Build a Great Startup in 2024 with the FI Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh program!

If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from Pittsburgh's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:

Co-Founder Networking: Find Your Perfect Match in 2026: 11:00am, Jan 06, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/383281
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
Validate Faster: A Practical AI Playbook for Founders: 1:00pm, Jan 14, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/386025
Why Startups and Small Businesses Require Different Policy Approaches: 1:00pm, Jan 20, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/386580
Brainstorm a Great Startup Idea for 2026: Online Workshop: 8:00pm, Jan 20, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/384281
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 1:00pm, Jan 26, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/382070
Meet Global Alumni from Founder Institute: 1:00pm, Feb 02, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/383942
How to Adopt an Entrepreneurial Mindset: 8:00pm, Feb 09, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/383748
Founder’s Guide to AI: Working with AI as Your Partner: 1:00pm, Feb 17, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/385138
Founder’s Guide to AI: Building a Marketing Engine with AI: 1:00pm, Feb 24, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/385472
Founder’s Guide to AI: Converting Data into Business Value with AI: 1:00pm, Mar 03, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/385311

See all upcoming events

The Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh'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 Pittsburgh Founder Institute includes:

* Arcui Usoara * Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills, MSEL, PCC, CPQC®, CELC * Ben Stacey * Bill Rivkin * Daniel Nelson * Dustin Betz * Eric Torigian * Joel Ginsparg * Jon Zaikowski * Lawrence Rich * Matiullah Rahmaty * Max Thalheimer * Michelle Peters * Nadia Al-Banna, PHD, MBA * Nadine Campbell * Nathan Mancine * Noah Wallach * Ozan Sonmez * Peter Chmiel * Rich Heckelmann * Sara Ledterman * Stefanie Smith * Stefanos Damianakis * Stephan Thomas * Tim Dodd * Tovit Neizer * Vipin Makhija * Vladimir Pletyukhin * Xan Hong * Zach Messler