Bob Crimmins, a Seattle entrepreneur, started Startup Haven in 2006 as a way to bring founders and investors together over a friendly game of poker. Nearly two decades later, the organization has grown to include over 2,500 members in 18 cities, with a new partnership announced this week to establish a physical headquarters in Seattle. Despite starting as a passion project that lost money, Startup Haven has thrived due to the relationships formed at its events, fueled by Crimmins’ belief in poker as a platform for building connections.
After transforming his part-time hobby into a full-time focus in 2019, Crimmins launched the Startup Haven Fund, raising $4.5 million to invest in early-stage startups. He has since funded several companies, leveraging the unique pipeline of founders and investors he has built through Startup Haven. The organization also runs an accelerator program to share Crimmins’ insights from years of advising and mentoring companies. However, the core of Startup Haven remains the community groups in each city, including active chapters in Reykjavik and London, where members gather for poker games and other events.
Seattle, where Startup Haven originated, holds a special place in Crimmins’ heart as a testing ground for new ideas. He views the city as a prime location to start a company, citing its growing success and supportive startup ecosystem. Crimmins believes it is crucial to create spaces like Startup Haven and Foundations, where veteran founders and investors can offer assistance to newer entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the value of experienced individuals helping those navigating the challenges of building a scalable venture.
As Startup Haven expands globally, Crimmins remains committed to the local communities that have been foundational to the organization’s growth. With a dedicated team supporting operations and the fund, along with venture partners and investment directors, Startup Haven continues to connect entrepreneurs and investors worldwide. Crimmins’ vision for the future includes leveraging the relationships and opportunities cultivated within the organization to drive innovation and support the next generation of startup founders. Through poker games and shared experiences, Startup Haven remains a bridge between founders and investors, fostering collaboration and growth within the entrepreneurial community.
