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:
- [Restricted] Midwest Top Applicant Session: Meet FI CEO Connor Sattely + Local Graduates: 10:00am, Nov 05, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/406993
- Founder Night Out: Meet Midwest’s AI Founders, Investors and Operators: 6:00pm, Nov 10, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/407088
Global or Regional Events:
- From Founder to Funded: Interactive Q&A with Brian Bell: 11:00am, Nov 03, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/407586
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:
* Abdellah Aouf * Adeo Ressi * Andrew Lee * Ayhan K. Isaacs * Ben Stacey * Bob Gillespie * Bob Matteson * Brian Lee * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Greg Jaros * Jeff Lyons * John Dallas * Karim Djerboa * Kelly Fitzsimmons * Marisa Bryce * Marshall Stanton * Michael Kelly * Michael Lamb * Mike Kritzman * Mindi Knebel * Moshe Mikanovsky * Phil Leslie * Pinaki Saha * Rinku Patel * Ross Kimbarovsky * Stephen Meade * Ted Greene * Timothy Kelley * 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.
