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 Bulgaria 2027 program!
If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from Bulgaria's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the Eastern Europe 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 Eastern Europe, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:
Bulgaria Events:
- How to Turn Your Industry Expertise Into an AI Startup: 3:00pm, Oct 22, 2026 (Europe/Sofia): https://FI.co/e/406072
- How to Build an AI Startup: 7:00pm, Oct 28, 2026 (Europe/Sofia): https://FI.co/e/406101
Global or Regional Events:
- FI Alumni Panel: Meet Founders of High-Growth Startups (Q&A + Networking): 7:00pm, Oct 06, 2026 (Europe/Sofia): https://FI.co/e/398723
- From Dreamer to Doer: Build the Founder Mindset: 7:00pm, Oct 13, 2026 (Europe/Sofia): https://FI.co/e/399025
The Bulgaria program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Alex M. Dascalu (Lead Director, Founder Institute Eastern Europe), Cee Admin (Admin, Founder Institute CEE), Ivan Germanov (Regional Success Manager, Founder Institute HQ), Ivaylo Ivanov (Director, Founder Institute CEE), Lyubomir Kolev (Associate, Founder Institute CEE), Nika Kapanadze (Georgia Director, Founder Institute), Raluca Samuilescu (Associate, Founder Institute).
In addition, some of Bulgaria'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 Bulgaria Founder Institute includes:
* Alex Mincu * Andres Jordan * Anita Jovic * Ben Stacey * Bernie Li * Bulent Erbilgin * Christo Peev * Colin Howes * Cosmin Curticapean * Cristian Munteanu * Don Samoil * Emmett King * Florin Grosu * Georgi Malchev * Iskren Mitev * Janet Todorova * Maria Mihes * Matiullah Rahmaty * Natalya Bagrova * Oana Petrescu * Olivia Marcu-Iordănescu * Philip Choban * Rali Ivanova * Russell Brand * Ryan Riegg * Sam Olawale * Till Kaestner * Valentina Zaharia * Vassil Popovski * Victor Schiller
- And many more to be announced.
Join us in Bulgaria to build a great company in 2023.
Apply to the Eastern Europe Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
