About Us
THE CENTER FOR DECENTRALIZATION: STARTUP SOCIETIES NETWOK
The Startup Societies Network is the only think tank dedicated to studying and promoting decentralized governance. While other organizations may focus on blockchain technology, special jurisdictions, and new communities, only SSF works within all of these currents as though they are part of a larger river.
Startup Societies Foundation offers best practices and tools to promote decentralization, and has created a diverse and experienced network of thinkers and builders that are shaping the next generation of startup societies.
Watch this video about our impact
Years
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Academic publications
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In capital, policy innovation & ecosystem value capitalized by SSF
$
M - 140M
Startup Societies across the
world
world
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OUR HISTORY:
The Startup Societies Foundation was founded by Joseph McKinney, now President of the Board out of frustration with the stagnation of traditional political systems. Seeing entrepreneurship as a more effective path to governance reform, he launched a blog and podcast that soon drew a global network of innovators exploring alternative governance models. This grew into a Foundation.
The Foundation grew into a platform supporting this community with ideas and best practices. Key contributors like Professor Tom W. Bell and Dr. Nathalie Mezza-Garcia, now Managing Director, strengthened its intellectual base. This expansion led to the Journal of Special Jurisdictions and the publication of Founding Startup Foundation, co-authored by McKinney and Mark Frazier. Today, the Foundation is a leading hub for rethinking how societies are built and governed.
What we do?
Our Services
Legal Frameworks Consulting
We support entrepreneurs by equipping their startup societies with legal infrastructure by designing regulatory frameworks, corporate codes, and DAO governance models. Our tools include open-source templates, incorporation platforms, and policy research that lower the barriers to legitimacy and investment.
Best Practice and Tools
We reduce investment barriers by fostering trust through research, maps and dashboards, and an open-source legal community.
Establishing Partnerships
We work hand-in-hand with governments, tribes, and special zones to launch competitive jurisdictions. From legal recognition strategies to investor matchmaking and pop-up city events, we launch and transform startup societies into thriving governance ecosystems.
Ecosystem Building & Global Networks
We unite founders, policymakers, and investors through conferences, community-building events, and our global network. These efforts spark collaboration, generate media coverage, and drive momentum for startup societies around the world.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Our board is formed by key experts in the space
Joseph McKinney
CEO
Patri Friedman
Director
Matt Mckibbin
Director
Bradley Hook
Director
Nathalie Mezza Garcia
Managing Director
Podcasts, Blogs & Events
Upcoming Events
Startup Societies Support Café #1 (Zoom)
September 18, 2025 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Startup Societies Support Café #2 (Zoom)
October 16, 2025 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Startup Societies Support Café #3 (Zoom)
November 20, 2025 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
A better governed world starts with your donation
The Startup Societies Foundation (SSF) promotes new city creation and decentralized governance through research, collaboration, and events, integrating blockchain, special jurisdictions, and new communities.
Useful Links
Next events
Startup Societies Support Café #1 (Zoom)
Sep 18,2025
Startup Societies Support Café #2 (Zoom)
Oct 16,2025
Startup Societies Support Café #3 (Zoom)
Nov 20,2025
Contact Us
United States
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 6:30 pm