Build an Amazing Company in Portugal

The Founder Institute provides a global support network and a proven methodology to get your startup to traction and funding

See other FI Chapters
Hybrid
Program Dates
Oct 08, 2026 Dec 03, 2026
Early Deadline
Aug 18, 2026
Early Entrance Fee
$699 $899
zoom bg Image

The Core Experience

You don't have to do it alone. Alongside other like-minded entrepreneurs, you will build your business in a structured, proven process.

Critical Support Network

Join an Equity Collective of helpful startup mentors and founders that are invested in your success.
Get access to a lifetime of support programs and partners that far exceeds any comparable program.

Structured Methodology

Know what to work on, and when, with our proven business-building sprints and structured process.
Build a company with impact by leveraging the world's largest network of startup founders and mentors.

Challenging Process

Less than 40% of Founders make it through the program because we challenge you every step of the way.
Get fast-tracked to our Funding Lab program and Virtual Demo Days, giving you the best chance to get funding.

Session Calendar

Below are the dates for the upcoming program

Onboarding
Oct 01, 2026
06:00pm WEST
Kickoff
Oct 08, 2026
06:00pm WEST
Vision
Oct 15, 2026
06:00pm WEST
View Full curriculum

Featured Grad

FI Grad Company

From our Silicon Valley chapter, Udemy is the global leader in online learning, with nearly 200,000 courses. The company went public on the NASDAQ in October 2021, raising $421 million.

FI Grad

The real question is: can the Founder Institute be game-changing for your business? The answer is yes. Without FI, Udemy may have never raised any money.

Gagan Biyani
/
Udemy (IPO, 2021)

FI Portugal Mentors

Build a business efficiently through video conferences, office hours, and material reviews from a roster of top startup mentors.

João Image

João Cerqueira

Co-Founder and CEO @ 4H Knowledge Management
Marcelo Image

Marcelo Bella

C-Level, Mentor e Investidor Anjo @ Picpay
Cintia Image

Cintia Mano

Angel Investor
Jorge Image

Jorge Azevedo

Angel Investor and Author @ Como nasce uma startup
Rui Image

Rui Gouveia

CEO @ Build Up Labs
Lucas Image

Lucas Oliveira

Portfolio Manager @ COREangels Atlantic

FI Partners

Get special deals and support worth over $3 million from top support organizations and partners.

Connect with us

Have any questions?

Apply

or Apply with
Already Have an Account?
Applications are now open

Build your startup with AI agents doing the work

Join the FI Agentic Program: an AI-powered curriculum, world-class mentors, and free AI agents to turn your idea into a fundable company.

9,000+ companies launched since 2009

Turn your idea into the next unicorn

Our programs helped launch Udemy, Esusu, and thousands more, with a portfolio worth an estimated $20B. Yours could be next.

200+ cities and 95 countries

Join the world's largest agentic company builder

A global network of founders, mentors, and investors building enduring companies, with free AI agents to help you do the work.

Apply Now