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:

What Do Investors Really Look For? Startup Funding Q&A with Keshia Theobald-van Gent: 12:00pm, Mar 09, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/387427
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
The 10x Leadership Framework for Growth in Large Organisations : 1:00pm, Mar 10, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/389252
From Zero to Startup Idea: A Practical Founder Framework: 8:00am, Mar 16, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/387605
Cash Flow Survival for a First-Time Founder: 12:00pm, Mar 17, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/388843
Venture Trailblazers, featuring Andrew D’Souza (VIP Event): 11:00am, Mar 19, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/389961
Startup Advisors 101: How to Find Advisors and Maximize their Impact: 8:30pm, Mar 23, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/388432
[Restricted] VIP Pitch Lounge: Get Feedback from Global Investors & Advisors (Private Event): 12:00pm, Mar 24, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/389051
From Idea to Startup Team: Meet Your Future Co-Founder: 9:00pm, Mar 26, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/392189
Solo-Founder 101: How Anyone Can Start a Business Using AI: 12:00pm, Mar 31, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/392549
Stuck Without a Startup Idea? Build One That Fits You: 8:00pm, Apr 07, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/390142
How Multiple Pivots positioned Checkbox as the ‘Legal Front Door’ for Corporations: 8:00pm, Apr 13, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/389465
Real Startup Lessons From FI Alumni Across the World: 12:00pm, Apr 14, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/390760
From Invisible Founder to Industry Voice Using LinkedIn: 12:00pm, Apr 20, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/392413
How to Choose the Right Startup Idea Before You Build: 12:00pm, May 18, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/390316
Inside the Founder Institute: Real Stories From Alumni: 12:00pm, Jun 02, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/390492
Stop Overthinking and Build a Great Startup Idea: 12:00pm, Jul 20, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/390630
Meet FI Alumni Founders: High-Growth Startups Panel : 12:00pm, Aug 10, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/391182
Build a Startup Idea Investors Won’t Ignore: 8:00pm, Aug 18, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/391270
Break the Idea Loop and Decide What to Build: 8:00pm, Sep 21, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/391549
From Idea to Traction: Lessons From Global FI Alumni: 8:30pm, Oct 05, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/390906
From “Maybe” to Momentum: Building a Great Startup Idea: 8:00pm, Nov 17, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/391411
From First Idea to First Funding: Global Alumni Stories: 12:00pm, Dec 01, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/391050

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:

* Abdellah Aouf * Albert Whale * Arcui Usoara * Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills, MSEL, PCC, CPQC®, CELC * Ben Stacey * Bill Rivkin * Christian Behl * Daniel Ritterman * Daria Duda * Don Pancoe * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Greg Mester * Heather Lawver * Jerah Siegal * Joel Ginsparg * Lawrence Rich * Melissa Li * Noah Wallach * Ozan Sonmez * Pete Biggam * Peter Chmiel * Rich Heckelmann * Ronda Siegel * Scott Wittrock * Shaun Gold * Stefanie Smith * Stephan Thomas * Tovit Neizer * Trevor Longino * Yemi Oluseun