How to Find Startups on LinkedIn

Imagine the thrill of discovering a hidden gem of a startup before it becomes a household name. LinkedIn, the professional network with over 900 million users, holds the key to finding these innovative companies. With the right strategies, you can not only locate startups but also connect with their founders, learn about their growth trajectory, and even explore potential investment or collaboration opportunities.

The secret to finding startups on LinkedIn starts with mastering LinkedIn’s search functionality, filters, and the art of building meaningful relationships. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

1. Start with Advanced Search Filters

LinkedIn’s search is much more than a basic tool. It offers a variety of filters that help you narrow down your search to find exactly what you're looking for. Start by entering relevant keywords like “startup” or “entrepreneur,” and use filters to refine the results. Focus on categories like industry, location, and company size to uncover startups that fit your interests or business needs.

You can also use Boolean search techniques for more precise results. For example, searching for "startup AND fintech" will provide results for fintech startups, while “NOT corporate” will exclude large companies. Boolean search allows you to combine terms for highly specific queries, making it easier to discover promising young companies.

2. Explore LinkedIn Groups

LinkedIn Groups are a treasure trove of information. Many startups belong to niche groups centered around industries, technologies, or trends. These groups provide insight into what’s happening in the startup ecosystem and help you connect with like-minded professionals. By joining and actively participating in these groups, you’ll be able to find startups in their earliest stages.

Search for groups using terms like “startups,” “entrepreneurship,” or “venture capital.” Once you’ve joined a few, observe the conversations and contribute where you can. In these groups, it’s common to see startup founders seeking advice, sharing milestones, or posting about their latest product launches.

3. Analyze Startup Employees

One effective way to uncover startups is by searching for employees who are known for working at startups. For example, you can search for titles like ‘Founder,’ ‘CEO,’ ‘Co-founder,’ or ‘Chief Technology Officer (CTO)’ and filter by smaller company sizes (e.g., companies with 1-50 employees). Many startup employees mention their companies on LinkedIn, even when the companies are relatively unknown.

These professionals often network extensively within their industries, making it easier for you to connect with them and gain insights into their startups. By building relationships with these individuals, you can stay updated on the latest developments and potentially find opportunities to collaborate or invest.

4. Leverage LinkedIn News and Startup Hashtags

LinkedIn is a platform where news spreads fast, especially when it comes to startups. Follow the #startup hashtag and other related hashtags like #entrepreneurship, #innovation, #funding, and #venturecapital to stay updated on the latest trends and startup news. Many startups announce funding rounds, product launches, or partnerships on LinkedIn, and using these hashtags will help you find them.

Additionally, pay attention to LinkedIn’s newsfeed and ‘Trending News’ section for articles and posts related to startups. These features provide real-time insights into what’s hot in the startup world, helping you stay ahead of the curve.

5. Build Relationships with Investors and Mentors

Many investors and startup mentors are highly active on LinkedIn. Connecting with venture capitalists (VCs) and angel investors can be an effective way to discover startups, as they often post about companies they are funding or mentoring. Follow their content, engage with their posts, and look for startup recommendations or mentions.

Investors also frequently participate in LinkedIn groups, panels, and discussions. By following their activities and engaging with their content, you can gain insider knowledge about emerging startups in various industries.

6. Engage with Startup Incubators and Accelerators

Incubators and accelerators are organizations that support startups by providing them with funding, mentorship, and resources. Many of these organizations, such as Y Combinator, Techstars, and 500 Startups, have a significant presence on LinkedIn. By following them, you can gain insights into the startups they are nurturing.

Keep an eye on incubator or accelerator programs, as they often post about their cohort companies, which are typically startups in their early stages. This can be a great opportunity to connect with innovative founders and early employees.

7. Use LinkedIn’s ‘Company Insights’ Tool

The Company Insights tool on LinkedIn allows you to gain a deeper understanding of a startup’s growth, employee count, and other key metrics. If you’re interested in a specific startup, you can use this tool to analyze its workforce, recent hires, and growth trajectory.

For instance, a startup that is rapidly increasing its employee count or hiring in new locations might indicate strong growth, which could be worth exploring for investment or collaboration opportunities.

8. Start Conversations

The power of LinkedIn lies in its ability to connect professionals across industries. Once you've identified startups or their key employees, don’t be afraid to reach out. A simple, thoughtful message expressing your interest in their business can open doors. Personalize your outreach, mentioning specific projects or news that caught your attention. This approach builds rapport and shows you’ve done your homework.

Remember, it’s not just about finding startups but about building lasting relationships. Many entrepreneurs are eager to network, collaborate, or discuss partnership opportunities.

9. Monitor Startup-Specific Job Postings

LinkedIn’s job board is not just for traditional job seekers—it’s a great way to discover new startups. Startups often post job openings for critical roles like engineers, marketers, or business developers. By monitoring job postings from startups, you can gauge which industries are growing and where innovative companies are expanding.

Keep an eye on the ‘Company Size’ filter when looking at job postings, and focus on companies with fewer than 50 employees. These are often startups in their early stages, giving you the chance to connect before they grow into larger organizations.

10. Optimize Your Own LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn profile should signal your interest in startups if you’re serious about discovering them. By optimizing your profile with relevant keywords, such as “startup enthusiast,” “investor,” or “entrepreneur,” you increase the likelihood of attracting startups looking for talent, partnerships, or investments. A well-crafted LinkedIn profile serves as a magnet for startups within your network.

Additionally, actively sharing content related to startups, entrepreneurship, or industry innovations can help you get noticed by startups and their employees. Your posts can serve as conversation starters and attract like-minded professionals who are working on innovative projects.

By using these methods, LinkedIn transforms from a social network into a powerful tool for discovering, connecting with, and building relationships with startups. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or startup enthusiast, LinkedIn provides unparalleled access to the startup world if you know where to look and how to engage.

Get started today by leveraging these strategies, and you might just discover the next big thing!