shift^ Founders Network - Peer-vetting criteria

Peer-vetting ensures every new member strengthens the culture, trust, and quality of the network. A candidate should meet the majority of the following criteria.

1. Identity & Integrity

• Demonstrates honesty, professional ethics, and personal responsibility
• Respected within their field or community; fair dealing reputation
• No patterns of toxic, divisive, or exploitative behavior

2. Founder Fit

Core Members (Founders):

• Founder or co-founder with meaningful ownership or decision authority
• Long-term commitment to building (not opportunistic “tourism”)
• Clarity of thought and willingness to grow

Extended Members:

• Meaningful contributor to entrepreneurship (scientist, engineer, policymaker, investor, media, ecosystem builder)
• Adds expertise that benefits founders

3. Contribution Mindset

• Gives before asking; shares knowledge, introductions, or insights
• History of helping others without expectation of return
• Collaboration over competition (core requirement)

4. Communication Style

• Respectful, calm, constructive; capable of meaningful dialogue
• Offers thoughtful feedback; avoids dominance and ego-posturing
• Zero hostility, aggression, or self-promotion patterns

5. No Selling / No Hunting

• Not joining for business development, lead-gen, pitching, or recruitment
• Understands the network is trust-based, not a sales channel

6. Intellectual Fitness

• Curious, reflective, and good at reasoning
• Contributes high-signal conversations and perspective
• Builds clarity, not noise

7. Cultural Compatibility

• Aligns with the Manifesto and embraces the Code of Conduct
• Shows humility, emotional intelligence, and maturity
• Comfortable in founder-to-founder settings without ego

8. Reputation & References

• Endorsed by at least two existing members
• Positive references from peers, partners, or ecosystem players
• No material red flags from prior communities or teams

9. Value-Add Potential

• Operational or scaling experience; sector expertise
• Product/tech or scientific/engineering depth
• Storytelling/media, regulatory/policy, or investor perspective
• High-quality network access; lived experience to support others

10. Mindset Toward Growth

• Seeks clarity and long-term development; accountable and reliable
• Comfortable being challenged; shows self-awareness
• Not driven by vanity, positioning, or transactional behavior

Summary: We accept people who elevate the circle. We decline people who extract from it.