Build a Great Startup in 2024 with the FI San Diego 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 San Diego program!

If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from San Diego's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the San Diego 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 San Diego, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:

Co-Founder Networking: Find Your Perfect Match in 2026: 8:00am, Jan 06, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/383313
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
Validate Faster: A Practical AI Playbook for Founders: 10:00am, Jan 14, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/386036
Why Startups and Small Businesses Require Different Policy Approaches: 10:00am, Jan 20, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/386617
Brainstorm a Great Startup Idea for 2026: Online Workshop: 5:00pm, Jan 20, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/384288
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 10:00am, Jan 26, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/382079
Meet Global Alumni from Founder Institute: 10:00am, Feb 02, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/383954
How to Adopt an Entrepreneurial Mindset: 5:00pm, Feb 09, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/383755
Founder’s Guide to AI: Working with AI as Your Partner: 10:00am, Feb 17, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/385205
Founder’s Guide to AI: Building a Marketing Engine with AI: 10:00am, Feb 24, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/385484
Founder’s Guide to AI: Converting Data into Business Value with AI: 10:00am, Mar 03, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/385323

See all upcoming events

The San Diego program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Daniel Shires (Managing Director, Founder Institute), Greg Coleman (Managing Director @ Founder Institute), Mike Sherbakov (General Partner, The Veteran Fund), Ryan Micheletti (Head of Global Operations, Founder Institute).

In addition, some of San Diego'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 San Diego Founder Institute includes:

* Andy White * Angel Gambino * Ben Stacey * Bill Nelson * Caroline Arzoo * Cassius Kiani * Christina Adams * Daniel Shires * David Baird * Dennis Volpe * Eric Grab * Eric Weiss * Fabian Geyrhalter * Genevieve Le Marchal * Grant Winns * Greg Coleman * Irina Kukuyeva PhD * James Africano * Joe Bezdek * Lisa Song Sutton * Melissa Li * Nate Parsons * Robert Pruter * Russell Brand * Shaun Alger * Stuart Volkow * Tanaka Mawindi * Tim Poydenis * Trevor Longino * Yann Deredec