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:

Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Sonam Velani: 1:00pm, Jul 14, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/374484
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
Founder’s Guide to AI: Using AI to Increase Productivity: 1:00pm, Jul 16, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/373515
Founder’s Guide to AI: Using Agentic Workflows to Automate Repetitive Tasks: 1:00pm, Jul 23, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/373647
Best Practices on Building Innovation Hubs for Universities & Colleges: 1:00pm, Jul 24, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/375991
Responsible AI for Startups: Frameworks You Can Apply from Day One: 1:00pm, Jul 28, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/376146
Entrepreneurship Education: Lessons from Startup Accelerators: 1:00pm, Aug 07, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/375357
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 1:00pm, Aug 11, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/374638
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 1:00pm, Aug 18, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/374842
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 1:00pm, Aug 25, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/375494
How to Get Investors to Notice Your Startup: AMA with Marta Marrucco: 1:00pm, Sep 17, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/373883

See all upcoming events

The Philadelphia program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Bill Rivkin (Business Banking Virtual Relationship Manager VP, Citizens), Daria Duda (Marketing Advisor, Self), 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:

* Abdellah Aouf * Alfred Poor * Arcui Usoara * Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills, MSEL, PCC, CPQC®, CELC * Ben Stacey * Bill Rivkin * Carl Starkey * Daniel Nelson * Don Samoil * Dustin Betz * Eric Torigian * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Joel Ginsparg * Kostas Karolemeas * Melissa Li * Michelle Peters * Nadia Al-Banna, PHD, MBA * Nadine Campbell * Noah Wallach * Ozan Sonmez * Peter Yeargin * Stefanie Smith * Stefanos Damianakis * Stephan Thomas * Tim Dodd * Trevor Longino * Vipin Makhija * Vladimir Pletyukhin * Xan Hong * Zach Messler