Great Founders Start Here

Founder Institute is a global network of startup incubators, accelerators, and investors on a mission to activate and empower communities of entrepreneurs worldwide. Whether you just have an idea, are building an MVP, or already have a startup with early revenues, we can help. Since 2009, our highly-structured programs have given entrepreneurs clarity on their next steps, critical feedback on their decisions, and a global network to support their growth. FI Core Programs are accepting applications in 70+ cities and verticals worldwide.

Products

FI Core Program

FI Core is designed for founders at the pre-seed stage: including idea-stage founders, first-time founders, people making the leap from employee to entrepreneur, and small teams that are pre-funding.

Founder Lab

Founder Lab is series a virtual advisory programs where Alumni work closely with our Silicon Valley HQ to reach the next milestones in their business. The goal of these programs is to continue to providing our portfolio companies with (1) a structured process, and (2) constant feedback and support long after the Core Program ends.

FI Venture Network

The FI Venture Network includes angels, accelerators, and VCs actively writing 'first or seconds checks' into startups across nearly every business vertical.

Key Benefits of Partnering with Founder Institute

Create More Regional Entrepreneurs

FI’s grassroots approach to identifying, inspiring, and empowering new Founders provides much greater ROI than elaborate and expensive “innovation theater” initiatives.

Connect to a Global Investor Network

FI’s network spans nearly every geography and business vertical, allowing partners to exponentially grow their investor community from day one of a partnership.

Access Unparalleled Expertise

Nobody has helped launch more accelerators or startups across as many countries and cities as the Founder Institute, and we bring millions of data points and a proprietary platform to every partnership.

Highlights, Achievements & Milestones

• 7,500+ Alumni Companies
• $1.85BN+ Funding for Alumni
• 200+ Chapter Cities
• 100+ Chapter Countries
• 35,000+ Mentors & Advisors
• $20BN Estimated Portfolio Value
• 9,000+ Free Startup Events Hosted
• 630,000+ Attendees to Free Events
• 1,500+ Ecosystem Leaders Graduated
• 1,100+ FI Accelerator Cohorts
• 8,300+ Portfolio Companies
• 26% Cohorts in Developing Countries
• 34% Female Founders

About Us

The Founder Institute (FI) is the world’s largest earliest-stage startup accelerator (http://fi.co), dedicated to helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into fundable startups. Since 2009, it has launched 8,000+ technology companies across 200+ cities, supported by a global network of 35,000 mentors. FI provides a structured, part-time program, making it accessible to professionals and students who want to explore entrepreneurship while managing other commitments. Its approach emphasizes expert mentorship, hands-on training, and global investor connections, helping its graduates raise over $2 billion in venture capital

FI follows the mission, offering a 15-week, part-time program that runs after 6 PM. The $600 fee (aligned with local economic conditions) helps sustain the program but is not its core focus, admitting a 10-20% acceptance rate. Admission is more accessible than other programs, but graduation is more demanding—around 70% do not complete the program, as incorporation is required to graduate. While Founder Institute does not invest initially, graduates grant a 2.5% equity warrant, enabling future investment and ensuring long-term alignment and ongoing founder support.

Join the world's largest pre-seed startup accelerator

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