Build a Fundable, Global Startup in Pittsburgh

The Founder Institute is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses.

See other FI Chapters
Virtual First
Program Dates
Mar 17, 2025 Jun 24, 2025
Early Deadline
Jan 26, 2025
Early Entrance Fee
$599 $799
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
Mar 10, 2025
06:00pm EDT
Accelerator Kickoff
Mar 17, 2025
06:00pm EDT
Vision & Mission
Mar 18, 2025
06:00pm EDT
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)

Join an Online Information Session

Sign up for an upcoming info session to learn more and chat with our team. There are several sessions per week across most time zones.

Leadership

Our leadership team are proven startup experts who know how to walk you through the challenges of your early-stage startup.

Don Image

Don Samoil

Chapter Leader @ FI Keystone

FI Pittsburgh Mentors

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

Raghu Image

Raghu Rao

CEO @ Splitbyte Inc
Vipin Image

Vipin Makhija

Founder, Mentor, Advisor @ Kast
Karina Image

Karina Sotnik

Founder/CEO @ WorldUpstart
Scott Image

Scott Wittrock

Fractional CPO @ Head for Product
Trevor Image

Trevor Longino

Founder & CEO @ CrowdTamers
Pam Image

Pam Knox

CEO/Chief Strategist @ Pam Knox LLC

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?

The Founder Institute is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our structured accelerator programs have helped over 7,500 entrepreneurs raise over $1.85BN in funding. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 100 countries, our mission is to empower communities of talented and motivated people to build impactful technology companies worldwide.


Copyright © 2024, Founder Institute, Inc. All Rights Reserved