Someday Starts Today
With AI, anyone can start a startup. The Founder Institute activates and empowers new entrepreneurs to from zero to funded faster than ever before.
Without Founder Institute, Udemy may have never raised any money.
Great Founders Start Here
Whether you're an employee ready to make the leap to entrepreneur, a solo founder with a big idea, or a first-time founder looking for direction, we can help.
Since 2009 our proven methodology and global network has successfully guided thousands of new entrepreneurs to build ventures with positive economic and societal impact.
8,900+
Alumni Companies
2BN+
Funding for Alumni
200+
Chapter Cities
100+
Chapter Countries
40,000+
Mentors & Investors
$20BN
Est. Portfolio Value
FI Core Program
It all starts with our renowned Core Program — a structured pathway for idea-stage founders to build a great startup with a proven methodology and a global network of mentors.
Founder Lab
After completing FI Core, Alumni get exclusive access to advanced accelerators and advisory services to guide them for the lifecycle of the business.
Founder Capital
Alumni can get funded by Founder Capital (our global VC fund) and the FI Venture Network - a global pool of first-check investors actively backing startups.
Go from Zero to Funded
FI Core Programs are accepting applications in 70+ cities and verticals worldwide.
Connect to an Unparalleled Global Network
The Founder Institute connects you to the world's largest network of entrepreneurs, advisors, and investors — so you're never building alone.
Founder Institute Italy
Apply NowApply to the next Italy Core program and build your startup alongside top investors, advisors, and mentors.
Giovanni Salvi
Data Scientist, SerenisOver 2BN in Funding Raised by FI Alumni
The Founder Institute's global scale and number of successful Alumni is truly unprecedented. Hear from founders who went from zero to funded with FI.
Join a Free Startup Event
We exist to help founders take the leap, so we run nearly 1,000 free startup events per year where you can meet local entrepreneurs, network with investors, and connect with advisors.
How Multiple Pivots positioned Checkbox as the 'Legal Front Door' for Corporations
Founder Institute Online Information Session
Real Startup Lessons From FI Alumni Across the World
How to Go From Raw Idea to Polished Pitch using AI
See more events
Our Partners
FI partners with top governments, corporations, and institutions around the world to unlock entrepreneurial potential and accelerate AI-native company creation.
The Global FI Ecosystem
Our mission is to activate entrepreneurial potential and empower communities across the globe to build ventures with positive economic and societal impact. This is only possible with a global network of ecosystem, company, and fund-builders... so we created it.
Building
Startups
Frequently Asked Questions
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It all starts with our Core FI Program. Apply to the Italy program here, or check FI.co/enrolling for other options.
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There is a one-time Entrance Fee to start the FI Core Program. This fee is 100% refundable before the 'Revenue & Business Models' session (May 07, 2026), so you can make an educated decision on whether or not FI is right for you. According to geolocation we think you are in the Italy region, which has an Entrance Fee of €599 EUR.
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When incentives are aligned, great things happen. That is why FI developed a groundbreaking 'Equity Collective' where your program Leaders, Mentors, and FI HQ are vested in the success of your business - for the long term.
Learn more about the Equity Collective at FI.co/equity.
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Our agreements have always been public and freely available at FI.co/agreements.
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Yes! Please attend an upcoming Info Session to hear an overview of our programs and chat with our team.
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 8,900 entrepreneurs raise over 2BN 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.
