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:
- Product Validation: The Critical First Steps: 6:00pm, Nov 05, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/408213
- Merge Lancaster: 6:00pm, Nov 05, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/408277
Global or Regional Events:
- From “Maybe” to Momentum: Building a Great Startup Idea: 8:00pm, Nov 17, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/408472
- From First Idea to First Funding: Global Alumni Stories: 12:00pm, Dec 01, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/408537
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 * Arcui Usoara * Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills, MSEL, PCC, CPQC®, CELC * Ben Stacey * Bill Rivkin * Daniel Nelson * Daniel Shires * Daria Duda * Don Samoil * Dustin Betz * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Irina Cozma * Max Thalheimer * Michelle Peters * Nadine Campbell * Noah Wallach * Pete Biggam * Ronda Siegel * Soujanya Mukka * Stefanie Smith * Stefanos Damianakis * Stephan Thomas * Tim Dodd * Tobi Walter * Tovit Neizer * 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.
