Because our people know people.
The startup world and the LGBTQ+ world barely overlap. That's exactly why we started this.
Rainbow Startup Mafia is SF's home for LGBTQ+ founders, operators, investors, and startup folks who are tired of being the only queer person in the room — and ready to change that.
Whether you're hunting for your next role, your next hire, your next investor, or your next deal, we've got a room for you. Actually, we've got the room for you — filled with people who get it, get you, and genuinely want to see you win.
Building something? Build it with people who have your back from day one.
Looking for your next role — or the perfect hire? This is your talent pool.
Deal flow from founders you'd actually want to back. Warm intros, real relationships.
We host Startup Sips — low-key gatherings where the conversations are real, the drinks are good, and you leave with connections that actually go somewhere.
No name-tag speed networking. No awkward elevator pitches to strangers. Just queer startup folks, good cocktails, and the kind of casual candor that only happens when you're finally in a room full of your people.
Past Sips have sparked co-founder matches, angel checks, and honestly some very good situationships. We're not keeping score, but the outcomes speak for themselves.
Startups run on networks. And for too long, the best networks have been built in spaces that weren't built for us — country clubs, golf courses, frat houses turned VC firms. Rainbow Startup Mafia is the counter-move.
Every connection here comes with context and trust built in. This is the network that opens doors before you even knock.
No code-switching. No wondering if your pronouns will be respected. Just show up as you are — that's the whole point.
We're not a support group — we're a launchpad. The ambition here is real, and so is the collective firepower behind it.
The people you meet at Startup Sips become advisors, investors, co-founders, and friends. The ROI on belonging is surprisingly measurable.
Drop your email below and we'll keep you in the loop on upcoming Startup Sips, community news, and whatever else we cook up. No spam — we promise we have better things to do.
Get invite-only event access, community updates, and the occasional hot take on startup culture — delivered only when we have something worth saying.
Job posts, founder spotlights, event recaps, and the kind of startup content that doesn't make you want to log off forever.
Know a queer founder, operator, or investor who belongs in this room? Send them our way. The Mafia grows one warm intro at a time.
"Because our people know people." — Rainbow Startup Mafia Est. San Francisco 🌁🏳️🌈
Rainbow Startup Mafia is a community — not a corporation. We're queer-founded, community-run, and built with love in San Francisco, California. All founders, operators, investors, and allies welcome. Come as you are.
Rainbow Startup Mafia 🌈