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:

Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Make the Transition to Startup Founder : 1:00pm, Apr 07, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/365752
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
How to Choose the Right Fundraising Path for Your Startup: 1:00pm, Apr 09, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/367562
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 8:00pm, Apr 16, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/366090
FI Alumni Panel: Meet Portfolio Companies and Ask Questions: 8:00pm, Apr 23, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/367761
Investing in Change: Monique Woodard on Building the Future with Cake Ventures: 2:00pm, Apr 24, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/369895
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 8:00pm, Apr 28, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/366162
What is the DNA of an Entrepreneur? Insights from 15 Years of Research: 8:00pm, May 07, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/366327
Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Nathan Beckord: 1:00pm, May 12, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/366458

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:

* Aaron Karp * Abby Sugar * Abdellah Aouf * Alfred Poor * Amrish Macedo * Arcui Usoara * Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills, MSEL, PCC, CPQC®, CELC * Ben Stacey * Carl Starkey * Chris Foltz * Daniel Nelson * Dustin Betz * Eric Torigian * Joe Daniels * Max Thalheimer * Nadia Al-Banna, PHD, MBA * Nadine Campbell * Noah Wallach * Ozan Sonmez * Pete Biggam * Rajiv Madhok * Sara Ledterman * Stefanie Smith * Stefanos Damianakis * Stephan Thomas * Tim Dodd * Trevor Longino * Vladimir Pletyukhin * Xan Hong * Zach Messler