An antidote to business as usual
A global community and alternative business school that helps entrepreneurs find purpose, connection and joy.
Through our immersive programs, nature-based retreats and a thriving worldwide network, we give founders the tools, community and courage to do business differently.
Build a business, the happy way.
And join our movmement of purpose-driven entrepreneurs that want to make money, do good & be happy.
In our world, "how's business?" is answered with stories about lives changed, not just revenue earned. And the default path for ambitious people isn't burnout and exit, but meaning and longevity.
If you’re tired of being a lone wolf, it’s time you surrounded yourself with a community of like minds who remind you why you started.
Since 2013 we’ve created a thriving global community, one founder at a time, from mountaintops and festival fields to living rooms across 6 continents.
Whether you’re looking to start something new, rethink your work or find your tribe, our program, gatherings and community can help you.
Charting a new path can feel lonely and uncertain. It takes courage and those around you often think you’re crazy. Which is why you access to inspiration, tools and a tribe to support you.
We’ve spent over a decade fine-tuning a powerful approach to building a thriving business that makes you happy, and the world a better place.
We’re here to support you as a navigate the path less travelled.
Your trusted guides Laurence McCahill & Carlos Saba,
Co-founders of The Happy Startup School
Our values
Learning, play and friendship.
The Happy Startup School is the brainchild of two old school friends who came together to dream up a new kind of entrepreneurship, and in the process built an accidental community of like minds from around the world.
Start here
Podcast
More than 170 episodes
Where we regularly interview thought leaders as well as our alumni, and answer questions directly from those in our community.
Join as a member
Free one month trial
Join the Business Hippy network and get access to online gatherings and courses, co-working sessions and a supportive group of likeminded people.
Guides & books
Free to download
A series of free pocket guides and books to download to help you build a business and life you love. A gift from us to you.
The Business Hippy
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The Business Hippy 〰️
Upcoming programs
Alptitude
13-20 June 2026
Morillon, French Alps
A deeply restorative 7-day reset in the mountains for founders & leaders that crave space for deep reflection, conversation, and meaningful experiences in nature with like minds.
Summercamp
11-13 September 2026
Sussex, UK
Our legendary annual festival where we bring together 150 changemakers over 3 days in Sussex for inspiring talks, powerful workshops and fun, nurturing experiences.
Happy MBA
Join waitlist for our next cohort
Autumn/fall 2026
Our flagship program for solopreneurs, founders and midlife professionals who want to redefine success and build a meaningful next chapter.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
“A school to learn from beauties – teachers, buddies and mentors – that see amazingness in other people's nuttiness.”
— Rula Giakoumi –
– EST 2012 –
150k
subscribers
5000
alumni
6
continents
1 tribe
Manifesto
We’re a tiny team on a mission to make the world a happier place, one entrepreneur at a time.
Our core values