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:

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
Validate Faster: A Practical AI Playbook for Founders: 12:00pm, Jan 14, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/385983
Why Startups and Small Businesses Require Different Policy Approaches: 12:00pm, Jan 20, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/386621
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 Transform Your Region into a Hub for Cross-Border Entrepreneurship: 12:00pm, Feb 03, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/387108
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 17, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/385095
Founder’s Guide to AI: Building a Marketing Engine with AI: 12:00pm, Feb 24, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/385431
Founder’s Guide to AI: Converting Data into Business Value with AI: 12:00pm, Mar 03, 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:

* Aaron Chavez * Adeo Ressi * Amy Tran * Ben Stacey * Christa Clarke * Christy Cardenas * Elisa Sepulveda * Fareed Zein * Fernando Moguel * Guy Parker * Ivelin Ivanov * James Phelan * Javy Martinez * Jc Garrett * Jeff Murphy * Juliana Garaizar * Krishna Vattipalli * Mariana Muntean * Martín Martinez * Miao Yan * Mike Breck * Munjal Shah * Phil Libin * Sloan Foster * Sophia Clark * Stephen Meade * Taneallea Feddis * Tovit Neizer * Vladimir Pletyukhin * Wade Pinder