Boardsi is a paid networking service connecting executives to board opportunities. It’s not officially recognized as a fraudulent company, but mixed reviews, high fees, and aggressive outreach have raised concerns, leading many to search for “Boardsi scam.” Business leaders considering it should understand its model, real user experiences, and the risks before engaging.
What Is Boardsi and How Does It Work?
Boardsi brands itself as a marketplace for executives who want board seats and for companies looking for advisors or directors. The platform claims to provide access to exclusive board roles, often not posted publicly.
Here’s how it typically works:
- Profile Creation: Executives pay to join, complete a professional profile, and are matched with potential board opportunities.
- Matching Algorithm: Boardsi uses internal screening and outreach to connect candidates with companies.
- Paid Service: Unlike traditional job boards, there’s an upfront membership cost and ongoing fees to stay listed.
For context, many wonder, “Who owns Boardsi?” According to public records, Boardsi is led by CEO Martin Rowinski and a leadership team with experience in executive recruiting and advisory services. The company operates primarily in the U.S. but claims to serve global opportunities.
Why People Search “Boardsi Scam”?
Over the past few years, online searches for “Is Boardsi a scam” and “Boardsi.com scam” have surged. This doesn’t automatically mean the company is fraudulent. It reflects genuine confusion and skepticism due to:
- Cold outreach campaigns: Executives often report unsolicited emails or LinkedIn messages promising “guaranteed board matches.”
- Upfront fees: Paying before landing a board seat feels risky to many users.
- Mixed results: Some report success stories; others say they never received quality matches despite paying.
These factors have fueled a debate that now extends to Boardsi scam Reddit threads, LinkedIn posts, and complaints on review platforms.
Stay Connected & Learn With Us
Join our growing community and connect with peers who build secure networks and resell privacy tools worldwide.
Boardsi Reviews and Complaints: Real User Experiences
Understanding if Boardsi is right for you means looking at both positive and negative experiences.
Positive Reviews
Some executives report that Boardsi provided them with opportunities they wouldn’t have found otherwise. Positive Boardsi Google reviews highlight:
- Access to startups or mid-sized companies seeking advisors.
- Dedicated account managers who help tailor profiles.
- A few successful matches resulting in paid board positions.
Negative Reviews
However, complaints are frequent and often mention:
- High costs: Membership and ongoing fees that some feel outweigh the value received.
- Limited matches: Many users report getting few or irrelevant board opportunities.
- Cancellation issues: Frustration over how to cancel Boardsi subscriptions and unclear refund policies.
I paid several hundred dollars and was promised tailored board matches. After months, I received only generic startup offers. Canceling was a challenge.
– From a Boardsi reviews complaints threadExperience Comparison Table
Experience Type | Positive Reviews | Negative Reviews |
Outcome | Successful board placements reported | Few or no opportunities delivered |
Cost Perception | Worth the investment for some | Expensive for the results |
Customer Support | Helpful and responsive | Difficult cancellation process |
Boardsi Fees: What Does It Cost to Join?
Pricing is a major reason people question “Boardsi is a scam.” While exact fees vary, here’s what executives commonly report:
- Onboarding Fee: Around $200–$500 upfront to create and feature your profile.
- Monthly Subscription: Typically $195/month for continued exposure and matching.
Is it refundable? According to user feedback, refunds are rarely offered. If you’re exploring it, understand the total commitment and potential ROI.
How to Cancel Boardsi?
If you’re already signed up and wish to exit, users suggest:
- Contacting Boardsi support directly via email or phone.
- Requesting written confirmation of cancellation to avoid further billing.
- Monitoring your bank account to ensure charges stop.
Many complaints stem from unclear cancellation processes, which has added to the “Boardsi scam” narrative.
Investigating the Scam Allegations: Fraud or Misunderstanding?
From a legal standpoint, Boardsi has not been labeled fraudulent by regulatory authorities. There’s no record of FTC actions or lawsuits branding it an outright scam.
However, the business model has drawn criticism:
- Paying before results naturally makes people skeptical.
- Promised exclusivity sometimes doesn’t match delivered opportunities.
- Aggressive marketing feels misleading to some executives.
So, calling it a scam is not entirely accurate, but concerns about transparency and value for money are valid.
Comparing Boardsi to Alternatives
Boardsi isn’t the only platform offering board connections. Others include:
Service | Boardsi |
---|---|
Fees | Membership + $195/month |
Success Rate | Low transparency |
Refund Policy | Rarely offered |
Red Flags and How to Protect Yourself?
Before signing up, take steps to ensure safety and avoid misunderstandings:
- Scrutinize promises: Be wary of guarantees for board placements.
- Ask for references: Request examples of successful placements in your field.
- Get clear on cancellation terms: Understand how to stop recurring billing.
- Beware phishing: Some Boardsi scam emails mimic the service—verify sender legitimacy before clicking links.
Expert Advice: Is Boardsi Worth It for Businesses?
For seasoned executives with strong resumes, Boardsi could add visibility and connections worth exploring. For newcomers or those expecting guaranteed results, the fees may not justify the return.
Businesses seeking board talent should also be cautious. Listings on Boardsi may not reflect rigorous vetting processes. Consider working with trusted recruitment agencies or personal networks first.
Networking opportunities with other executives and startups.
Potential for both paid and advisory roles across industries.
Final Thoughts
Boardsi operates in a controversial space, paid networking for board seats. While it’s not proven to be a scam, negative reviews highlight issues of cost transparency, aggressive outreach, and limited placement success.
Before engaging:
- Research thoroughly.
- Weigh cost vs. potential outcome.
- Protect communications from phishing or impersonation attempts.
For businesses and executives managing sensitive board recruitment data, secure communication channels matter.
PureVPN’s White Label program enables businesses to launch branded VPN services, protecting executives and recruiters from phishing scams, data interception, and fraudulent emails during the board selection process.