Build a Great Startup in 2023 with the FI Chicago Startup Accelerator

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.

It all starts with our renowned ‘FI Core’ accelerator, which pushes founders at the idea and pre-seed stages to reach the milestones needed for investment and sustained growth. Alumni of FI Core then receive free access to our advanced ‘Founder Lab’ accelerators for years to come, and can get matched with prospective investors in the FI Venture Network, a collection of global funds actively investing in the earliest rounds of funding.

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, Aug 11, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/402766
Ask a Midwest Serial Exited Founder Turned Investor: Dan Ushman: 4:00pm, Aug 17, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/404123
Startup Co-Founder Matching: Find the Right Partner in Chicago: 6:00pm, Sep 01, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/404124

Global or Regional Events:

How to Find the First Customers for Your Startup Idea: 11:00am, Aug 11, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/403246
How to Get Customer Feedback on your Startup Idea in the Age of AI: 11:00am, Aug 18, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/403393
From Idea to Action: The Startup Mindset : 7:30am, Aug 24, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/398703
FounderX Silicon Valley 2026: Global Conference in San Francisco: 7:00pm, Aug 25, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/399727
Stop Guessing, Start Raising: An Investor Q&A: 11:00am, Sep 01, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/398781
[Restricted] VIP Pitch Lounge: Pitch Live and Get Feedback from Investors & Advisors: 11:00am, Sep 08, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/401137
How to Create a Great First Startup Pitch using AI: 7:30pm, Sep 14, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/403532
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
Learn from FI Grads: How to Build Without a Co-Founder: 11:00am, Oct 06, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/398730
From Dreamer to Doer: Build the Founder Mindset: 11:00am, Oct 13, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/399044

See all upcoming events

The Midwest program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Jason Jacobsohn (Managing Partner).

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 * Abdellah Aouf * Amit Bhanot * Andrew Lee * Aviv Shalgi * Blake Allsmith * Bob Gillespie * Bob Matteson * Brian Lee * Charles Kwon * Daniel Roberts * Derick Jiwan * Eric Broughton * George Khalife * Greg Jaros * John Dallas * Karim Djerboa * Mark Phinick * Marshall Stanton * Matthew Miller * Michael Lamb * Reva Minkoff * Rinku Patel * Rod Hart * Ross Kimbarovsky * Shaniqua Davis * Ted Greene * Ujjwal Gupta * Vladimir Pletyukhin * William Mortimore