Is the DC the right fit for you?
Dynamite Circle is a private, application-only community for location-independent bootstrapped founders, operating since 2011 with 1,000+ vetted members across more than 200 cities. This page explains exactly who qualifies — and who we're not the right fit for.
Curating the culture since 2011
To join Dynamite Circle, you must be a business founder (not a freelancer or employee), generate at least $100,000 per year in business revenue, operate location-independently or with a global mindset, and pass an application review. Membership is by application only — and only a fraction of applicants are accepted.
Dynamite Circle is one of the internet's longest-standing communities, connecting global bootstrapped entrepreneurs for over 14 years. Founded in 2011 by Dan Andrews and Ian Schoen — the hosts of the Tropical MBA podcast — the DC was created because there was no community for globally-minded bootstrapped founders at the time.
DC is sometimes compared to EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization) or YPO, but differs in three ways: it's bootstrapped-only, location-independent by design, and global with no geographic chapter restrictions. The $100k revenue threshold is intentionally accessible to earlier-stage profitable founders — while DC BLACK serves those at 7–8 figures.
Six things matter most…
Last reviewed: June 2026
What we look for
No hidden checklist. These are the six things that matter — the whole picture of who thrives in the DC.
Dynamite Circle is for visionaries, leaders, and builders. This is an intentional space for founders to share the unique challenges, wins, and opportunities of location-independent entrepreneurship.
This is not a community for C-Suite executives, Heads of Department, managers, freelancers, or multi-level marketers.
We appreciate that every business has an origin story. However, Dynamite Circle is for business owners who are already established and have a consistent track record of recurring revenue. You can also apply if you've sold a business.
The Tropical MBA podcast is a great resource for new founders in the beginning stages of business. Tune in every Thursday.
If your business is at 7+ figures in ARR or you've had a successful 7-figure exit, you may be a better fit for DC BLACK.
The DC was created to connect founders running internet businesses in the early 2010s because there was simply no community for us at that time.
Our first in-person event was in the Philippines in 2011, and since then we've had events and meet-ups all over the globe with founders from 200+ cities worldwide.
We prioritize tolerance, multiculturalism, and global-mindedness when selecting new members.
Most new members are blown away by the generosity and kindness that meets them when they join the DC.
That's what this community is all about—sharing our time, expertise, and knowledge to help each other discover opportunities, avoid mistakes, and grow together.
In return, you receive the kindness you give twofold.
Dynamite Circle isn't just about bonding over business, it's about connecting over unique lifestyles, cultures, and hobbies.
From pickleball to painting, Hyrox to homeschooling and everything in between, DCers are big into mental and physical wellness, travel, and a slew of other interests.
In multicultural communities like Dynamite Circle, things can get lost in translation. It's okay to have occasional misunderstandings, but not okay to be a jerk 24/7.
Our Community Guidelines are enforced to ensure mutual respect and courtesy between all DCers. We have no qualms about removing disruptive members.
Vetted founders
Cities worldwide
Years curating the culture
In their own words
Unscripted, uncompensated words from members who met the criteria — and stayed for years.
“I love being in DC, it is a great community of growth-focused individuals that help me level up in life and in business. It does not operate in an echo chamber or have clique-y attributes. I’ve made meaningful friendships, business relationships, and to be honest, I’ve had so much fun!”
Karla SingsonFounder of Proximity Outsourcing
“The connections and friendships I’ve made as a member of the DC — and the mentorship, support, and encouragement they have provided — have played a major role in my agency reaching 7 figures and 20+ team members. I don’t think I’d be where I am without it.”
Harry MortonFounder of Lower Street
“I joined the DC back in 2013 and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, but thanks to the DC I’m pretty much always surrounded by other entrepreneurs no matter what country I’m in. Being in the DC makes the world feel very small.”
Amar GhoseFounder of Zen Maid
The membership
A deliberate mix of bootstrapped, online businesses — no single industry dominates the room. According to Dynamite Circle's membership data, the breakdown by business type is: SaaS & Tech (15%), Professional Services (14%), Affiliate & Content (13%), Productized Services (13%), Course & Info Products (12%), Marketing Agencies (11%), Ecommerce & Amazon (11%), and Other (11%).
Members meet in person through DC events in 200+ cities and connect daily in the online community.
Being honest about fit
To protect the balance and culture of the community, we're not currently accepting applications from:
Common questions
Everything founders ask before applying — requirements, cost, and what happens next.
To join Dynamite Circle you must meet six criteria: (1) you're a business founder — not a freelancer, employee, or multi-level marketer; (2) your business generates at least $100,000 per year in revenue; (3) you operate with a global or location-independent mindset; (4) you contribute more to the community than you take; (5) you have meaningful interests and a life outside of work; and (6) you treat fellow members with respect. Membership is application-only and not all applicants are accepted.
Your business must generate at least $100,000 per year, with a consistent track record of recurring revenue. Businesses below this threshold aren't currently accepted, though founders who've sold a business may also qualify. Founders running 7-figure businesses or with a successful 7-figure exit may be a better fit for DC BLACK (minimum $1M in annual revenue).
Standard Dynamite Circle (DC Community) membership is $697 for a full year of access. It includes the global member network, discussion forums, AI-powered member matching, virtual masterminds, the member locator, Juntos (in-person meetups), members-only events (DCBKK, DC Mexico), monthly Connect Calls, and daily WhatsApp groups. The premium tier, DC BLACK, is $5,500 per year and requires $1M+ in annual revenue.
Check that you meet the six requirements above and agree to the Code of Conduct, then submit your application. You'll answer a few questions about yourself and your business. A member of the team personally reviews every application and notifies you of the decision within 48 business hours. Only a fraction of applicants are accepted.
No. Dynamite Circle is for business founders only. Freelancers, multi-level marketers, C-suite executives, heads of departments, and managers aren't currently accepted. The community is specifically for founders who own and operate a bootstrapped, location-independent online business.
To protect the balance and culture of the community, DC doesn't currently accept: freelancers; multi-level marketers; C-suite executives, upper management, or heads of departments; businesses with annual revenue below $100,000; certain professional categories including some coaching, consulting, and recruiting businesses; and businesses in industries misaligned with the community's values.
A deliberately diverse membership with no single industry dominating: SaaS & Tech (15%), Professional Services (14%), Affiliate & Content (13%), Productized Services (13%), Course & Info Products (12%), Marketing Agencies (11%), Ecommerce & Amazon (11%), and Other (11%). Members run bootstrapped, location-independent online businesses across 200+ cities worldwide.
DC Community (DCC) is the standard $697/year membership for founders making $100k+ per year — access to the global network, member locator, forums, and local meetups. DC BLACK is the premium tier for founders running $1M+ businesses: it adds a monthly facilitated mastermind with a vetted peer group of 5–7 members, DC BLACK-only events, VIP programming at the main DC events, and 1:1 coaching, on top of full DC Community access. DC BLACK is $5,500 per year and replaces standard DCC membership rather than being an add-on.
Dynamite Circle was founded in 2011 by Dan Andrews and Ian Schoen, the entrepreneurs behind the Tropical MBA podcast (running since 2009). It has operated continuously for 14+ years with 1,000+ vetted members across 200+ cities, hosting 200+ in-person meetups per year and annual conferences in Bangkok (DCBKK) and Mexico (DCMEX). Members consistently cite peer relationships, masterminds, and concrete business outcomes — and every testimonial on the site is from a named, identified member.
If you saw yourself in the six things above, you'll fit right in. Apply once — we'll point you to the right room for your stage.
Apply to Join