Get Investor-Ready and Launch into the U.S. East Coast Market
Take your startup to the next level in Washington, D.C. with market access, expert mentorship, and a demo day with top regional investors.
In-PersonProgram Dates
Early Deadline
Sep 13, 2026Early Entrance Fee
$499 $999
Join the Fall 2026 Penn West Accelerator
An intensive 4-month program to get you investment and scale-ready in Washington D.C.
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Accelerate Product and Market Entry
- Validate your product, refine revenue models, and scale in the D.C. market.
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Build Local Partnerships & Network
- Connect with 50+ mentors, legal experts, and Washington, D.C. business leaders.
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Enhance Pitch & Investment Readiness
- Develop a fundraising strategy and secure relationships with key investors leveraging our network & agentic tools
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Free Space & Perks
- Over $1000 in free, 24/7 co-working space at WeWork, and access to over $2MM in partner deals
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Demo Day & Investor Access
- Join in-person session with top local mentors and investors, and present at a large Demo Day
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Equity-Free
- This program is equity-free. Selected participants only pay the applicable program entrance fee.
Who Should Apply?
The Penn West Accelerator is designed to help established, high-potential startups scale and grow in the U.S. market.
- International startups looking to enter the U.S. market, or domestic startups ready to expand on the East Coast
- Post-MVP pre-seed and seed-stage companies ready to scale
- Please note, you must be willing to relocate to Washington, D.C. for the duration of the program
Apply Now
Submit an application for the upcoming program
Meet Your Mentors
Session Calendar
Build your startup to scale through in-person sessions, networking opportunities, and expert office hours. See the full schedule below.
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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 BiyaniUdemy (IPO, 2021) -
Oddbox wouldn't exist without the Founder Institute. FI gave me the structure I needed to take Oddbox from idea to MVP but also pushed, challenged and guided me through the steps, insecurities and excitement of building an impact-led business.
Emilie VanpoperingheOddbox (£20M in funding) -
The Founder Institute was instrumental in helping us understand how to validate our idea in the market, and helped us develop the entrepreneurial mindset required to build a startup.
Renato PaquetPolen (top 10 in Open Startups Ranking)
FI Partners
Quickly increase connections to other ecosystem organizations, investors, and industry experts.
Events
Join us for an upcoming event - local or global - to meet other founders and experts. Learn what you need to know now to scale your startup.
Powered by the Founder Institute
Based in Silicon Valley, the Founder Institute is the world's largest pre-seed startup accelerator. Since 2009, FI's accelerators have helped launch thousands of fast-growing, funded technology companies across nearly every geography, industry, and sector.
9,000+
Portfolio Companies
2BN+
Portfolio Company Funding
200+
Chapter Cities
100+
Chapter Countries
6
Continents
40,000+
Global Mentors & Advisors
Grow Your Business from The Golden Triangle
As part of the Penn West Accelerator, you’ll be building your company in the epicenter of global influence.
- The Golden Triangle is a walkable, safe, transit-connected neighborhood with a wide array of amenities, including many of DC’s best restaurants, shops, bars, parks, public art, and more, as well as close proximity to established residential neighborhoods with robust housing options.
- As the nation’s capital, we are home to over 175 international embassies, more than 550 international companies, world-renowned universities, and headquarters of notable international institutions such as The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the Delegation of the European Union to the United States. Our unrivaled location gives you a front seat to the decision-makers that shape national and global policy.
- You’ll have access to an array of resources from the Golden Triangle BID and our partners to help you succeed in growing your company here in DC.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The ideal applicant is a seed-stage startup founder who’s ready to take their proven MVP into the U.S. market and is willing to relocate to Washington, D.C. for the duration of the program. You should be seeking hands-on access to seasoned mentors, strategic investors, and the Golden Triangle BID’s resources to accelerate your growth on the East Coast.
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This government-funded program does not offer direct grants or equity investments to participants. However, you’ll engage with a curated network of investors throughout the program and at Demo Day, giving you ample opportunity to secure external funding.
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No, there is no equity component to this program
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Submit your application online; our Accelerator Director will review all entries and shortlist candidates for an interview. From those interviews, we’ll select just 15–20 companies to join the cohort.
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We’re unable to provide visa processing, travel, or lodging on your behalf—but we’re happy to share trusted recommendations. All travel, visa, and accommodation arrangements are the responsibility of the founder
Join the Upcoming Cohort
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