FI Core Program
Since 2009, our flagship program has combined structured sprints with constant feedback to help you reach the milestones needed for investment and growth.
Proven Methodology
Our process helps you build a fundable business faster, and cheaper. No theoretical 'homework' here.
Constant Feedback
Weekly Feedback Sessions, Office Hours and Working Groups ensure that you move quickly, and smartly.
Supportive Network
You don't have to do it alone! Immediately get a team of supporters that are invested in your success.
Johannesburg - South Africa 2025
Virtual FirstEarly Deadline
Dec 01, 2024Final Deadline
Mar 30, 2025Entrance Fee
For Serious Founders at the Earliest Stages
FI Core is designed for founders at the pre-seed stage: including idea-stage founders, first-time founders, people making the leap from employee to entrepreneur, and small teams that are pre-funding. We work with founders before they are ready to do a seed-accelerator or raise funding from professional investors.
Tailored to Your Needs
Since different founders have different needs, the 4- month Core Program is split into three tracks with unique milestones and sprints. Founders also get sprints specifically designed to address their unique business challenges.
Typical FI Applicants ("Pre-Seed Stage")
Ideation
Validation
Product
Revenue
Validate Track
Launch Track
Traction Track
What You'll Accomplish
The bar for graduating varies by individual, business, and stage. Some founders raise funding in the program, but at the very least you can expect to leave the program with the following:
Validate Track
Launch Track
Traction Track
Build a fundable business in Johannesburg
Over 75 Core Programs are accepting applications worldwide, including the Johannesburg program.
Over $1.85BN in Funding Raised by FI Alumni
The Founder Institute’s global scale and number of successful Alumni is truly unprecedented.
The Core Experience
Alongside other like-minded entrepreneurs, you will build your business in a structured, proven process.
Proven Process to Build Quickly & Cheaply
Highly Structured and Sequential
Constant Feedback from Mentors
No More "Analysis Paralysis"
Our process removes uncertainty and helps you focus on the right things in a sequential fashion.
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.
A Network Invested in Your Success
When incentives are aligned, great things happen. That's why we developed a groundbreaking "Equity Collective" to establish a large network of exeperts that are invested in your success for the long haul. When you succeed, everyone succeeds.
A Lifetime of Support
After FI Core, we are here to help at every stage of your startup journey. No hidden costs, additional contracts, or surprise subscription fees.
Standard Alumni Benefits
Alumni immediately join the world's largest network of mentors and advisors, and get access to private events, Office Hours, and partner discounts totaling $2M+ in value.
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.
'Wantrapreneurs' need not apply
FI is hard, because building a great business is much, much harder. Our Admissions Process is designed to accept only high-potential entrepreneurs, and then less than 40% of accepted founders are able to graduate.
To complete the program, you must:
The Time is Now
When the world changes, entrepreneurs are best positioned to take advantage and build the future, but only if they move quickly to respond to changing customer needs. The Founder Institute is designed to help you do just that. Apply to FI Core today.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It all starts with our Core FI Program. Apply to the Johannesburg 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 (May 07, 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 Johannesburg region, which has an Entrance Fee of $249 USD by Dec 01, 2024 ($399 USD after Dec 01, 2024).
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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 7,500 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.
