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:
- How to Navigate Startup Funding & Legal Essentials in Houston: 7:00pm, Nov 18, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/367299
- 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 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 (GP, Ascend VC): 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
- 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
- Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 10:00am, Jan 06, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/383323
- Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 12:00pm, Jan 26, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/382039
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:
* Aaron Chavez * Amy Tran * Armando Mualumene * Atul Patel * Christa Clarke * Curt Olivares * Dana Marruffo * Fareed Zein * Fernando Moguel * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Guy Parker * Javy Martinez * Jay Jamison * Joey Jones * Kenley Clark * Levi Velez Reed * Marcos Polanco * Martín Martinez * Miao Yan * Mike Breck * Munjal Shah * Paul O'Brien * Rajesh Setty * Ram Prasad * Stephen Meade * Tiana Laurence * Vladimir Pletyukhin * Wade Pinder * Will Bunker * Ziv Gillat
- 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.
