Build a Great Startup in 2023 with the FI Philadelphia 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 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.

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 Philadelphia, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:

Build a Startup Idea with AI Investors Won’t Ignore: 8:00pm, Aug 04, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/398761
How to Find the First Customers for Your Startup Idea: 12:00pm, Aug 11, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/403260
How to Get Customer Feeback on your Startup Idea in the Age of AI: 12:00pm, Aug 18, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/403422
From Idea to Action: The Startup Mindset : 8:30am, Aug 24, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/398700
FounderX Silicon Valley 2026: Global Conference in San Francisco: 8:00pm, Aug 25, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/399742
Stop Guessing, Start Raising: An Investor Q&A: 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

See all upcoming events

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 (A, 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:

* Alfred Poor * Amit Bhanot * Arcui Usoara * Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills, MSEL, PCC, CPQC®, CELC * Ben Stacey * Daniel Nelson * Daniel Shires * Don Samoil * Jon Zaikowski * Matiullah Rahmaty * Max Thalheimer * Melissa Li * Michelle Peters * Nadia Al-Banna, PHD, MBA * Nadine Campbell * Noah Wallach * Ozan Sonmez * Pete Biggam * Rich Heckelmann * Soujanya Mukka * Stefanie Smith * Stefanos Damianakis * Stephan Thomas * Tobi Walter * Tovit Neizer * Trevor Longino * Vipin Makhija * Vladimir Pletyukhin * Xan Hong * Zach Messler