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:

Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Nathan Beckord: 12:00pm, May 12, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/372170
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 12:00pm, Jun 02, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/372204
How to Build Your MVP Using Artificial Intelligence : 12:00pm, Jun 04, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/371366
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 7:00pm, Jun 09, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/372249
FI Alumni Panel: Meet Portfolio Companies and Ask Questions: 12:00pm, Jun 23, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/371792
Startup Finance & Banking Basics: AMA with Grasshopper Bank: 12:00pm, Jun 25, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/371991
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 12:00pm, Jun 30, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/371633
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 12:00pm, Jul 07, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/372331

See all upcoming events

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 * Adeo Ressi * Alex Gorsuch * Andrew Lee * Aviv Shalgi * Bob Gillespie * Chris Foltz * Cory Warfield * Derick Jiwan * Eric Broughton * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * George Khalife * Joe Bezdek * John Dallas * Karim Djerboa * Kelly Fitzsimmons * Kevin Taylor * Kim Rubenstein * Marisa Bryce * Mark Phinick * Marshall Stanton * Matthew Miller * Michael Kelly * Michael Lamb * Mike Kritzman * Mindi Knebel * Phil Leslie * Reva Minkoff * Stephen Meade * William Furlong