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:

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
Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Rich Maloy: 7:00pm, Sep 08, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/376583
Responsible AI for Startups: Frameworks You Can Apply from Day One: 12:00pm, Sep 15, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/376097
How to Get Investors to Notice Your Startup: AMA with Marta Marrucco: 12:00pm, Sep 17, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/373862
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 12:00pm, Sep 22, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/377453
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 12:00pm, Oct 06, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/377785
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 12:00pm, Oct 27, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/377622

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:

* Aaron Chavez * Abdellah Aouf * Amy Tran * Ben Stacey * Christa Clarke * Christy Cardenas * Curt Olivares * Elisa Sepulveda * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Gabe Zichermann * Guy Parker * Heather Harde * Ivelin Ivanov * James Kaskade * James Phelan * Jay Jamison * Jc Garrett * Juliana Garaizar * Kenley Clark * Krishna Vattipalli * Levi Velez Reed * Martín Martinez * Munjal Shah * Neal Murthy * Paul O'Brien * Phil Libin * Rajesh Setty * Ram Prasad * Tiana Laurence * Ziv Gillat