Build a Great Startup in 2023 with the FI Italy 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 Italy program!

If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from Rome's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the Italy 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 Rome, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:

Founder’s Guide to AI: Converting Data into Business Value with AI: 7:00pm, Mar 03, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/385322
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
Zoom Meet & Greet with Rome Directors & Alumni: 6:00pm, Mar 04, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/390093
What Do Investors Really Look For? Startup Funding Q&A with Keshia Theobald-van Gent: 5:00pm, Mar 09, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/387460
The 10x Leadership Framework for Growth in Large Organisations : 6:00pm, Mar 10, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/389222
Startup Advisors 101: How to Find Advisors and Maximize their Impact: 1:30am, Mar 11, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/388536
From Zero to Startup Idea: A Practical Founder Framework: 1:00pm, Mar 16, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/387630
Cash Flow Survival for a First-Time Founder: 5:00pm, Mar 17, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/388813
Venture Trailblazers, featuring Andrew D’Souza (VIP Event): 5:00pm, Mar 19, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/389928
[Restricted] VIP Pitch Lounge: Get Feedback from Global Investors & Advisors (Private Event): 5:00pm, Mar 24, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/389021
Stuck Without a Startup Idea? Build One That Fits You: 2:00am, Apr 08, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/390225
Real Startup Lessons From FI Alumni Across the World: 6:00pm, Apr 14, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/390708
How to Choose the Right Startup Idea Before You Build: 6:00pm, May 18, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/390280
Inside the Founder Institute: Real Stories From Alumni: 6:00pm, Jun 15, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/390440
Stop Overthinking and Build a Great Startup Idea: 6:00pm, Jul 20, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/390578
Meet FI Alumni Founders: High-Growth Startups Panel : 6:00pm, Aug 10, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/391130
Build a Startup Idea Investors Won’t Ignore: 2:00am, Aug 19, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/391351
Break the Idea Loop and Decide What to Build: 2:00am, Sep 22, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/391631
From Idea to Traction: Lessons From Global FI Alumni: 6:00pm, Oct 13, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/390854
From “Maybe” to Momentum: Building a Great Startup Idea: 2:00am, Nov 18, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/391493
From First Idea to First Funding: Global Alumni Stories: 6:00pm, Dec 08, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/390995

See all upcoming events

The Rome program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Alberto Martellini (Innovation Partner, Founder Institute), Ariona Krasniqi ( Local Leader – Mentor Network, Founder Institute), Azra Gurbuz (Local Leader - Marketing & Community Lead, FI), Giovanni Salvi (Data Scientist, Serenis), Julie DeCastro.

In addition, some of Rome'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 Rome Founder Institute includes:

* Alberto Lombardi * Alessandro Cillario * Alessandro Gaini * Alexandra Fattal * Andrea Arienti * Anna Gaile * Duygu Sefa * Edoardo Volta * Emanuele Torlonia * Enrico Frascati * Fabrizio Spaolonzi * Francesco Gia * Giancarlo Vergine * Giorgio Seveso * Irene Verheijen * Ivelin Ivanov * Jeffrey Paine * Julián Jordan * Lorenzo Giampaolo Arrigoni * Marco De Biasi * Marta Marrucco * Massimiliano Squillace * Pietro Braguglia * Rajel Khambhaita * Roberto Montandon * Russ Lewis * Serdar Yucel * Simone Dozza * Varun Jain * Vladimir Pletyukhin