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 a Business Partner: 1:00pm, Aug 18, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/374844
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 1:00pm, Aug 25, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/375496
Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Rich Maloy: 8:00pm, Sep 08, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/376601
Responsible AI for Startups: Frameworks You Can Apply from Day One: 1:00pm, Sep 15, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/376148
How to Get Investors to Notice Your Startup: AMA with Marta Marrucco: 1:00pm, Sep 17, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/373886
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 1:00pm, Sep 22, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/377500
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 1:00pm, Oct 06, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/377834
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 1:00pm, Oct 27, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/377671

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:

* Aviv Shalgi * Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills, MSEL, PCC, CPQC®, CELC * Ben Stacey * Carl Starkey * Daniel Nelson * Don Samoil * Dustin Betz * Eric Torigian * Jasmin Sethi * Joel Ginsparg * Kostas Karolemeas * Matiullah Rahmaty * Melissa Li * Michelle Peters * Nadia Al-Banna, PHD, MBA * Nadine Campbell * Natalya Bagrova * Nathan Mancine * Noah Wallach * Ozan Sonmez * Peter Yeargin * Raoul Davis * Sara Ledterman * Solomon Asad * Stefanos Damianakis * Stephan Thomas * Trevor Longino * Vipin Makhija * Vladimir Pletyukhin * Zach Messler