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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 Kenya program!

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

  • How to Build a Fundable Start-up Brand: 8:00pm, May 20, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/338781
  • Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
  • How to Quickly Establish Safe, Reliable, and Compliant AI Startups: 8:00pm, May 29, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/340145
  • What is Entrepreneur DNA? Insights from 15 Years of Social Science Research: 8:00pm, Jun 03, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/343437
  • Startup Success: Mastering the Product Discovery Process (Online Workshop): 8:00pm, Jun 11, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/347418
  • Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 8:00pm, Jun 17, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/339910
  • How to Take a Value Proposition to Finding Product Market Fit: 8:00pm, Jun 24, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/341442
  • Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Make the Transition to Startup Founder: 3:00am, Jul 02, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/340221
  • How to Acquire your First 100 B2C Customers: 8:00pm, Jul 08, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/344405
  • How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas : 8:00pm, Jul 29, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/341656
  • How to Achieve a Product-Market Fit: 8:00pm, Aug 07, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/347142
  • What is Entrepreneur DNA? Insights from 15 Years of Social Science Research: 8:00pm, Aug 12, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/344097
  • How Startups Can Easily Develop AI Products: 8:00pm, Aug 14, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/347945
  • Startup Fundraising Q&A: Meet Investors from the FI Venture Network: 8:00pm, Sep 16, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/342354
  • How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 8:00pm, Sep 23, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/343542
  • Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 8:00pm, Sep 25, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/344294
  • Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 8:00pm, Oct 02, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/342039
  • What is Entrepreneur DNA? Insights from 15 Years of Social Science Research: 8:00pm, Oct 30, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/344594
  • Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Make the Transition to Startup Founder : 9:00pm, Nov 04, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/343332
  • Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 4:00am, Nov 07, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/342144
  • Startup Fundraising Q&A: Meet Investors from the FI Venture Network: 9:00pm, Nov 27, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/342537
  • Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 9:00pm, Dec 02, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/342244
  • What is the DNA of an Entrepreneur? Insights from 15 Years of Research: 9:00pm, Dec 04, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/345333
  • Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 9:00pm, Dec 09, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/344788
  • How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 9:00pm, Dec 16, 2024 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/344907

The Kenya program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including FI Kenya (Mama Ventures), Kitawa Wemo (Founder & CEO, MAMA Social Ventures), Njoki Munene (Business lead & Community Manager, MAMA Ventures), Nyasha Mutsekwa (Regional Executive, Adapt IT).

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

  • Abdulaziz Omar: Founder and CEO, SaveApp Limited
  • Adeo Ressi: CEO, Decile Group / VC Lab
  • AGGREY ANDUURU: A, ESSENTIAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY SERVICES LIMITED
  • Agnel Nadida: Managing Partner, Ndindi and Nadida Advocates LLP
  • Ann Gitari: Entrepreneurship Skills Development Trainer, The Writing Agency Kenya
  • Anne Salim, Qhala
  • Annrita Njambi: Project Assistant, Amref Health Innovations
  • Benson Maweu: Founder, Yuuji Shopping Ltd
  • Berg Moe: Owner, Berg Moe Media
  • Bolanle Afuye: Head of Digital Services, TPAY MOBILE
  • Brian Maphosa: Business Coach , TBD NA NA
  • Brian Mogeni: CEO and Co-Founder, https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmogeni/
  • Brian Ngaira: Director of Design, Made by People
  • Bruce Lucas: Founder, Olotu Square
  • Cephas Karanja: Digital Transformation Director, ADK Technologies
  • Chintan Oza: Founder, Anantam Ecosystems
  • Cynthia Mburugu: Ms , Optimum Options Limited
  • Delila Kidanu: Co-Founder & COO, Koa Technology
  • Denis Karema: CEO, SokoFresh
  • Edwin Alum: CEO, Mula Export
  • Elizabeth B-Amissah
  • Erick Mokaya: Founder, Mwango Capital
  • Eunice Nyandat: CEO, MBM Labs
  • Evans Wadongo: Partner, Wadson Ventures
  • Faith Chege: Portfolio Coordintor, EEP Africa
  • Fatuma Dabassa: Founder-CEO, Urembo hub limited-www.urembohub.com
  • Folarin Adegbemle: Senior Operations Associate, Research Evaluation and Data Team, IDInsight
  • Gbenga Owolabi: Mr., Pendaxia Limited
  • Glenn Digollo: Co-Founder & CSO, PeerCarbon
  • Grace Kabicho: General and Finance Manager, Izon Production Limited
  • Haris Ali: Chief Executive Officer, Vertechx Technologies Private Limited
  • Harry Mwangi: Vice President of Sales, EGM Securities
  • Ife Oyedele: Co-founder, Kobo360
  • Jan Okonji: Founder, Business Growth Solutions
  • Jean Tristan Mianze: Managing Director , Premier Three Logistics
  • Jerry Oche: Co-founder/CEO, Zowasel
  • Joanne Mutsekwa: Ms, Daylio|T Advisory
  • Jonathan Okanlawon: Co-Founder/Board Executive , Global Croft Ltd
  • Joseph Karasha: Sr. Cloud Solution Architect , Microsoft
  • Joshua Murima: Head of Engagement & Investor Relations, Briter Bridges
  • Kanyi Ohawa: Director, All and Sundry Ltd
  • Ken Oloo: Founder and Team Lead, Filamujuani
  • Kessiena Majemite: Founder/Managing Partner, CeedCap
  • Kirumba Mwaura: CEO, MSCA ltd
  • Kitawa Wemo: Founder & CEO, MAMA Social Ventures
  • Lanre Aina, ATHLST CO. LLC
  • Lavina Ramkissoon: AI Ethics and Technology Policy, African Union
  • Lavina Ramkissoon: Africa's Voice - Chairperson and Director #aiMom, Founder Institute
  • Lemuel Abishua: Product Manager, The Room
  • Leonard Korir: CEO, MobiDev
  • Lewam Kefela: Investment Director, Partech Partners
  • Lewi Maina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewi-maina-770a7a32, Simplex Business Solutions
  • Lilian Wambua: Operations Manager, Crosswise Works
  • Lincoln Njogu: Founder, Devs Kenya
  • Lindiwe Ngwenya
  • Linus Wahome: CEO, ManPro
  • Lujain Abbas: Legal and Compliance Lead, Lami Technologies Limited
  • Mandela Winnie: Product Designer , Peer Carbon
  • Maureen Macharia: CEO, Spindle Design
  • Meghan Mc Cormick: Co-Founder & CEO, OZE, & Dare to Innovate
  • Mercy Kimalat: CEO, ASSEK
  • More Argwings Kodhek: Director of Marketing, Made by People
  • Muthoni Wachira: Founder and CEO, ABC Studio
  • Mutugi M'Narobi: Managing Director, Tanasuk Technologies Africa
  • Nadia KANOUN: CEO, Senior Adviser, Trainer & Coach, IHSCEN for Startups
  • Nafiesah Abrahams: Community Manager, MEST Africa
  • Ndambuki Mutie: Senior Lead-Talent Acquisition, M-KOPA
  • Njoki Munene: Community & Social Media Manager, Sahihi Africa
  • Noreen Likimani: Program and Project Manager, MBM Africa
  • Nurudeen Elias: Chief Operating Officer, Robert & John Ltd.
  • Nyasha Mutsekwa, Adapt IT
  • Ochieng' G. Akatch: Lawyer, Independent
  • Olusola Amusan: Founder/CEO, Coven Works
  • Oluwatomisin Ashimolowo: Strategy Consultant, Profectus Capital
  • Paul Breloff: CEO / Co-Founder, Shortlist
  • Paul Angatia: Regional Director, Kybernan Technologies
  • Paul Kioi: Group Information Systems Manager, FCS
  • Peter Ongera: Founder Director, African Homestay and Safaris
  • Rachel Ndungu: CEO, Biashara Africa
  • Rashaan Campbell: Senior Advisor, Director of Business Development, Pumapa Capital
  • Reynolds Mwangi Mungai: Co-founder & CEO, Lukhu Inc.
  • Richard Otolo, 8teq solutions
  • Rose Mary Nakasenge Bbosa: Founder, MARBO GLOBAL INVESTMENTS LTD
  • Samson Wachira: Head of Development, Paddy Kenta
  • Sean Karanja: Founder, Project Exponential Kenya
  • Sheilah Birgen: CEO, The CoRD
  • Sheillah Nyang'ara: Founder and CEO, SNN-Realtor
  • Shiro Theuri: VP Engineering, Sendy
  • Sola Adekanye: Founder, Open Innovation Access
  • Somet Kipchilat: Head of Product, Poa Internet
  • Stella Odiwuor
  • Stephen Ojji: Principal, Nocopycats LLC
  • Sumaiyah Omar: Advocate, Mediator and Arbitrator , IPOA
  • Tesh Mbaabu: Founder, Mesozi Group
  • Tessie Omulo: Director, Female Founders Kenya
  • Tim Dagori: Practice Lead, Technology and Society Practice , Co-creation Hub
  • Timame Wanyoike: ., Liquid Intelligent Technologies
  • Timothy Kotin: CEO & CoFounder, Superfluid Labs
  • Tirus Wanyoike: Lead Solution Architect & Customer Experience, BCK
  • Tobi Lafinhan: Co-Founder, Venture for Africa
  • Tsedai Chagwedera: Principal, Echovc Partners
  • Vincent Ngondi
  • Vincent Aberi: Founder , Hillcroft Technologies
  • Wakai Akino: Senior Consultant, Aliquot Ltd
  • Wambita Okanya: CEO, Koho Communications
  • Wanjiru Chabeda: Independent Consultant, Independent Consultant
  • Wanjiru Kamande: Miss, SELF EMPLOYED
  • Whitney Ogutu: Community Design Manager, The Room
  • Yobdar Bakri, The Executive Office of East Africa

  • And many more to be announced.

Join us in Kenya to build a great company in 2023. 

Apply to the Kenya Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.  

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