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.
7,800+
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 Columbus
Apply NowApply to the next Columbus 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.
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.
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback
Founder Institute Online Information Session
Founder’s Guide to AI: Building an MVP with No Coding Skills
Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Sonam Velani
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
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It all starts with our Core FI Program. Apply to the Columbus 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, with ZERO fees thereafter. This fee is 100% refundable before the 'Revenue & Business Models' session (Sep 30, 2025), 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 Columbus region, which has an Entrance Fee of $599 USD by Jul 27, 2025 ($699 USD after Jul 27, 2025).
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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 7,800 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.
