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:

Jingle Mingle: Houston’s Startup Community Holiday Celebration : 5:00pm, Dec 09, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/374026
Startup Founder Forum (In-Person Networking Event): 7:00pm, Jan 06, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/367296
FI Houston Sponsor Salon: 4:00pm, Jan 13, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/374028
Founder Hotseat: Pitch Your Startup to Houston Investors & Advisors: 7:00pm, Jan 27, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/382696
[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
How to 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 (Everywhere Ventures): 11:00am, Dec 10, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/380918
How to Create Sustainable Economic Growth through Capacity Building: 12:00pm, Dec 18, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/384575
Startup Funding AMA & FI Info Session, with Jonathan Greechan (CEO, FI / GP, Founder Capital): 12:00pm, Dec 30, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/384839
Co-Founder Networking: Find Your Perfect Match in 2026: 10:00am, Jan 06, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/383323
Brainstorm a Great Startup Idea for 2026: Online Workshop: 7:00pm, Jan 20, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/384253
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 12:00pm, Jan 26, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/382039
Meet Global Alumni from Founder Institute: 12:00pm, Feb 02, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/383982
How to Adopt an Entrepreneurial Mindset: 7:00pm, Feb 09, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/383801
Founder’s Guide to AI: Working with AI as Your Partner: 12:00pm, Feb 18, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/385095
Founder’s Guide to AI: Building a Marketing Engine with AI: 12:00pm, Feb 25, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/385431
Founder’s Guide to AI: Converting Data into Business Value with AI: 12:00pm, Mar 04, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/385267

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:

* Abdellah Aouf * Amy Tran * Armando Mualumene * Atul Patel * Ben Stacey * Christa Clarke * Curt Olivares * Dana Marruffo * Fernando Moguel * Gabe Zichermann * Guy Parker * Ivelin Ivanov * James Phelan * Javy Martinez * Jay Jamison * Jc Garrett * Jeff Murphy * Joey Jones * Krishna Vattipalli * Martín Martinez * Neal Murthy * Noah Wallach * Phil Libin * Philip Kaplan * Sloan Foster * Sophia Clark * Stephen Meade * TC Lien * Tiana Laurence * Tovit Neizer