General

+ What is CIRKEL?

CIRKEL is a community platform for intergenerational networking and learning. Through our membership, corporate program, and events, we connect interesting people across ages for personal and professional growth.

+ When was CIRKEL founded?

CIRKEL was founded in 2018 by Charlotte Japp, a millennial with a deep appreciation for her parents and other older, interesting people. Read more about CIRKEL and Charlotte here.

+ Where is CIRKEL based?

While the CIRKEL team is based in New York, the CIRKEL membership and community is spread out all over the world. We have a presence on 5 continents!

+ Why the name “CIRKEL?”

“CIRKEL” is Swedish for “circle.” Charlotte was in Stockholm with friends when she got the inspiration to use this word for her company. She wanted to pay homage to the Scandinavian culture with its commitment to good design and its organically age-inclusive society.

The circle motif is also an important part of how CIRKEL works. We connect the two ends of the age spectrum together, turning life’s linear model into something circular and based on reciprocation.

+ What am I committing to as a CIRKEL Member?

• Show up on time (don’t flake on your introduction).
• Be able to ask “how can I help you?”
• Meet your introduction at least once during the quarter.
• If you’re not available the next quarter and would like to pause your membership, let us know the quarter prior (if we’ve already sent the introduction email, we expect you to make the meeting).
• Demonstrate respectful communication and conduct.
• We have a two-strike policy before membership suspension. Strikes are received for unprofessional conduct.

+ How do I learn more about CIRKEL?

In addition to our website, you can stay in touch with us and hear what we’re up to through our newsletter. Sign up here.

Membership - Prospective Members

+ What is a CIRKEL Membership?

CIRKEL's membership is a monthly or annual subscription. It includes: curated monthly introductions to relevant professionals, free access to CIRKEL events, and exclusive access to our library of workshops and other resources. You can learn more here.

+ How do quarterly introduction work?

On the 1st day of each quarter (January, April, July, October), you’ll receive a personalized introduction handpicked for you. Each introduction is based on shared interests and backgrounds, as well as complementary skills and expertise. We help you schedule your initial meeting, and ask you to share a goal you're working towards in that quarter. If interested, we can also help you stay in touch beyond the first meetings.

CIRKEL is not only about expanding your network, but also about building up a networking habit. You’ll meet someone new every quarters, but you’ll likely also maintain some relationships from prior quarters.

+ How is CIRKEL different from regular networking?

Instead of standing in a crowded room at a networking event, not sure who to talk to, or sending out a cold email you’ll never hear back from, CIRKEL is networking with intention. With each introduction, we provide contextual information and an explanation of why we made the match. This is to guide you to make the most of each meeting. We also have a library of networking tips and resources you can access to make your meetings more productive and meaningful.

+ What else do members get?

Members get free access to signature CIRKEL events as well as exclusive members-only gatherings. Members also get on-demand access to a library of workshops and resources to help build their professional and personal skills.

+ How do I join CIRKEL?

If you’re interested in becoming a member, fill out your application here. You will be prompted to answer some questions about your personal and professional background, followed by a check out page to sign up for a subscription plan.

+ How much does CIRKEL cost?

CIRKEL costs $55/month, and we currently offer 50% off your first month. If you sign up for the annual membership, the price is discounted to $27/month ($330 billed annually). We also have a limited number of financial scholarships available (please see more information below). If you have an unsatisfactory experience or issue, let us know and we'll make it right.

+ Can I expense my membership?

Yes! Many members expense their CIRKEL subscription either through their company or their own business (if they work for themselves). If you work for a company that has a networking or learning stipend, CIRKEL may qualify. You’ll need to get permission from your manager and/or HR dept. We can help you craft the email. Reach out if you need tips or have any other questions about expensing your membership: info@cirkel.world.

+ What is CIRKEL's membership commitment?

• Show up on time (don’t flake on your introduction).
• Be able to ask “how can I help you?”
• Meet your introduction at least once during the quarter.
• If you’re not available the next quarter and would like to pause your membership, let us know the month prior (if we’ve already sent the introduction email, we expect you to make the meeting).
• Demonstrate respectful communication and conduct.
• We have a two-strike policy before membership suspension. Strikes are received for unprofessional conduct.

+ Do you offer any financial assistance programs?

We do. Generations Unite is a temporary free membership for those who lack financial resources, which is sponsored by an existing CIRKEL member from another generation.

If you’d like to learn more about or apply to Generations Unite, please contact us at info@cirkel.world.

Current Members

+ How many times do we have to meet up with each introduction?

We purposefully leave this open to you, and this is also why you receive a new introduction every quarter. If you have a positive meeting, then suggest a follow-up that addresses a specific lesson you can exchange or a general catch-up in a few months or weeks. If you’re too busy or not interested in follow-up meetings, that’s totally ok! Just let your match know that you don’t have the bandwidth and they will move on to their next introduction on the 1st of the next quarter. You will also get a new introduction the following quarter.

+ What if I’m unable to meet a match one quarter?

It’s not ideal, but if you want to skip a quarter, please email team@cirkel.world. Please let us know 15 days before the start of the new quarter so we don’t include you in the pairing process. Once the introduction has been sent, we expect you to make the meeting.

+ Can I update my application/bio?

Yes! Please email team@cirkel.world and we can update your profile. Or submit another application here.

+ What is CIRKEL's membership commitment?

• Show up on time (don’t flake on your introduction).
• Be able to ask “how can I help you?”
• Meet your introduction at least once during the quarter.
• If you’re not available the next month and would like to pause your membership, let us know the quarter prior (if we’ve already sent the introduction email, we expect you to make the meeting).
• Demonstrate respectful communication and conduct.
• We have a two-strike policy before membership suspension. Strikes are received for unprofessional conduct.

+ Are there referral benefits for bringing other members in?

Yes! Tell your referral to mention it in their application and we’ll provide one free month of CIRKEL to the person making the referral.

CIRKEL For Business

+ Do you work with companies?

Yes, we work with companies on:

• DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion)
• Employee networking, engagement, and connectedness
• Mentorship
• Learning and development

If you’re interested in bringing intergenerational programming or philosophy to your company, send us a note here.

+ What benefits do companies have from working with CIRKEL?

There are many ways companies can benefit by working with CIRKEL, including:

• Forming new and stronger connections between employees (especially during periods of remote work)
• Helping employees better leverage and share their skills and expertise across the company
• Improving communication and collaboration between employees of different backgrounds
• Building a more age-inclusive culture

+ What services does CIRKEL provide to businesses?

Our primary product for businesses is a custom employee engagement and networking program that fosters new, meaningful connections for participating employees. We also offer consulting, workshops, corporate events, and custom learning and development programs.

Additionally, we offer memberships to the CIRKEL membership, our consumer platform, as a company perk for employees’ career development, learning, and networking outside the office.

Email us at info@cirkel.world to request our brochure or to discuss bulk memberships for employee groups.

+ What is your pricing for businesses?

We provide custom programs to each company dependent on its size, goals, and budget. Please reach out directly to info@cirkel.world for any pricing and program inquiries.

Other Inquiries

+ Do you partner with other organizations?

We often partner with like-minded and relevant non-profit and for-profit organizations to start event-based conversations around intergenerational connections or collaborate on other kinds of projects. If you’re interested in partnering with us, send us a note here.

+ I’m a member of the press and I’m interested in writing about CIRKEL.

For all press inquiries, please contact info@cirkel.world or fill out our Contact Form.

+ Do you have a press/media kit?

We don’t at the moment. Please reach out to us if you have any specific inquiries. We are often featured in press pieces as an expert on intergenerational connections and age-inclusivity in the workplace. Please refer to our past press mentions here.