Our Startup Basecamp Journey
This is the story of how Startup Basecamp grew from a small idea sparked by founders in Silicon Valley into a global community supporting entrepreneurs solving one of the world’s biggest challenges: climate change.
Starting with Why
"When I landed in Silicon Valley in 2013, I was full of hopes and entrepreneurial dreams. But I soon discovered the challenges of settling into this complex ecosystem. After months of bouncing between low-quality hacker houses, Airbnbs, and hostels, I realized I had spent more time trying to survive than working on my startup. This inspired me to help other entrepreneurs avoid the same struggles.
This core motivation led me to create Startup Basecamp—more than just a place to live and work with like-minded startup professionals, a true gateway to the Silicon Valley ecosystem."
Guillaume de Dorlodot
Co-Founder & CEO
7+ Years Supporting International Entrepreneurs from Seed to IPO Stage
2013-2020
4000+
Founders
85
Countries
8
Basecamps
172
Events
35+
Innovation Retreats
1
IPO
4
Unicorns
Featured In
2013
Startup Basecamp Launched: Live · Build · Connect
Facing the initial challenges as international entrepreneurs in the Silicon Valley ecosystem, we launched Startup Basecamp — a Basecamp for founders to Live, Work & Connect. It was designed to be the soft landing we wished we had: a place where global entrepreneurs could access not just a roof and a desk, but a like-minded community and immediate connection to the local startup scene.
We opened our first co-living and co-working space in a four-bedroom apartment in the heart of San Francisco. This marked the beginning of an incredible human adventure — one that would evolve into a global community for startup founders around the world.
2014
From an Apartment to a Hotel
From the start, our focus was on creating spaces that fostered real human connection — places where founders could feel at home, find support, and build meaningful relationships. As the community grew, so did the energy and impact inside our walls.
We began to iterate and expand the co-living and co-working concept across a variety of real estate formats — including apartments, lofts, motels, and boutique hotels — not only throughout San Francisco, but also internationally, in Canada and Europe.
2015
The First Startup Hotel Opened
With growing demand and insights from our early spaces, we scaled the model into the first Startup Hotel — launching a new segment of hospitality tailored to founders, tech professionals, and investors.
This evolution transformed our in-person guest experience, allowing us to introduce hybrid community initiatives and diversify our offerings. With three locations — a converted motel and two boutique hotels — we created immersive environments where people could live, build, and connect in ways that felt both intentional and inspiring.
2016
The Gateway to Silicon Valley
In 2016, we launched Startup Basecamp’s Innovation Lab as the educational arm of our International Startup Hotel & Community — created to bring greater value to our members and deepen their access to the Silicon Valley ecosystem.
With a mission to bridge international tech hubs to Silicon Valley, the Lab focused on five key verticals — Greentech, Fintech, Foodtech, Healthtech, and Edutech — and offered curated programs to help professionals immerse in the local innovation landscape. We organized 170+ educational events and 35+ week-long expeditions for startups, universities, and corporates, while supporting early-stage founders through coaching, resources, and hands-on guidance. Along the way, we also hosted thought leaders like Guy Kawasaki, Eric Ries, and Jason Fried, who shared their insights with our global community.
Silicon Valley interviews:
2017
Nomad Pass, Curated Community & Team Experiences
We continued to grow our community and enhance the guest experience across all locations, while running immersive innovation programs for global startups, universities, and corporate teams.
During this time, we launched Nomad Pass, a work-from-anywhere platform inspired by our members, and expanded into curated company retreats and team-building experiences across the U.S. and Central America.
2020
A Pause with Purpose
When the pandemic hit in March 2020, our business faced unprecedented challenges — with all bookings, innovation programs, and retreats cancelled due to global travel restrictions. Though it was a challenging interruption to our 7-year mission of connecting founders in Silicon Valley, it also gave us the space to reflect and reimagine.
Backed by a successful crowdfunding campaign — launched to continue our mission of making Silicon Valley accessible to all and introduce a new set of online initiatives and services — we experienced the power of our community firsthand. And at this moment unlike any other we’ve all experienced, we also became parents. This period taught us the value of resilience, creativity, and staying rooted in what truly matters, and showed us the power of a global community coming together with purpose.
2021
A Strategic Shift Toward Climate & The Future of Work
In 2021, recognizing the urgency of the climate crisis, we set out to leverage Silicon Valley’s innovation ecosystem to help founders build, fund, and scale technologies that address one of the world’s most pressing challenges. Our goal: make the Silicon Valley’s network, expertise, and resources accessible to climate tech teams everywhere.
During this time with Nomad Pass, our focus shifted toward enabling companies to thrive in the new era of distributed work — advising companies on hybrid and remote work transformation strategies and continuing to design off-site retreats and team-building experiences to help teams align, collaborate, and grow in a more flexible world of work. Our goal: empowering modern leaders to build stronger, more connected, and culture-driven organizations.
2025 & Beyond
Looking Ahead
Startup Basecamp is now Climate Investors Alliance, a global platform supporting climate tech founders with access to investors, curated programs, and expert resources.
Nomad Pass is back, helping companies design meaningful off-site retreats and build thriving cultures in the new era of distributed work.
Our Community Network
Testimonials
"My experience at Startup Basecamp was by far one of the most memorable of my life. Guillaume and Maria have become very dear friends, and are incredible connectors. They've built a space where people feel at home immediately. I met amazing entrepreneurs, had conversations I'll never forget, and left with friendships and memories that go far beyond business."
Cecilia Botta
Basic Net
"Startup Basecamp is where serendipity happens. Every interaction mattered, from spontaneous conversations over morning coffee to invaluable connections at community events and dinners they organized. My stay sparked new ideas and friendships that genuinely accelerated my entrepreneurial journey."
Jordan Succar
Sponseasy
"Startup Basecamp was a true problem-solver.
A fantastic and reliable partner over the years consistently providing an outstanding experience for our executive immersion weeks. They have my highest recommendation without reservation."
Sven Scheid
ESCP Europe Business School
"I couldn't dream of a better place to stay during an important time for our business. It's a great ambiance with fascinating guests from all over the world make for a great experience. Startup Basecamp is building something important."
Frederic della Faille
Frontback
"Startup Basecamp is more than just a place to stay—it’s a launchpad. The energy, the connections, and the inspiring conversations with founders from across the world created opportunities I never expected. It’s a must for any entrepreneur coming to Silicon Valley."
Mathilde Collin
CEO Front
“What Guillaume and Maria have built is nothing short of incredible. They've created a deeply connected community where entrepreneurs genuinely support each other, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships, both within the community and with the local ecosystem. SBC isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a place that truly makes you feel you belong.”
