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:

Vibecoding 101 for Startups: Build Your First App w/ Mark Montalban: 12:30pm, Jun 01, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/398060
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
How to Build a Strong Pipeline of Entrepreneurs for your Innovation Hub: 12:30pm, Jun 08, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/398294

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 * Amit Bhanot * Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills, MSEL, PCC, CPQC®, CELC * Ben Stacey * Bill Rivkin * Daniel Nelson * Daniel Shires * Dustin Betz * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Jon Zaikowski * Matiullah Rahmaty * Melissa Li * Michelle Peters * Nadia Al-Banna, PHD, MBA * Nadine Campbell * Nathan Mancine * Noah Wallach * Ozan Sonmez * Pete Biggam * Peter Chmiel * Ronda Siegel * Sara Ledterman * Soujanya Mukka * Stefanie Smith * Tim Dodd * Tovit Neizer * Trevor Longino * Vladimir Pletyukhin * Xan Hong * Zach Messler