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:

Philadelphia Events:

NJx Venture Summit: 8:00am, Dec 03, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/383678

Global or Regional Events:

Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Nate Bek, Ascend VC: 1:00pm, Nov 17, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/382178
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 1:00pm, Nov 24, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/382210
How to Build Your 2026 Startup Operations Plan: 1:00pm, Dec 01, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/381764
Hiring for Startups: How to Build Your Team Early: 1:00pm, Dec 08, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/382198
Founder Showcase: Startup Pitch & Networking Event, with Jenny Fielding (Everywhere Ventures): 12:00pm, Dec 10, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/382190
How to Create Sustainable Economic Growth through Capacity Building: 1:00pm, Dec 18, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/384618
Co-Founder Networking: Find Your Perfect Match in 2026: 11:00am, Jan 06, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/383280
Brainstorm a Great Startup Idea for 2026: Online Workshop: 8:00pm, Jan 20, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/384278
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 1:00pm, Jan 26, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/382069
Meet Global Alumni from Founder Institute: 1:00pm, Feb 02, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/383941
How to Adopt an Entrepreneurial Mindset: 8:00pm, Feb 09, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/383745

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 * Ben Stacey * Bill Rivkin * Daniel Nelson * Dustin Betz * Eric Torigian * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Joel Ginsparg * Jon Zaikowski * Matiullah Rahmaty * Melissa Li * Michelle Peters * Nadia Al-Banna, PHD, MBA * Nathan Mancine * Noah Wallach * Pete Biggam * Peter Chmiel * Ronda Siegel * Sara Ledterman * Soujanya Mukka * Stefanie Smith * Stefanos Damianakis * Stephan Thomas * Tovit Neizer * Trevor Longino * Vipin Makhija * Vladimir Pletyukhin * Xan Hong * Zach Messler