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 2026 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.
To celebrate the launch, the Founder Institute will host several free online startup events in Houston, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:
Houston Events:
- Meet the Houston Startup Ecosystem (In-Person Networking Event): 7:00pm, Oct 07, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/367298
- [Restricted] Houston Spring 2026 VIP Launch Mixer (In-Person): 7:00pm, Feb 03, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/367279
Global or Regional Events:
- Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
- Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 7:00pm, Jun 09, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/372246
- How to Build Your MVP Using Artificial Intelligence : 12:00pm, Jun 11, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/372230
- How to Maximize Angel Returns with the New Investment Models, featuring NuFund: 12:00pm, Jun 18, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/374175
- FI Alumni Panel: Meet Portfolio Companies and Ask Questions: 12:00pm, Jun 23, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/372283
- Startup Finance & Banking Basics: AMA with Grasshopper Bank: 12:00pm, Jun 25, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/371969
- How to Get Investors to Notice Your Startup: AMA with Marta Marrucco: 7:00pm, Jun 26, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/373862
- Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 12:00pm, Jun 30, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/372304
- Founder’s Guide to AI: Creating Effective Content with AI: 12:00pm, Jul 02, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/373210
- Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 12:00pm, Jul 07, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/372326
- Founder’s Guide to AI: Building an MVP with No Coding Skills : 12:00pm, Jul 09, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/373341
- Founder’s Guide to AI: Using AI to Increase Productivity: 12:00pm, Jul 16, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/373477
- Founder’s Guide to AI: Using Agentic Workflows to Automate Repetitive Tasks: 12:00pm, Jul 23, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/373599
The Houston program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including James Phelan (Investment & Growth, The Cannon), Martín Martinez (Executive Director, Founder Institute Texas), Mery Ramirez (Founding Partner, DataNexum Consulting), Natasha Gorodetsky (Founder & CEO; Head of Product, Product Pursuit).
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:
* Aaron Chavez * Amy Tran * Armando Mualumene * Atul Patel * Christa Clarke * Dana Marruffo * Elisa Sepulveda * Fareed Zein * Gabe Zichermann * Guy Parker * Heather Harde * Javy Martinez * Jay Jamison * Jc Garrett * Joey Jones * Juliana Garaizar * Justin Moore * Krishna Vattipalli * Levi Velez Reed * Marcos Polanco * Martín Martinez * Mike Breck * Munjal Shah * Neal Murthy * Raja Mawad * Rajesh Setty * Sophia Clark * Stephen Meade * Vladimir Pletyukhin * Wade Pinder
- And many more to be announced.
Join us in Houston to build a great company in 2023.
Apply to the Houston Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
