Schedule
Waterloo Summer 2016
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 $1.85BN.
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 Waterloo Summer 2016 program below.
The Final Application Deadline for the Waterloo Summer 2016 program is Apr 24, 2016, and you can apply to the program at FI.co/join.
This is where it all begins. During Orientation, we will review the Founder Institute program structure, curriculum, tools, and requirements in detail. In addition, you will identify mentors that can help you get the most out of the program, meet the other founders in your cohort, and learn more about their ideas and skillsets. Assignments for this session include creating a plan to complete the program, watching recommended Founder Institute training videos, and more.
The Mentor Idea Review is the first major test in the Founder Institute Program. During this session, every founder presents a three minute pitch to a large number of entrepreneur and CEO mentors for evaluation and feedback. These mentors will grade you on many criteria, such as the validity and market potential of your ideas, and your understanding of your target customer. After the session, you will incorporate their feedback into your planning, begin to set up your company and marketing infrastructure, and more.
Similar to the "Mentor Idea Review", this is the second major test in the program. In the “Mentor Progress Review”, you will present a three minute pitch to a large number of mentors for feedback and evaluation, focusing on aspects like your recent progress and product planning. Afterwards, you will incorporate their feedback into your pitch deck, revenue, hiring, and product plans, begin forming the advisory board for your company, and more.
Most people that enter the program do not make it to Graduation, because the Founder Institute curriculum is very demanding. However, the select few that Graduate have achieved several years of progress on their startup in just a few months. We typically celebrate the Graduating class with a small event attended by family members, mentors, investors, and more. Afterwards, Graduates gain access to the Founder Institute network, tools, and ongoing resources… and the real work of building and growing an enduring company begins!
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
- 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
- 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
