Boys Club: A Social Collective - Deana Burke and Natasha Hoskins

This podcast episode titled "Building At The Edges" features an interview with the co-founders of Boys Club, Deana Burke and Natasha Hoskins, who discuss the mission of Boys Club to bring new voices to the new internet. They delve into various topics such as the current structure of Boys Club, the integration of DAO within the brand, strategies for profitability, and their decision to initially focus on building the media business. The conversation also covers the comparison between bootstrapping and venture funding, community growth versus audience growth, and the importance of brand belief. The speakers provide insights into the challenges and opportunities in the evolving landscape of online communities. Takeaways • Boys Club aims to bring new voices to the new internet, emphasizing the importance of amplifying women and non-binary voices. • The formation of the DAO served as a container for the collective to pursue their shared vision of exploring emerging tech with a feminine lens. • Building a brand and creating a space where people can come together and create value is crucial for Boys Club. • The media business of Boys Club, including the newsletter, podcast, and events, has gained momentum and become a primary focus. • The founders emphasize the significance of building a sustainable business that can be bootstrapped and provide operational flexibility. • Understanding the strengths and limitations of a DAO is vital for finding product-market fit, especially for a brand-driven organization like Boys Club. • Deep conviction in their vision led the founders to prioritize bootstrapping instead of raising funds, but they remain open to exploring different funding options in the future. • The power of collective belief can manifest value in a shocking and effective way, surpassing traditional market valuations. • Brands have a significant impact, independent of the product, and investment in brands is becoming a trend. • Creating a zine has proven to be a valuable community-building project for Boys Club, bringing together diverse voices and representing a moment in time. • Boys Club focuses on cultivating intimacy and a close-knit community of 2,000 members while also reaching a larger audience through various platforms. • DIMES serve as a reward for community engagement and contribute to the overall community-driven initiatives.