StartX, the premier community for Stanford founders, has announced a major milestone: a new partnership with Stanford Research Park to serve as the anchor tenant of The Link, a purpose-built innovation hub set to open in early 2027.
This announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter for StartX, reinforcing its long-term commitment to empowering Stanford’s most ambitious entrepreneurs.
“To be chosen by the Stanford Research Park to lead this transformative initiative is an immense honor,” said Shannon McClenaghan, CEO of StartX. “The Link offers our founders an exceptional advantage — a permanent home within the heart of Stanford’s innovation ecosystem. This partnership expands our ability to support world-class entrepreneurs with both the infrastructure and community they need to thrive.”
The Link will be located at 975 Page Mill Road, within Stanford Research Park, the 700-acre technology campus that has supported breakthroughs across Silicon Valley since 1951. The new 10,000-square-foot hub is designed to bring the StartX Community together — with space for events, founder-led programming, flexible meeting rooms, and a Coupa Café. Plans also include coworking areas to foster collaboration and connection.
“Our selection of StartX to anchor The Link represents a bold step towards realizing our vision for a truly integrated innovation center,” said Jamie Jarvis, Director of Strategic Programs for Stanford Research Park. “StartX’s unparalleled success in propelling Stanford-affiliated ventures into global leaders makes them the perfect partner to ignite this new hub. We anticipate that The Link will become a beacon for those striving to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.”
StartX began 15 years ago, in 2010, with a single goal: to support Stanford’s most ambitious entrepreneurs. Since then, it has evolved from an elite accelerator into one of the most prestigious founder communities in Silicon Valley. StartX companies have a combined valuation of $120 billion, raise an average of $42 million, and include 20 unicorns pioneering breakthroughs in AI, healthcare, energy, and more.
At its core, StartX has always been about what happens after the accelerator — the deep connections, shared experiences, and long-term commitment that founders give to each other. With a new home on the horizon, StartX is building on 15 years of impact and setting the stage for the next decade.
About StartX
StartX is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Stanford’s most accomplished and visionary entrepreneurs. Since 2010, the organization has supported over 2,700 founders across more than 1,300 companies, including 3 decacorns, over 20 unicorns, and more than 165 startups valued at over $100 million. What sets StartX apart is a trusted, founder-led community built on deep collaboration, shared experience, and long-term support. StartX takes no equity and charges no fees, choosing instead to invest in the potential of people and their ideas.
The mission of StartX is to support Stanford’s most ambitious founders with a trusted community, world-class resources, and the belief that the best companies are built together. With 15 years at the heart of Silicon Valley and Stanford’s innovation ecosystem, StartX offers unparalleled visibility into the next generation of groundbreaking technology, particularly in AI. Key verticals, including artificial intelligence, medicine, and energy, enable targeted knowledge-sharing and powerful peer connections across industries.
For more information, visit startx.com.
About Stanford Research Park
Since 1951, Stanford Research Park has been home to pioneers in high technology, automotive mobility, and life sciences. Its mission is to support the needs of more than 150 tenant companies so they can continue the Park’s legacy of innovation and build a bold future. Stanford Research Park is a community created for people who seek to invent the future.
Scores of Stanford alumni have launched or headquartered their companies within its borders, as have entrepreneurs from around the world who have joined this legacy of success. Founders choose Stanford Research Park for its access to Stanford University’s emerging research and talent, proximity to venture capital firms, and sustainable buildings in a stunning natural environment.
Media Contact
Julia Shoop
marketing@startx.com
