- For the primary universe counterpart, see Founders.
In the mirror universe, the Founders were a group of Changelings native to the Gamma Quadrant who were responsible for founding the Dominion.
They were worshiped by the Vorta and the Jem'Hadar as gods. Although First Taran'atar lacked his species' normal dependency on ketracel-white, he still took it everyday as he regarded it as part of his duty as a First to accept the gift of the Founders with gratitude as an example to his men. (ST - Mirror Universe novel: Rise Like Lions)
Prior to 2370, the Founders had sent out Changelings to explore the Milky Way Galaxy. One of these Changelings was found in the Denorios Belt in the Bajor sector of the Alpha Quadrant. He eventually adopted the name Odo and became the supervisor of the ore processing center aboard the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance space station Terok Nor. He was killed by the Julian Bashir of the primary universe in 2370. (DS9 episode: "Crossover")
Following the discovery of a stable wormhole less than five light-years from the Idran system in 2381, the Vorta Eris immediately reported their discovery to the Founders. She promised to mention Taran'atar by name for his role in the discovery. (ST - Mirror Universe novel: Rise Like Lions)