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Curriculum

Paris Spring 2016

At the Founder Institute, you won't "learn" how to build a business. Rather, you will build your business alongside top startup experts using a proven, structured process that has helped some of the world's fastest growing companies raise over $1.75BN. 

Our core program includes a series of challenging growth sprints, in addition to Weekly Feedback Sessions where you will receive constant feedback on your progress from experienced Mentors and Investors. 

See the schedule for the Paris Spring 2016 program below.

The Final Application Deadline for the Paris Spring 2016 program is juin 05, 2016, and you can apply to the program at FI.co/join.

Orientation

Welcome and meet your peers.

Date: mai 02, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

This is where it all begins. During Orientation, we will review the Founder Institute program structure, curriculum, tools, and requirements in detail. In addition, you will identify mentors that can help you get the most out of the program, meet the other founders in your cohort, and learn more about their ideas and skillsets. Assignments for this session include creating a plan to complete the program, watching recommended Founder Institute training videos, and more.

Vision and Ideas

Develop a set of strong ideas.

Date: mai 03, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

Research and Customer Development

Test your ideas with research.

Date: mai 09, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

Revenue Models

Chose an idea and a model.

Date: mai 16, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

Naming and Positioning

Name your business.

Date: mai 23, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

Mentor Idea Review

Present your idea for feedback.

Date: mai 30, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

The Mentor Idea Review is the first major test in the Founder Institute Program. During this session, every founder presents a three minute pitch to a large number of entrepreneur and CEO mentors for evaluation and feedback. These mentors will grade you on many criteria, such as the validity and market potential of your ideas, and your understanding of your target customer. After the session, you will incorporate their feedback into your planning, begin to set up your company and marketing infrastructure, and more.

Startup Legal and IP

Build a legal and IP strategy.

Date: juin 06, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

A company cannot be successful without a solid legal and intellectual property foundation. In this session, you will learn all of the key concepts, processes, and requirements unique to building a technology company in your locale. Before the next session, you will then select a law firm, incorporate your company using startup best practices, and develop other key agreements, such as an advisor agreement. In addition, you will take measures to secure the IP you have created to date.

Team and Advisors

Recruit your first team members.

Date: juin 13, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

Product Development

Plan to build your offering.

Date: juin 20, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

Mentor Progress Review

Present your progress for feedback.

Date: juin 27, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

Similar to the "Mentor Idea Review", this is the second major test in the program. In the “Mentor Progress Review”, you will present a three minute pitch to a large number of mentors for feedback and evaluation, focusing on aspects like your recent progress and product planning. Afterwards, you will incorporate their feedback into your pitch deck, revenue, hiring, and product plans, begin forming the advisory board for your company, and more.

Sales and Traction

Start generating traction.

Date: juil. 04, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

If you can’t get customers to use and pay for your product, then nothing else matters. During the session, you will learn how to “hustle” to identify and close your first customers from entrepreneurs that have done it before. Then, you will put everything you have built to the test, by releasing your first product (if you have not already), securing your first (or new) customers, testing different pricing, and more.

Branding and Marketing

Establish market credibility.

Date: juil. 11, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

Bootstrapping and Fundraising

Capitalize the business.

Date: sept. 05, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

Every company needs capital to grow, and it can come from revenue or outside sources like investors. This finance heavy session will educate you on the different strategies, structures, and tactics for getting investment, as well as how to bootstrap and manage your company cash flow to profitability. After the session, you will consult with your Directors and Advisors to form a plan to capitalize your company, and take various steps depending on the strategy you choose.

Graduation

Graduate from the program.

Date: oct. 17, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

Most people that enter the program do not make it to Graduation, because the Founder Institute curriculum is very demanding. However, the select few that Graduate have achieved several years of progress on their startup in just a few months. We typically celebrate the Graduating class with a small event attended by family members, mentors, investors, and more. Afterwards, Graduates gain access to the Founder Institute network, tools, and ongoing resources… and the real work of building and growing an enduring company begins!

Post Program Resources

The 4 month Core-Program is just the beginning. We have developed extensive support programs and resources for our Alumni that far exceed any other comparable startup program.

Continued Support

FI Alumni
  • Dedicated Alumni Support Team in Silicon Valley
  • Access to the world's largest network of mentors and investors (35,000+)
  • Private Alumni mailing lists
  • $2M+ in partner discounts
  • Invites to FI sessions & network events
  • Potentail introductions to investors

Post-Programs

Founder Lab
  • A series of virtual advisory programs where you work with our Silicon Valley HQ team to reach next milestones
  • Funding Lab helps get your lead investor within 6 months
  • P/M Fit Lab (2023) helps you get to Product Market Fit
  • FI Venture Network helps you get intros to investors
  • 100% customized and FREE for Alumni