Our Community
Density Collective brings together top Chicago founders, including:
- YCombinator, Sequoia, Village Global, Accel, and Hustle Fund backed founders
- Entrepreneurs who've exited to companies like Lyft, Mimecast, and more
- Founders who've built businesses to $20M+ annual revenue
- Early-stage startups already at $1M+ ARR and 350K+ MAU
- Member companies that have raised $500K to $2M while active members
The Deal
- Desk space in a shared office of founders ($250/month dedicated; $125/month hot desk)
- Co-mentorship from experienced founders
- Weekly small-group discussions to overcome startup challenges
- Access to high-agency, execution-focused peers
- Access to funding opportunities from our network
Meet Density
Membership and Pricing
A 5k sqft space with around 30 desks in an open workspace at 215 W Superior St, Floor 7, Chicago.
Free coffee and light snacks are included.
- Founder Collective Desk: $250/month per dedicated desk
- Founder Community Desk: $125/month per hot-desk membership
- Builders-in-Residence (BIR) Community Desk: $125/month per hot-desk membership
All memberships are billed quarterly in advance ($750 per dedicated desk or $375 per hot-desk membership). Dedicated desks have a three-month minimum and renew every three months unless you give at least 30 days' written notice before the term ends.
All memberships run for up to 12 consecutive months; continuing requires reapplication and approval. Companies that close a Series A or have more than four full-time employees in the space must transition out, with limited extensions at Density's discretion.
Acceptance Criteria
Founder Members
- Dedicated desk members work in person at least four days per week (with exceptions for vacation or work travel). Community Desk members have no minimum in-office attendance requirement.
- Full-time founder of a venture-backable business
- Working MVP or clear ability to build one
- Prior startup experience (second-time and exited founders preferred)
- At least one technical founder
- Agree to pitch Density and its aligned capital partners if and when you fundraise, with no obligation to accept an investment
- Share quarterly company updates with Density and its aligned capital partners
Builders-in-Residence
Experienced operators, exited founders, and domain experts who contribute through expertise, connections, and mentorship, even if they're not building a startup full-time. BIRs have no minimum in-office attendance requirement and no fundraising or quarterly reporting obligations.
All members must align with our culture, participate in the community, take on a small role, and refer at least one qualified founder per membership term.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I access the space?
Members have 24/7 access, including evenings and weekends. Enter the building from your phone with the ButterflyMX mobile app.
Where can I take calls or meetings?
The space has five meeting rooms and one phone booth.
What comes with a desk?
Fiber internet over Wi-Fi, a desk, and a chair are included. Some desks also have a drawer.
Can I bring guests or teammates?
Yes. You're responsible for your guests, and ButterflyMX lets you issue guest passes. Teammates who use the space frequently need their own paid memberships (at least one member of your team must be a founder).
Can I see the space before joining?
Yes. Apply first, and we'll reach out to arrange a visit if your application is a fit.
Does membership require equity or give Density investment rights?
No. Membership requires no equity and grants no investment rights. Founder Members agree to pitch Density and its aligned capital partners if and when they fundraise, with no obligation to accept an investment afterward.
Apply to Density
We contact applicants we're interested in. The process includes a conversation with our Membership Lead and an in-person interview with a Lead and an active member.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We are selectively seeking the best founders in Chicago.
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