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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:

  • Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession

The Pittsburgh program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including David Cerniglia (Software Developer, The Dev Shop), Greg Coticchia (X, X), Pitt Admin (Admin, Founder Institute), Randy Eager (Founder & Managing Partner, ResTec Solutions).

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:

* Akhil Chaturvedi * Beth Slagle * Britta Ulm * Chris Rasmussen * Claye Greene * Courtney Williamson * Currie Crookston * David Kalson * Don Morrison * Euan Guttridge * Ingrid Cook * Jason Jones * Jeff Schneider * Jim Jordan * Joe Ferrara * John Lawton * John Seiffer * Kevin Israel * Luke Skurman * Marc Brown * Marcel Bergerman * Mark Adkins * Mike Bauer * Mike Formica * Nathan Mancine * Ned Show * Rich Lunak * Scot Mactaggart * Tina Goodman * Zach Malone

  • And many more to be announced.

Join us in Pittsburgh to build a great company in 2024. 

Apply to the Pittsburgh 2023 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.  

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