The Founder Institute, the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the Chicago program!
If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from Midwest's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the Chicago Founder Institute today.
Since 2009, our highly-structured accelerator programs have helped entrepreneurs at the earliest stages grow quickly, know what to do next, and make connections with the largest community of startup advisors.
To celebrate the launch, the Founder Institute will host several free online startup events in Midwest, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:
Midwest Events:
- Founder Night Out: In-Person Startup Networking in Chicago: 6:00pm, Jul 02, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/401280
Global or Regional Events:
- The AI-Native Founder Revolution: Build Your Company Faster Than Ever : 11:00am, Jul 08, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/401616
- Venture Trailblazers featuring Tim Draper: 10:00am, Jul 09, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/402011
- Go From Idea to Working App with AI, Featuring Adeo Ressi: 12:00pm, Jul 09, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/402138
- How to Build Without a Team Using AI with Jonathan Greechan: 11:00am, Jul 14, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/401848
- How to Use AI to Test Your Startup Idea Fast: 3:30pm, Jul 16, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/402101
- Stop Overthinking and Build a Great Startup Idea: 11:00am, Jul 20, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/398664
- [Restricted] VIP Pitch Lounge: Pitch Live and Get Feedback from Investors & Advisors: 11:00am, Jul 28, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/401137
- Learn from AI-Native Solo Alumni: How FI Grads Built Without a Co-Founder: 11:00am, Aug 04, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/398730
- From Idea to Action: The Startup Mindset : 7:30am, Aug 10, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/398703
- Stop Guessing, Start Raising: An Investor Q&A : 7:30pm, Aug 10, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/398638
- Build a Startup Idea Investors Won’t Ignore: 7:00pm, Aug 18, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/398757
- FounderX Silicon Valley 2026: Global Conference in San Francisco: 7:00pm, Aug 25, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/399727
- What Makes Investors Say Yes: Startup Funding AMA: 11:00am, Sep 01, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/398781
- How to Build a Strong Pipeline of Entrepreneurs for your Innovation Hub: 11:00am, Sep 15, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/398272
- Break the Idea Loop and Decide What to Build: 7:00pm, Sep 21, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/398804
- From Idea to Traction: Lessons From Global FI Alumni: 7:30pm, Oct 05, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/398817
- From Dreamer to Doer: Build the Founder Mindset: 11:00am, Oct 13, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/399044
The Midwest program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Jason Jacobsohn (Managing Partner, Propellant Ventures).
In addition, some of Midwest's top investors, entrepreneurs, and CEOs will be participating in the program, providing them with expert feedback and evaluation. The list of startup mentors for the Midwest Founder Institute includes:
* AJ DeLeon * Amit Bhanot * Aviv Shalgi * Ben Stacey * Bob Gillespie * Brian Lee * Charles Kwon * Cory Warfield * Daniel Roberts * Derick Jiwan * George Khalife * Greg Jaros * John Dallas * Karim Djerboa * Kelly Fitzsimmons * Marisa Bryce * Mark Phinick * Marshall Stanton * Matthew Miller * Michael Kelly * Mike Kritzman * Mindi Knebel * Moshe Mikanovsky * Peter Tapling * Pinaki Saha * Rajesh Voddiraju * Reva Minkoff * Stephen Meade * Vladimir Pletyukhin * William Furlong
- And many more to be announced.
Join us in Midwest to build a great company in 2023.
Apply to the Chicago Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
