What does it take to create communities and companies that truly last? This is a question that has puzzled entrepreneurs and community leaders for years. Recently, Jason Citron, the founder of Discord, and Tade Oyerinde from CampusWire, shared their insights on this topic at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Their discussion provided valuable lessons on the importance of community, leadership, and innovation in building enduring companies.
Building Foundations for Lasting Communities
Jason Citron and Tade Oyerinde are two individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of community building. Citron, the founder of Discord, has created a platform that has become synonymous with community and gaming. Oyerinde, on the other hand, has been instrumental in shaping CampusWire, a platform that aims to connect students and facilitate community building on campuses. Both of these leaders have a deep understanding of what it takes to create communities that thrive. So, what are the foundations of lasting communities? According to Citron, it all starts with a clear vision and a strong sense of purpose. “When you’re building a community, you need to have a clear idea of what you’re trying to achieve,” he says. “This vision should be communicated clearly to all members of the community, and it should be something that resonates with them.”
Oyerinde adds that community building is not just about creating a platform or a space for people to interact. “It’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, heard, and supported,” he explains. “This requires a deep understanding of the needs and desires of your community members, as well as a willingness to adapt and evolve over time.” Both Citron and Oyerinde emphasize the importance of community in the success of companies like Discord and CampusWire. By prioritizing community and creating a sense of belonging among members, these companies have been able to build loyal followings and achieve long-term success.
Leadership and Innovation in Community Building
So, what role does leadership play in community building? According to Citron, leadership is essential in setting the tone and direction for a community. “A good leader should be able to inspire and motivate their community members, while also providing guidance and support,” he says. Citron’s leadership approach at Discord has been instrumental in the company’s success. By fostering a culture of openness, transparency, and collaboration, Citron has created an environment where community members feel empowered to contribute and participate.
Oyerinde, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of innovation in community building. “Communities are constantly evolving, and leaders need to be able to adapt and innovate in order to meet the changing needs of their members,” he explains. CampusWire, for example, has innovated by introducing new features and tools that facilitate community building and engagement. By staying ahead of the curve and anticipating the needs of their community, Oyerinde and his team have been able to build a loyal following and achieve significant growth.
Overcoming Challenges and Scaling Communities
Building and scaling a community is not without its challenges. Both Discord and CampusWire have faced significant obstacles in their growth journeys. Citron recalls the early days of Discord, when the company was struggling to gain traction and build a user base. “We faced a lot of challenges, from technical issues to competition from established players in the market,” he says. “But we persevered, and we were able to overcome these challenges by staying focused on our vision and being willing to adapt and evolve.”Oyerinde also faced significant challenges in building CampusWire. “One of the biggest challenges we faced was scaling our community while maintaining the quality of our service,” he explains. “We had to innovate and find new ways to engage our community members, while also ensuring that our platform was able to handle the growing demand.” Both Citron and Oyerinde emphasize the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in community building and company growth. By staying agile and being willing to pivot when necessary, companies can overcome challenges and achieve long-term success.
The Future of Community Building and Company Creation
So, what does the future hold for community building and company creation? According to Citron, the future is all about prioritizing community and innovation. “Companies need to be able to create a sense of belonging and connection among their community members, while also staying ahead of the curve in terms of technology and innovation,” he says. Oyerinde adds that the future of community building will be shaped by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and blockchain. “These technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we build and engage with communities, and companies need to be able to adapt and innovate in order to stay ahead of the curve,” he explains.
Both Citron and Oyerinde are optimistic about the future of community building and company creation. By prioritizing community, leadership, and innovation, companies can build loyal followings and achieve long-term success. As Citron says, “The future is all about creating communities that are meaningful, engaging, and sustainable. By focusing on these values, companies can build a loyal following and achieve significant growth and success.”
Practical Insights for Lasting Impact
So, what are the key takeaways from the discussion between Jason Citron and Tade Oyerinde? Here are some practical insights for building lasting communities and companies:
- Prioritize community and create a sense of belonging among members
- Leadership is essential in setting the tone and direction for a community
- Innovation is key to meeting the changing needs of community members
- Adaptability and continuous learning are essential for overcoming challenges and achieving long-term success
- Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and blockchain will shape the future of community building
By following these insights and prioritizing community, leadership, and innovation, companies can build loyal followings and achieve long-term success. As Oyerinde says, “The key to building a lasting community is to create a sense of belonging and connection among members. By prioritizing community and innovation, companies can build a loyal following and achieve significant growth and success.” The future of community building and company creation is exciting, and by staying ahead of the curve and adapting to changing trends and technologies, companies can build lasting communities and achieve enduring success.