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:

Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 1:00pm, Oct 27, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/382151
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 8:00pm, Nov 10, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/382156
How to Unlock Your Region’s Entrepreneurial Potential for Economic Growth: 12:00pm, Nov 12, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/382171
Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Kirby Winfield: 1:00pm, Nov 17, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/382179
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 1:00pm, Nov 24, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/382211
Build Your 2026 Startup Operations Plan: 1:00pm, Dec 01, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/381765
Hiring for Startups: How to Build Your Team Early: 1:00pm, Dec 08, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/382199
Founder Showcase: Startup Pitch & Networking Event, with Jenny Fielding: 12:00pm, Dec 10, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/382191
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 1:00pm, Jan 26, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/382070

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 * Alfred Poor * Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills, MSEL, PCC, CPQC®, CELC * Ben Stacey * Bill Rivkin * Daniel Nelson * Don Samoil * Dustin Betz * Eric Torigian * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Joel Ginsparg * Matiullah Rahmaty * Max Thalheimer * Melissa Li * Nadia Al-Banna, PHD, MBA * Nadine Campbell * Nathan Mancine * Noah Wallach * Ozan Sonmez * Pete Biggam * Sara Ledterman * Stefanie Smith * Stefanos Damianakis * Stephan Thomas * Tim Dodd * Trevor Longino * Vipin Makhija * Vladimir Pletyukhin * Xan Hong * Zach Messler