Build a Great Startup in 2023 with the FI Houston 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 Houston Spring 2027 program!

If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from Houston's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the Houston 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 Houston, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:

How to Find the First Customers for Your Startup Idea: 11:00am, Aug 11, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/403202
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/403360
How to Create a Great First Startup Pitch using AI: 7:30pm, Sep 14, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/403499

See all upcoming events

The Houston program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Amy Tran (Managing Partner, IMPAVIDUS), James Phelan (Investment & Growth, ZPTTLR Inc. / The Cannon), Jeff Murphy (Director, FI Houston), LaGina Harris (CEO / Lead, LaRae Infinity LLC), Martín Martinez (Founding & Executive Director, Founder Institute Texas), Mery Ramirez (Founding Partner, DataNexum Consulting), Natasha Gorodetsky (Founder & CEO; Head of Product, Product Pursuit), TC Lien (Local Leader, FI).

In addition, some of Houston'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 Houston Founder Institute includes:

* Abdellah Aouf * Adeo Ressi * Amy Tran * Armando Mualumene * Christa Clarke * Dana Marruffo * Gabe Zichermann * Guy Parker * Ivelin Ivanov * James Kaskade * Javy Martinez * Jay Jamison * Jc Garrett * Justin Moore * Marcos Polanco * Martín Martinez * Mehrab Momin * Miao Yan * Munjal Shah * Natasha Gorodetsky * Neal Murthy * Noah Wallach * Paul O'Brien * Ram Prasad * TC Lien * Taneallea Feddis * Tiana Laurence * Vladimir Pletyukhin * Will Bunker * Ziv Gillat