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:

Validate Faster: A Practical AI Playbook for Founders: 1:00pm, Jan 14, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/386024
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
Why Startups and Small Businesses Require Different Policy Approaches: 1:00pm, Jan 20, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/386550
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
Founder’s Guide to AI: Working with AI as Your Partner: 1:00pm, Feb 17, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/385137
Founder’s Guide to AI: Building a Marketing Engine with AI: 1:00pm, Feb 24, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/385471
Founder’s Guide to AI: Converting Data into Business Value with AI: 1:00pm, Mar 03, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/385310

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 * Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills, MSEL, PCC, CPQC®, CELC * Bill Rivkin * Daniel Nelson * Don Samoil * Dustin Betz * Eric Torigian * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Joel Ginsparg * Jon Zaikowski * Matiullah Rahmaty * Max Thalheimer * Melissa Li * Michelle Peters * Nadia Al-Banna, PHD, MBA * Nathan Mancine * Noah Wallach * Pete Biggam * Peter Chmiel * Rich Heckelmann * Ronda Siegel * Sara Ledterman * Stefanie Smith * Stephan Thomas * Tim Dodd * Tovit Neizer * Trevor Longino * Vladimir Pletyukhin * Xan Hong