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Schedule

Funding Lab Q1 2026

At the Founder Institute, you won't "learn" how to build a business. Rather, you will build your business alongside top startup experts using a proven, structured process that has helped some of the world's fastest growing companies raise over 1.9BN. 

Our core program includes a series of challenging growth sprints, in addition to Weekly Feedback Sessions where you will receive constant feedback on your progress from experienced Mentors and Investors. 

See the schedule for the Funding Lab Q1 2026 program below.

The Final Application Deadline for the Funding Lab Q1 2026 program is Jan 18, 2026, and you can apply to the program at FI.co/join.

Week 1 - Introduction to Fundraising

Date: Jan 22, 2026
Starts at: 12:00 pm (America/New_York)

Week 2 - Fundraising Setup

Date: Jan 29, 2026
Starts at: 12:00 pm (America/New_York)

FI Venture Network VIP Mixer, with Investors, FI Leaders and Funding Lab Alumni

Date: Feb 02, 2026
Starts at: 11:00 am (America/New_York)

https://www.airmeet.com/e/0616b880-8d4b-11ee-a154-b1539e5d687e

The FI HQ Portfolio Success is hosting a special Q3 VIP networking event for FI VN Investors, Venture Advisors, and Global Leaders of the Founder Institute to meet the newest Funding Lab cohort founders who are actively raising capital. 


Attendees will have the opportunity to network with other VIPs through structured speed networking, as well as by joining various virtual tables organized around topics and industry sectors. Chat with fellow investors, entrepreneurs, and experienced startup ecosystem leaders from your region and around the world - the Airmeet platform makes it easy to connect virtually and join the discussions you like. Come prepared to be on camera - this is a face-to-face interactive online event, not a webinar!

Week 3 - Fundraising Advisor

Date: Feb 05, 2026
Starts at: 12:00 pm (America/New_York)

Week 4 - Investor Network Building

Date: Feb 12, 2026
Starts at: 12:00 pm (America/New_York)

Week 5 - Outreach and Initial Pitching

Date: Feb 19, 2026
Starts at: 12:00 pm (America/New_York)

Week 6 - Campaign Refinement

Date: Feb 26, 2026
Starts at: 12:00 pm (America/New_York)

Week 7 - Fundraising Readiness Review

Date: Mar 05, 2026
Starts at: 12:00 pm (America/New_York)

Week 8 - Pitching, Negotiating, and Closing

Date: Mar 12, 2026
Starts at: 12:00 pm (America/New_York)

Week 9 - Advanced Pitching

Date: Mar 19, 2026
Starts at: 12:00 pm (America/New_York)

Week 10 - Term Sheets, Closing, and Follow Up

Date: Mar 26, 2026
Starts at: 12:00 pm (America/New_York)

Post Program Resources

The 4 month Core-Program is just the beginning. We have developed extensive support programs and resources for our Alumni that far exceed any other comparable startup program.

Continued Support

FI Alumni
  • Dedicated Alumni Support Team in Silicon Valley
  • Access to the world's largest network of mentors and investors (35,000+)
  • Private Alumni mailing lists
  • $2M+ in partner discounts
  • Invites to FI sessions & network events
  • Potentail introductions to investors

Post-Programs

Founder Lab
  • A series of virtual advisory programs where you work with our Silicon Valley HQ team to reach next milestones
  • Funding Lab helps get your lead investor within 6 months
  • P/M Fit Lab (2023) helps you get to Product Market Fit
  • FI Venture Network helps you get intros to investors
  • 100% customized and FREE for Alumni

Are you ready to apply to the world's largest pre-seed accelerator?

Apply to the Program
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