About 2,500 years ago in ancient Greece, introductions were a little more poetic, a little more rooted in place and pride. You wouldn’t just say, “Hi, I’m Orpheus.” You’d say, “I am Orpheus of Athens.” (Orpheus was a legendary musician.) That second part — “of Athens” — wasn’t filler. It was the anchor. It told people not just who you were, but where you came from and who you claim to be a part of. It was a declaration: I belong to a community. I am part of something bigger than myself.
What if we brought that mindset back into the startup world?
Imagine this: Instead of saying, “I’m Sarah, a founder,” you say, “I’m Sarah, a fearless member of the Fargo startup community.” Instead of “I’m Mike, a VC,” it’s “I’m Mike, a backer of the Roanoke startup ecosystem.”
That subtle shift does something powerful — it reminds everyone, including yourself, that this journey isn’t just about you. It’s about us.
Startup communities thrive not because of one unicorn or a fancy new coworking space, but because of the many — the mentors who give first, the founders who show up (even when it’s hard), and the connectors who bridge networks like it’s second nature.
When I say, “I’m Chris, (legendary instigator) of the Raleigh-Durham startup community,” I’m not being cheeky (okay, maybe a little). I’m owning the role I’ve played, the contributions I’ve made — and more importantly, the community I’ve helped shape alongside thousands of others. Because this isn’t just my story — it’s our story.
That’s the point. When you introduce yourself as part of your community, you signal that you’re building with others in mind. That is true topophilia – love of place. You’re not just chasing the next big thing for your own ego; you’re creating momentum, building culture, and fostering connection.
So here’s a thought for you, fellow founder, mentor, investor, or dreamer:
How would you introduce yourself if you saw yourself as a reflection of your startup community?
Would you be a visionary of Vancouver? A catalyst of Kalamazoo? A nurturer of New Orleans?
Try it. Say it out loud. And then go out there and be that person. Your community is better for it.