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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 2027 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 Agentic’ accelerator, which pushes founders at the idea and pre-seed stages to reach the milestones needed for investment and sustained growth. Alumni of the FI Agentic program then receive free access to our advanced post-graduate programs 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:

  • How to Create a Great First Startup Pitch using AI: 7:30pm, Sep 14, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/403499
  • From Idea to Action: The Startup Mindset : 11:00am, Oct 20, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/404270

The Houston program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Amy Tran (Managing Partner, IMPAVIDUS), James Phelan (Investment & Growth, ZPTTLR Inc. / The Cannon), Jeff Murphy (Director, FI Houston), LaGina Harris (CEO / Lead, LaRae Infinity LLC), Martín Martinez (Founding & Executive Director, Founder Institute Texas), Mery Ramirez (Founding Partner, DataNexum Consulting), Natasha Gorodetsky (Founder & CEO; Head of Product, Product Pursuit), TC Lien (Local Leader, FI).

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 * Alice Gong * Amit Bhanot * Armando Mualumene * Atul Patel * Ben Stacey * Christa Clarke * Curt Olivares * Denise McGettrick * Fernando Moguel * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Gabe Zichermann * Guy Parker * Javy Martinez * Jay Jamison * Joshua Wang * Kenley Clark * Martín Martinez * Mery Ramirez * Miao Yan * Neal Murthy * Phil Libin * Philip Kaplan * Raja Mawad * Sloan Foster * Stephen Meade * Tiana Laurence * Tovit Neizer * Vladimir Pletyukhin * Wade Pinder

  • 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.  

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