Create a life and business rich with purpose

Whether you're looking to get started, grow your business or level up as a leader, this is where you'll get clear on your next move and find the support and tools you need to make it happen.

"The Happy Startup School is the antidote to business as usual, and when running yourself into the ground no longer make sense. Here’s a community of people that are living proof that a more human(e), healthy, loving and fun way of doing business - or indeed any kind of work - is more than possible." Agnes, UK

Hey there!

We're Laurence and Carlos, the founders of The Happy Startup School since 2012 (and friends since actual school). We've created this platform as an antidote to business as usual – where learning is fun and true friends are made, not just business contacts.

With more than 10,000+ hours experience each working with entrepreneurs and new businesses, we've curated some powerful resources and a thriving community of purpose-driven entrepreneurs that think like you do. 

Where you’ll get the help you need, just when you need it.

As featured in

Don't just take our word for it

★★★★★

The Happy Startup Journey

A carefully curated pathway of learning 

Get clear on your ideas and build your first product/service

Dream – Create an inspiring vision and a focus for your ideas
Explore – Understand your customers and what they’ll pay for
Learn – Ensure you don’t waste time on the wrong ideas
Build – Learn tools to create your first product

🎯 Goal » Launch your minimum loveable product and make your first sale

From a working product to a thriving business

Tell – Create a compelling brand that connects with people
Share – Discover the best way to reach your customers
Connect – Create and nurture a loyal following
Sell – Grow your profits by optimising your business model

🎯 Goal » Hit your chosen target for profitability 

Be your best self to make the impact you crave

Pause – Discover tools and techniques for avoiding burnout
Flow– Be more effective by working smarter not harder
Lead – Learn how to lead with clarity, courage and empathy
Contribute – Be inspired to make a positive difference

🎯 Goal » Plan out your ideal working week and make it happen

For each trimester we'll be releasing a new online course, with supporting materials and Q&As with a view to helping you reach your planned goals:

Online Learning

• 🎓 A new course released every few months, as well as immediate access to our archive including our flagship Purpose+Profit program, to which you'll have free access – our step-by-step guide to bringing your ideas to life
• 📘 Recommended reads & listens where we curate the top books and podcasts to help you on your entrepreneurial journey
• 📺 Live Q&As with your course leaders Carlos and Laurence where you can get your questions answered

Peer Support

• 🔥 Themed 'campfire' conversations with fellow members on key topics
• 💺 Hot seats where you can get direct feedback on your biggest challenge right now from the brilliant minds in this community
• 🏃 Deep work sprints where you can co-work remotely and get stuff done
• 💡 Mentor office hours where you can get book free time with some of our wonderful mentors including VCs and serial entrepreneurs

Member Exclusives

• ▶️ Regular webinars with special guests and thought leaders
• ✒️ Exclusive articles from our founders and mentors
• 🎬 Exclusive videos including priority access to all talks from our annual Summercamp as well as our archive of webinars and interviews
• 🍕 Local member meetups in Amsterdam, Brighton, London and a growing amount of cities (even start your own)
• ⛺ Personal invitation and a $250 discount to our annual Summercamp in the UK countryside where 150 likeminded souls gather together – 2018 will be our 7th year

Your tribe awaits

Learn from some amazing humans

Shared values
The people you'll meet in this community are a different breed. Where others see competition and self-interest, they see collaboration.

Challenging questions
The right question can transform a business. We ask the crunchy questions that get you thinking deeper.

Conversations that matter
We firmly believe that vulnerability is the route to authentic connections, so we've created a safe space where we can sweat the big stuff.

Why struggle alone?

Ask for help and feel the power of our community

Nicholas Himowicz, Founder of Mind Apps

Find collaborators, customers & mentors that will help you succeed

All for $35+vat a month

Apply now

Rula Giakoumi, Project Manager

What you'll learn

How to build a business that aligns with who you are

Read the happiness trap on Medium

Over the last 6+ years we've built our reputation on creating game-changing experiences and programs both online and around the world that help people realise that dream in their head. Our Mighty Network brings together everything into one place – all at your fingertips and for a fraction of the cost of our in-person gatherings.

Each month we have a different focus in the community to help you develop mastery in areas where you need to level up – whether you're in the rat race and wanting to bring more passion and purpose to your work, or an idealist struggling to make ends meet.

"A school to learn from beauties – teachers, buddies and mentors – that see amazingness in other people's nuttiness." Rula, London

Our member pledge

We need business eco-systems not ego-systems. We believe with the help of our community every member can transform their world, because everyone is focused on giving before getting and truly wants others to succeed, and willing to offer their support to make it happen.

Each person to join our community pledges to:
Collaborate not compete
Give before they get
Be open and vulnerable
Think long-term
Make a positive dent in the world
Have fun along the way!

What it's worth

Masterclasses worth $600
Courses worth $500
Mentoring worth $500
Coaching videos & materials worth $250
Camp discount worth $250
Ready-made network $priceless

Total value $2000+

Apply now
for only $35+vat a month

We'll get back to you within 48 hours of your application

Our study guarantee

If there's something you'd like to see on the platform that's not already there (within reason), we'll create it for you!

We're so excited to meet you!
The Happy Startup team

New to The Happy Startup School? Start here...

View our popular blog or download our free e-book How To Build a Startup That Matters

Hear from our co-founder Carlos on how we went from a humble idea to a growing global community...

Talk filmed at Happy Startup Summercamp

“If we create networks with the sole intention of getting something, we won’t succeed. We can’t pursue the benefits of networks; the benefits ensue from investments in meaningful activities and relationships.” Adam Grant