The Dart Board with Daniel Dart Finn Meeks | South Park Commons - On going from -1 to 0, finding world class community, and redefining your identity
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Aug 6, 2025 
Finn Meeks, a partner at South Park Commons, transforms the way we think about startup support by focusing on technologists in the 'minus one' stage. He shares insights from his journey as a competitive rower, highlighting the importance of community and collaboration in helping founders succeed. Finn emphasizes the balance between resilience and the willingness to pivot, showcasing how empathy plays a crucial role in entrepreneurship. His experiences reveal that the right environment and relationships can redefine personal and professional identities.
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Minus One to Zero Phase
- South Park Commons serves technologists at the minus one to zero phase, before formal company formation or funding.
- This early exploration phase involves conceptualizing ideas and building conviction about what to pursue.
Origins at Ruchi's Kitchen Table
- SPC began as a small group meeting at the founder Ruchi's kitchen table to learn about emerging technologies.
- This community grew rapidly, moving from informal gatherings to a dedicated space called South Park Commons.
Rowing to Tech Transition
- Finn Meeks transitioned from elite rowing to the tech community through SPC, introduced by a friend.
- Although different, he felt at home due to the talent density and shared phase of career exploration.