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:

Entrepreneurship Education: Lessons from Startup Accelerators: 7:00pm, Aug 07, 2025 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/376404
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 7:00pm, Aug 11, 2025 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/376399
Empowering Startups: Essential AI Tools for New Entrepreneurs: 6:00pm, Aug 12, 2025 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/377083
Venture Trailblazers, featuring Elizabeth Yin (GP, Hustle Fund): 5:00pm, Aug 14, 2025 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/376933
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 7:00pm, Aug 18, 2025 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/376395
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 7:00pm, Aug 25, 2025 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/376391
Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Rich Maloy: 2:00am, Sep 09, 2025 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/376687
Zoom Meet & Greet with FI Milan Directors & Alumni: 6:00pm, Sep 09, 2025 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/376816
Responsible AI for Startups: Frameworks You Can Apply from Day One: 7:00pm, Sep 15, 2025 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/376409
How to Get Investors to Notice Your Startup: AMA with Marta Marrucco: 7:00pm, Sep 17, 2025 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/376387

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), Giovanni Salvi (Data Scientist, Serenis).

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: