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Schedule

Munich Spring 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 $1.75BN. 

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 Munich Spring 2016 program below.

The Final Application Deadline for the Munich Spring 2016 program is Apr 22, 2016, and you can apply to the program at FI.co/join.

Orientation

Welcome and meet your peers.

Date: Apr 27, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

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.

Vision and Ideas

Develop a set of strong ideas.

Date: Apr 28, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

Research and Customer Development

Test your ideas with research.

Date: May 04, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

Large and fast growing markets have the power to elevate mediocre companies into greatness, and conversely, dying markets can doom otherwise solid companies. In this session, you’ll learn how to systematically research your market and gain a deep understanding of your target customer. Assignments include competitive research, defining your key business assumptions, interviewing additional potential customers, and more.

Revenue Models

Chose an idea and a model.

Date: May 11, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

Strong unit economics are essential for a strong business. This week, you will learn the components and key metrics of different revenue models from experienced CFOs and Founders. Then, you will build a number of financial models for your ideas, speak to potential customers, select a single revenue model to pursue, and more. In addition, you will use all of the research performed to date to select your final startup idea to build in the program.

Naming and Positioning

Name your business.

Date: May 18, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

Mentor Idea Review

Present your idea for feedback.

Date: Jun 01, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

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.

Startup Legal and IP

Build a legal and IP strategy.

Date: Jun 08, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

A company cannot be successful without a solid legal and intellectual property foundation. In this session, you will learn all of the key concepts, processes, and requirements unique to building a technology company in your locale. Before the next session, you will then select a law firm, incorporate your company using startup best practices, and develop other key agreements, such as an advisor agreement. In addition, you will take measures to secure the IP you have created to date.

Team and Advisors

Recruit your first team members.

Date: Jun 15, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

Great companies start with great people. In this session, you will learn how to identify the key hiring needs for your company, how to recruit key hires like Co-Founders (even if you can’t offer any salary), and the best practices for equity allocation amongst a startup workforce. Assignments include identifying and contacting potential advisors, building a hiring strategy and pipeline, starting your first “product sprint”, and more.

Product Development

Plan to build your offering.

Date: Jun 22, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

Mentor Progress Review

Present your progress for feedback.

Date: Jun 29, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

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.

Sales and Traction

Start generating traction.

Date: Jul 06, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

Branding and Marketing

Establish market credibility.

Date: Jul 13, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

As new platforms and technologies mature, the rules of marketing for technology companies are constantly changing. This week is all about learning the latest strategies, “growth hacking” tactics, and tools to generate distribution and traction for your product. Assignments include identifying and building relationships with the key influencers in your industry, building a PR and distribution strategy, developing a company blog and social media presence, and more.

Bootstrapping and Fundraising

Capitalize the business.

Date: Jul 20, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

Graduation

Graduate from the program.

Date: Aug 03, 2016
Starts at: 11:30 am (America/New_York)

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

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