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 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.

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:

Houston Events:

Zoom Meet & Greet with Houston Directors & Alumni: 7:00pm, Oct 28, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/367297
[Restricted] Houston Spring 2026 Mentor, Resident & Intern Salon (In-Person): 7:00pm, Nov 04, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/374027
[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: 12:00pm, Oct 27, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/377622
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 7:00pm, Nov 10, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/378902
How to Unlock Your Region’s Entrepreneurial Potential for Economic Growth: 11:00am, Nov 12, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/379994
Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Kirby Winfield: 12:00pm, Nov 17, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/379391
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 12:00pm, Nov 24, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/379522
Build Your 2026 Startup Operations Plan: 12:00pm, Dec 01, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/381685
Hiring for Startups: How to Build Your Team Early: 12:00pm, Dec 08, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/380798
Founder Showcase: Startup Pitch & Networking Event, with Jenny Fielding: 11:00am, Dec 10, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/380918
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 12:00pm, Jan 26, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/382039

See all upcoming events

The Houston program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including James Phelan (Investment & Growth, The Cannon), Martín Martinez (Founding & 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:

* Adeo Ressi * Amy Tran * Armando Mualumene * Ben Stacey * Christa Clarke * Christy Cardenas * Dana Marruffo * Fareed Zein * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Gabe Zichermann * James Kaskade * Javy Martinez * Jc Garrett * Joey Jones * Joshua Wang * Juliana Garaizar * Justin Moore * Krishna Vattipalli * Levi Velez Reed * Marcos Polanco * Mariana Muntean * Miao Yan * Neal Murthy * Noah Wallach * Phil Libin * Ram Prasad * Sloan Foster * Stephen Meade * Tiana Laurence * Wade Pinder