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Schedule

Vancouver 2017

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 Vancouver 2017 program below.

The Final Application Deadline for the Vancouver 2017 program is Jan 29, 2017, and you can apply to the program at FI.co/join.

Orientation

Welcome and meet your peers.

Date: Feb 01, 2017
Starts at: 08:30 pm (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: Feb 08, 2017
Starts at: 08:30 pm (America/New_York)

Research and Customer Development

Test your ideas with research.

Date: Feb 15, 2017
Starts at: 08:30 pm (America/New_York)

Revenue Models

Choose an idea and a business model.

Date: Feb 22, 2017
Starts at: 08:30 pm (America/New_York)

Naming and Positioning

Name your business.

Date: Mar 01, 2017
Starts at: 08:30 pm (America/New_York)

Your naming and positioning are the starting point for all of your company’s marketing. In this session, you will learn the components of great company names, and how to position your product effectively in the eyes of the consumer. By the end of the week, you will brainstorm and analyze a variety of names, and then select a final name after performing more customer research. In addition, you will build your first pitch deck, and begin interviewing law firms for your company.

Mentor Idea Review

Present your idea for feedback.

Date: Mar 08, 2017
Starts at: 08:30 pm (America/New_York)

Startup Legal and IP

Build a legal and IP strategy.

Date: Mar 15, 2017
Starts at: 09:30 pm (America/New_York)

Team and Advisors

Recruit your first team members.

Date: Mar 22, 2017
Starts at: 09:30 pm (America/New_York)

Great companies start with great people. In this session, you will learn how to identify the key hiring needs for your company, how to recruit key hires like Co-Founders (even if you can’t offer any salary), and the best practices for equity allocation amongst a startup workforce. Assignments include identifying and contacting potential advisors, building a hiring strategy and pipeline, starting your first “product sprint”, and more.

Product Development

Plan to build your offering.

Date: Mar 29, 2017
Starts at: 09:30 pm (America/New_York)

Mentor Progress Review

Present your progress for feedback.

Date: Apr 05, 2017
Starts at: 09:30 pm (America/New_York)

Sales and Traction

Start generating traction.

Date: Apr 12, 2017
Starts at: 09:30 pm (America/New_York)

Branding and Marketing

Establish market credibility.

Date: Apr 19, 2017
Starts at: 09:30 pm (America/New_York)

Bootstrapping and Fundraising

Capitalize the business.

Date: Apr 26, 2017
Starts at: 09:30 pm (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: May 03, 2017
Starts at: 09:30 pm (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