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September 05.2025
3 Minutes Read

How to Build Lasting Companies and Communities: Insights from Discord's Jason Citron

Discussion at a tech event emphasizing community-driven business startups.

The Future of Business is Community-Driven

In today’s entrepreneurial landscape, success hinges not solely on innovative ideas but on the ability to foster genuine connections. This was the key takeaway from the enlightening session titled “Creating Communities and Companies That Last” at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, featuring Jason Citron, the visionary founder of Discord, and Tade Oyerinde, the innovative force behind Campus and Campuswire. They discussed how building communities can transform startups into pillars of success that sustain long-term growth.

Designing for People, Not Institutions

Citron emphasized that when products are designed for individuals rather than corporate entities, they transcend being mere tools; they become movements. By prioritizing the user experience and community engagement, both Discord and Campuswire have created platforms that promote authentic interactions. During the session, they shared insights into how effective community-building can serve as a competitive edge for startups, leading to quicker scaling and more enduring loyalty from users.

Scaling Smarter: Insights from Discord's Journey

Since its inception, Discord has grown into a global communication hub with hundreds of millions of active users. Citron's previous experiences laid the groundwork for this significant scaling—starting with OpenFeint and continually focusing on user-centered design. His approach shows that successful business startups, especially in the tech industry, often require a blend of relevant technology and community support to thrive. This conversation serves as a reminder for emerging founders: prioritize building relationships to enhance your startup’s resilience.

Reimagining Education: A Case Study with Campuswire

On the other side of the conversation, Oyerinde is reshaping the future of higher education through Campuswire, advocating for a model where technology enhances human-centered learning. His insights into the intersection of technology and education reveal how important it is for startups in this sector to focus on student and faculty communities rather than just institutional success. By rebuilding educational spaces, he aims to create lasting impacts that extend well beyond traditional metrics of success.

Lessons for Startup Founders

The insights provided at the Builders Stage are invaluable for any aspiring entrepreneur. Whether you’re looking to market a new tech solution, generate funding, or create a loyal customer base, incorporating community-first design is a vital strategy. Startups that cultivate their community effectively will not only endure longer but also enjoy the benefits of loyal advocates who help in marketing and product development, potentially transforming their business startup checklist into a roadmap of sustained growth.

Community-First: The Competitive Advantage

In a saturated market filled with startups vying for attention, those that prioritize community over competition will ultimately prevail. Citron and Oyerinde's discussion highlighted the importance of thinking differently and positioning your startup to create real connections with users. Community-driven startups possess a unique ability to increase customer retention and word-of-mouth referrals, accelerating their growth while reducing overall business startup costs.

Get Involved: TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

To harness these insights and more, startup enthusiasts should not miss the opportunity to attend TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 from October 27-29 in San Francisco. Tickets are selling fast, and with savings of up to $668 available right now, this event allows you to interact with industry leaders and gain actionable strategies for your startup journey. Don’t wait—secure your spot and pave the way for your business success!

By engaging with expert-led discussions and networking with like-minded individuals, attendees can explore emerging business startup trends and unlock new opportunities.

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09.07.2025

Unlocking the Future: Mistral AI Emerges as OpenAI’s Competition

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Cutting Through Equity Noise: Insights from the Panel at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

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