Startup launch places

All the best internet directories for launching a startup.

A curated operating list for founders: where to collect early users, earn launch-day attention, build durable buyer intent, and improve how discovery engines understand your product.

View directory stackSee launch order
18curated launch places
4launch phases
2026source refresh

Ranked stack

Start with high-signal platforms, then fill in durable discovery.

01

Product Hunt

Best for a concentrated launch spike, feedback, makers, and press discovery.

Category
Launch day
Stage
Public launch
Cost
Free
Signal
Very high
Open directory
02

Hacker News

Use Show HN when the product has a strong technical angle and a clear story.

Category
Community
Stage
Technical audience
Cost
Free
Signal
Very high
Open directory
03

BetaList

A natural first stop for products collecting early users before a full release.

Category
Pre-launch
Stage
Waitlist
Cost
Free / paid boost
Signal
High
Open directory
04

Indie Hackers

Great for narrative launches, revenue updates, and repeat founder visibility.

Category
Founder network
Stage
Build in public
Cost
Free
Signal
High
Open directory
05

Reddit Startups

Useful when the post is specific, transparent, and not written like an ad.

Category
Community
Stage
Feedback
Cost
Free
Signal
High
Open directory
06

G2

A durable trust and comparison surface once customers can leave reviews.

Category
Review directory
Stage
B2B software
Cost
Free listing
Signal
Very high
Open directory
View all directories

Launch sequence

A practical order beats a giant spreadsheet.

  1. Create one canonical profile: name, short tagline, 80-word description, logo, screenshots, founder quote.
  2. Submit pre-launch surfaces first: BetaList, waitlist communities, and niche AI or SaaS directories.
  3. Run the public spike: Product Hunt, Show HN, Indie Hackers, and the most relevant Reddit thread.
  4. Add durable proof: Crunchbase, G2, Capterra, AlternativeTo, StackShare, and SaaSHub.