Activating Entrepreneurial Potential
Founder Institute is a global network of startup incubators, accelerators, and investors on a mission to activate and empower communities of entrepreneurs worldwide.
Without Founder Institute, Udemy may have never raised any money.
A Lifetime of Direction Starts Here
Whether you just have an idea, are building an MVP, or already have a startup with early revenues, we can help. Since 2009, our highly-structured programs have given entrepreneurs clarity on their next steps, critical feedback on their decisions, and a global network to support their growth.
7,500+
Alumni Companies
$1.85BN+
Funding for Alumni
200+
Chapter Cities
100+
Chapter Countries
35,000+
Mentors & Advisors
$20BN
Estimated Portfolio Value
FI Core Program
It all starts with our renowned Core Program, which pushes founders at the idea and pre-seed stages to reach the milestones needed for investment and sustained growth.
Founder Lab
After completing FI Core, Alumni get free access to a series of additional virtual advisory programs to guide them towards their next major business milestones.
FI Venture Network
When ready, Alumni get featured on events and syndicated to a diverse pool of investors actively participating in a startup's first or second round of funding.
Build a fundable business with us
FI Core Programs are accepting applications in 70+ cities and verticals worldwide.
Connect to an Unparalleled Global Network
We live in a global economy, so FI connects you to entrepreneurs, advisors, and investors across 200+ cities and 6 continents.
Founder Institute Turkey
Apply NowApply to the next Turkey Core program and build your business alongside top investors, advisors, and mentors.
Over $1.85BN in Funding Raised by FI Alumni
The Founder Institute’s global scale and number of successful Alumni is truly unprecedented.
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
Join a Free Startup Event
We exist to help founders, so we run nearly 1000 free startup events per year where you can meet local entrepreneurs, network with investors, learn from advisors, and connect with co-founders.
What is the DNA of an Entrepreneur? Insights from 15 Years of Research
Founder Institute Online Information Session
Fundraising in 2025: What Founders Must Know to Raise Capital
Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Christian Karrer
See more events
Perks
Over $2M in discounts and freebies from AWS, Google, Zendesk, Stripe and more.
The Global FI Ecosystem
Our mission is to empower talented and motivated people to build businesses that matter, no matter their location, gender, or race. This mission requires a strong global community of entrepreneurs, ecosystem leaders, advisors, and investors... and we have built just that.
Building
Startups
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
