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 Philadelphia program!
If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from Philadelphia's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the Philadelphia 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.
To celebrate the launch, the Founder Institute will host several free online startup events in Philadelphia, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:
Philadelphia Events:
- FI Keystone – Graduation: Meet the New Portfolio Companies (In-Person): 4:00pm, Sep 10, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/404325
Global or Regional Events:
- Raising in the Age of AI: An Investor Q&A with Spyros Georgiadis: 12:00pm, Sep 01, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/398790
- [Restricted] VIP Pitch Lounge: Pitch Live and Get Feedback from Investors & Advisors: 12:00pm, Sep 08, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/401154
- How to Create a Great First Startup Pitch using AI: 8:30pm, Sep 14, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/403561
- How to Build a Strong Pipeline of Entrepreneurs for your Innovation Hub: 12:00pm, Sep 15, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/398294
- Break the Idea Loop and Decide What to Build: 8:00pm, Sep 21, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/398806
- Learn from FI Grads: How to Build Without a Co-Founder: 12:00pm, Oct 06, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/398741
- From Dreamer to Doer: Build the Founder Mindset: 12:00pm, Oct 13, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/399051
- From Idea to Action: The Startup Mindset : 12:00pm, Oct 20, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/398700
The Philadelphia program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Bill Rivkin (Business Banking Corporate Payments VP, Citizens), Don Samoil (Chapter Leader, FI Keystone), Philly Admin (Asst. Director, FI Keystone Chapter, A).
In addition, some of Philadelphia'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 Philadelphia Founder Institute includes:
* Abdellah Aouf * Amit Bhanot * Arcui Usoara * Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills, MSEL, PCC, CPQC®, CELC * Ben Stacey * Daniel Nelson * Daria Duda * Dustin Betz * Eric Torigian * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Jon Zaikowski * Matiullah Rahmaty * Melissa Li * Michelle Peters * Nadine Campbell * Nathan Mancine * Noah Wallach * Pete Biggam * Ronda Siegel * Sara Ledterman * Soujanya Mukka * Stefanos Damianakis * Stephan Thomas * Tim Dodd * Tobi Walter * Trevor Longino * Vipin Makhija * Vladimir Pletyukhin * Xan Hong * Zach Messler
- And many more to be announced.
Join us in Philadelphia to build a great company in 2023.
Apply to the Philadelphia Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
