Our mission
Connect, then give back.
A members' circle for the founders who came through JMU, and who pay it forward.
Mission statement
Madison Founders Network exists to extend the value of the Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship at James Madison University to students and alumni entrepreneurs who have created meaningful impact by founding or co‑founding business(es).
Our mission
Our mission is to cultivate a network of forward-thinking students and alumni entrepreneurs who support one another and pay it forward in a variety of ways to their fellow JMU founders.
Our community
Madison Founders Network membership will foster a community of innovative leaders in a variety of industries. We will provide a collaborative space for founders to connect, network, share knowledge, and support one another in their journeys. Through networking, mentorship, peer support, and meaningful relationships, we strive to encourage and promote entrepreneurial endeavors while helping students and members navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and achieve lasting success.
Why we exist
Three purposes, one network.
Connect the ecosystem
Bring JMU's alumni founders into one place so they can find each other, trade advice, make introductions and do business together.
OutcomeA connected founder community
Give back to students
Build a pipeline of experienced founders ready to support student entrepreneurs, especially through the Gilliam Center.
- Advisory board and guest speakers
- Competition mentors and judges
- Bluestone Seed Fund
OutcomeFounder talent for the GCFE
Support the university
Channel the success of JMU's founders into philanthropic support for the university, its programs and the next generation of Dukes.
OutcomeFounder philanthropy for JMU
Member criteria
Conditions of membership.
A James Madison University alumnus will be considered if they have founded or co-founded a company that meets the following criteria.
In business for a year
The company has been or was in business for at least one year.
Independent company
Privately held or public, for-profit, and independent. It is not a division or subsidiary of another company.
Verifiable results
The company must show verifiable revenue, funding, or an exit:
- At least $500,000 in verifiable annual revenue, in any given year
- At least $250,000 raised in equity investment capital
- An exit enterprise value of at least $1,000,000
Non-public information, including revenues, capital raised and exit values, is kept confidential and used exclusively to determine member eligibility. Data submitted is not shared with external parties or published publicly.
Request to join