To put it simply, this is why SacStarts exists.

After an eight-year study of successful and unsuccessful startups and their founders, researchers have concluded that founders of startups are more successful if they have a strong network of other entrepreneurs.

The authors found that firms whose managers have more social relationships with peers at other software start-ups have a better chance of surviving external shocks, such as the burst of the dot-com bubble earlier in the decade. This result suggests that cultivation of strong and relevant social networks among a firm’s managers can be an important determinant of the success of a startup venture.

Knowing other entrepreneurs can help you build your business. By hanging out with other startup folks (at dinner perhaps?) can help you with advice, sources of funding, customers, and emotional support. The only people that know what it’s like to start a company are people who have done it.

Thanks to Business Pundit for the pointer.