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Schedule

Silicon Valley Summer 2017

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 Silicon Valley Summer 2017 program below.

The Final Application Deadline for the Silicon Valley Summer 2017 program is Jun 19, 2017, and you can apply to the program at FI.co/join.

Orientation

Welcome and meet your peers.

Date: Jun 21, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (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: Jun 22, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

The best startup ideas are formed from the intersection of a real customer problem and your personal strengths and passions. During this session, you will learn how to form, communicate, and analyze startup ideas in a structured manner. By the end of the week, you will form and analyze several business ideas (or three variations of the same idea) that you could realistically spend the next 20 years working on, and begin interviewing potential customers about their problems.

Research and Customer Development

Test your ideas with research.

Date: Jun 28, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (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

Choose an idea and a model.

Date: Jul 05, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

Naming and Positioning

Name your business.

Date: Jul 12, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

Mentor Idea Review

Present your idea for feedback.

Date: Jul 19, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (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: Jul 26, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

Team and Advisors

Recruit your first team members.

Date: Aug 02, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

Product Development

Plan to build your offering.

Date: Aug 09, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

Mentor Progress Review

Present your progress for feedback.

Date: Aug 23, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (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: Aug 30, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

Branding and Marketing

Establish market credibility.

Date: Sep 06, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

Bootstrapping and Fundraising

Capitalize the business.

Date: Sep 13, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (America/New_York)

Graduation

Graduate from the program.

Date: Sep 20, 2017
Starts at: 06:30 pm (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