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:

Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Nathan Beckord: 10:00am, May 12, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/368356
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
Future-proofing CPG Brands: Key Strategies for Sustainable Growth: 7:00am, May 15, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/371034
Lessons Learned Raising from Top Silicon Valley VCs: AMA with Rajeev Behera: 9:00am, May 29, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/371278
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 10:00am, Jun 02, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/370632
How to Build Your MVP Using Artificial Intelligence : 10:00am, Jun 04, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/371399
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 5:00pm, Jun 09, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/370809
FI Alumni Panel: Meet Portfolio Companies and Ask Questions: 10:00am, Jun 23, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/371826
Startup Finance & Banking Basics: AMA with Grasshopper Bank: 10:00am, Jun 25, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/372027
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 10:00am, Jun 30, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/371667
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 10:00am, Jul 07, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/370393

See all upcoming events

The San Diego program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Daniel Shires (-, -), 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:

* Abdellah Aouf * Albert Chow * Anshul Shah * Ben Cote * Ben Stacey * Brian Storms * Chris Foltz * Christina Adams * Daniel Shires * David Baird * Frank Mastronuzzi * Irina Kukuyeva PhD * Jennifer Pilcher * Joe Bezdek * Kelly Perdew * Lance Cottrell * Melissa Li * Mike Steadman * Nate Mason * Neal Bloom * Nelly Yusupova * Noah Wallach * Pete Biggam * Rebeca Hwang * Robert Pruter * Rod Loges * Russell Brand * Steven Morley * Tanaka Mawindi * Tirrell Payton