Today we’d like to introduce you to Lance Ding
Hi Lance, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been a founder for the past five years, and throughout that time, I’ve experienced a lot of ups and downs. My first startup was a tutor marketplace that served my hometown, and it was a tough journey. I didn’t have many peers, mentors, or a strong support system to learn from, which made the process even more challenging. But after that experience, I made it a priority to surround myself with people who were more knowledgeable in different areas of business. I worked with them, learned from them, and in doing so, I realized how crucial community and real relationships are in the entrepreneurial journey.
In the summer of 2023, I started a community for UCLA alumni entrepreneurs with the goal of bringing people together into an ecosystem where they could form authentic and meaningful connections. Over time, as I graduated from UCLA, the community began to grow and take on a life of its own. Today, we have around 200 members, host in-person events twice a month, run co-working sessions, and offer a wealth of resources. We’ve even organized retreats, booking large houses in Big Bear and traveling to Kauai, creating incredible experiences for founders to build, connect, and learn in a way that feels fun and genuine—not just about grinding and suffering through the startup journey.
My goal is to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs by creating ecosystems where they can succeed, learn, and pursue unconventional aspirations. I want to provide a space where ambitious individuals can find the support they need to bring their ideas to life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building a community business is one of the toughest ventures because it requires constant investment in people and programming. Unlike digital products where quality might remain stable, a community needs ongoing effort to engage and grow. You have to constantly bring in new members, find innovative ways to keep them engaged, and regularly check in. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was organizing our second retreat in Kauai on very short notice. It involved calling everyone, coordinating logistics, and making quick decisions, which was incredibly demanding. There’s also a significant software and automation component because running a resource-intensive business like this means leveraging technology to create seamless, efficient events. I’ve developed community software tools and started consulting for others, which has been both an interesting and challenging aspect. Community building is tough, requiring knowledge in software, event programming, business development, marketing, and branding. I’m still learning, but I’m excited to see what the future holds and what my team and I can achieve together.
As you know, we’re big fans of Startup Village. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Startup Village is a private community for entrepreneurs in LA. Our focus is on creating exceptional experiences and curating a vibrant community where members can interact genuinely and inspire each other. What sets us apart is our emphasis on relationships over transactions, fostering spaces for authentic and meaningful interactions. We create fun, non-pretentious environments that prioritize trust and intimacy. Additionally, we organize multi-day retreats for entrepreneurs to connect, relax, and develop meaningful relationships. We also provide a wealth of online resources, mentorship, and introductions for our members. Ultimately, we aim to inspire and support entrepreneurs in changing the world.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I used to think success in entrepreneurship was all about mastering the “outer world”—the hard skills like networking, software engineering, and marketing. However, I’ve recently learned about the concept of the “inner world,” which encompasses managing emotions, maintaining self-control, staying motivated, and building a sense of certainty. I realized that focusing solely on “outer world” skills limits the ability to effectively apply them. It’s the “inner world”—confidence, emotional management, and conviction—that truly drives success. By prioritizing growth in my “inner world,” I’ve found the confidence to take action and apply what I know more effectively. This shift has been key to my growth and success as an entrepreneur.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joinstartupvillage.com
- Instagram: @startupvillagela
