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Schedule

South Florida Spring 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 South Florida Spring 2017 program below.

The Final Application Deadline for the South Florida Spring 2017 program is Mar 26, 2017, and you can apply to the program at FI.co/join.

Orientation

Welcome and meet your peers.

Date: Apr 04, 2017
Starts at: 06:00 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: Apr 04, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

Research and Customer Development

Test your ideas with research.

Date: Apr 11, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

Revenue Models

Chose an idea and a model.

Date: Apr 18, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

Naming and Positioning

Name your business.

Date: Apr 25, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

Mentor Idea Review

Present your idea for feedback.

Date: May 01, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

Startup Legal and IP

Build a legal and IP strategy.

Date: May 09, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

Team and Advisors

Recruit your first team members.

Date: May 16, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

Product Development

Plan to build your offering.

Date: May 23, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

Mentor Progress Review

Present your progress for feedback.

Date: Jun 06, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (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: Jun 13, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

Branding and Marketing

Establish market credibility.

Date: Jun 20, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

Bootstrapping and Fundraising

Capitalize the business.

Date: Jun 27, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

Graduation

Graduate from the program.

Date: Jul 13, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

Most people that enter the program do not make it to Graduation, because the Founder Institute curriculum is very demanding. 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 an event attended by family members, friends, mentors, investors, entrepreneurs and more. Each Graduate will give their company pitch, and tell us how we can help make another success in S Florida. 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