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 – 8th Cohort Graduates! Meet the new companies (In-Person): 4:00pm, Sep 10, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/404325
Global or Regional Events:
- 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: Decide What to Build in the Age of AI: 8:00pm, Sep 21, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/398806
- FI Alumni Panel: Meet Founders of High-Growth Startups (Q&A + Networking): 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:
* Alfred Poor * Amit Bhanot * Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills, MSEL, PCC, CPQC®, CELC * Bill Rivkin * Daniel Nelson * Daria Duda * Dustin Betz * Eric Torigian * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Irina Cozma * Jon Zaikowski * Matiullah Rahmaty * Max Thalheimer * Melissa Li * Michelle Peters * Nathan Mancine * Ozan Sonmez * Pete Biggam * Ronda Siegel * Soujanya Mukka * Stefanie Smith * Stefanos Damianakis * 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.
