engagement. “Every event is intentionally small and curated, making the conversations much more impactful.”
For Simon Baumgarten, founder of Flip Flop Ventures, joining Inner Circle was all about the people and the conversations. “It was all about the people and the conversations! I wanted a space where I could connect, share frustrations, feel understood, and get advice from those with more experience. At the same time, I hoped to contribute by supporting others however I could,” he shares.
What he values most about the community is the shared understanding among members. “Everyone here knows the intensity of building a business. On tough days, just hanging out with fellow founders is a reminder that we’re not alone,” he says. “It’s a safe haven for all the nerds—if you ever feel weird, you’ll fit right in.”
When asked if he’d recommend Inner Circle, his answer is simple: “Yes. It’s a great platform for supporting each other, and since we’re all part of the same ecosystem, we should.”
A Message to Potential Members
Ugarte knows firsthand the challenges of entrepreneurship. After leaving a full-time job to fully commit to his own ventures, he quickly realized that freedom comes at a cost. “One of the first hard lessons I learned was that freedom comes at a steep price—personal liquidity. It’s being asset-pretty and cash-ugly,” he shared. “The challenges entrepreneurs face are deeply personal, and unlike corporate executives, entrepreneurs don’t see a difference between work and play. They are one in the same. That’s why we built Inner Circle—to create a space where like-minded entrepreneurs and investors can have real, open conversations about the struggles that come with the journey.”
But beyond financial risks, entrepreneurship can also be isolating. “Most entrepreneurs are lonely not because they lack a network,” Ugarte explained. “Many have friends and family, but being a serial entrepreneur means being obsessed with what you’re building. That kind of obsession can make you feel isolated amongst your existing regular network. At Inner Circle, we believe being eccentric is okay. Obsession is an important part of the journey.”
As Inner Circle continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the power of networks and the strength of community in the entrepreneurial journey. For Ugarte and his team, the mission is clear: to build a space where innovation thrives, meaningful connections form, and entrepreneurs and investors can support each other in shaping the future of business.
To learn more or join, visit www.theindependentinvestor.ph, attend one of our upcoming events, or contact Ron Castro directly at roncastro@theindependentinvestor.ph.