About Us
Research and public education on governance
Startup Societies Foundation is a nonprofit focused on startup societies, special jurisdictions and experimental governance. We bring together academic research, policy discussion and educational resources for people examining how communities organize institutions and make decisions.
About the Foundation: an introductory video
Our mission
We advance public understanding of governance through the Journal of Special Jurisdictions, IDG research, books and educational convenings. Our work makes ideas and evidence available to researchers, policymakers, practitioners and interested communities.
Our approach
We study different forms of governance and encourage careful comparison. Useful research asks how an institution works, who it serves, what evidence supports its claims and where its limits lie. We value experimentation, participation, informed choice and collaboration while recognizing that legal authority, community needs and practical circumstances differ.
Our vision
We want people studying and shaping communities to have access to useful research and a wider understanding of possible institutional approaches. Published evidence and open discussion can support more informed decisions about governance.
How the Foundation developed
The Foundation grew from Joseph McKinney’s early writing and conversations about alternative governance into a wider research and education effort. Blog posts and podcasts remain part of that history.
Current public resources include the Journal of Special Jurisdictions, IDG working and policy papers, and books including Founding Startup Societies: A Step-by-Step Guide by Mark Frazier and Joseph McKinney.
From our video archive
An earlier discussion of startup societies, preserved here as part of the Foundation’s educational archive.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Our board is formed by key experts in the space
Joseph McKinney
President
Patri Friedman
Board Member
Matt Mckibbin
Board Member
Bradley Hook
Board Member
Nathalie Mezza Garcia
Executive Director
From the blog and podcast archive
Explore our work
Support research and public education
Startup Societies Foundation advances research and public education on special jurisdictions, startup societies and experimental governance through publications, public resources and educational events.
Useful Links
Contact Us
United States
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 6:30 pm