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:

San Diego Events:

Inside AFWERX: How the Air Force Funds and Supports Startups: 11:00am, Jul 14, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/402290
Founders Alley: San Diego (Paid Partner Event): 9:00am, Jul 16, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/402295
Funding the Force: Where Army SBIR Dollars and Private Capital Meet: 11:00am, Jul 28, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/402291

Global or Regional Events:

How to Build Without a Team Using AI with Jonathan Greechan: 9:00am, Jul 14, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/401899
Stop Overthinking and Build a Great Startup Idea: 9:00am, Jul 20, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/395098
[Restricted] VIP Pitch Lounge: Pitch Live and Get Feedback from Investors & Advisors: 9:00am, Jul 28, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/401192
Learn from AI-Native Solo Alumni: How FI Grads Built Without a Co-Founder: 9:00am, Aug 04, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/395156
From Idea to Action: The Startup Mindset : 5:30am, Aug 10, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/393255
Stop Guessing, Start Raising: An Investor Q&A : 5:30pm, Aug 10, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/392784
Build a Startup Idea Investors Won’t Ignore: 5:00pm, Aug 18, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/395175
FounderX Silicon Valley 2026: Global Conference in San Francisco: 5:00pm, Aug 25, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/399761
What Makes Investors Say Yes: Startup Funding AMA: 9:00am, Sep 01, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/392872
How to Build a Strong Pipeline of Entrepreneurs for your Innovation Hub: 9:00am, Sep 15, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/398310
Break the Idea Loop and Decide What to Build: 5:00pm, Sep 21, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/395223
From Idea to Traction: Lessons From Global FI Alumni: 5:30pm, Oct 05, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/395249
From Dreamer to Doer: Build the Founder Mindset: 9:00am, Oct 13, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/393385
From Founder to Funded: Interactive Q&A with Top Startup Investor: 9:00am, Nov 03, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/393008
From “Maybe” to Momentum: Building a Great Startup Idea: 5:00pm, Nov 17, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/395317
From First Idea to First Funding: Global Alumni Stories: 9:00am, Dec 01, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/395351

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 & 5Side Strategy), 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:

* Alex Bard * Andy White * Ben Cote * Ben Stacey * Brian Storms * Caroline Arzoo * Cassius Kiani * Chris Foltz * David Baird * Dennis Volpe * Gary Raju * Greg Moser * James Africano * James Wilson * Jerome Soucy * John Girard * John Zdanowski * Jon Carder * Kelly Perdew * Lee Mills * Mark Phinick * Nektar Baziotis * Pete DiSalvo * Ryan Micheletti * Sam Mazzeo * Sara Ledterman * Shaun Alger * Tay Nguyen * Tim Poydenis * Tyler Hastings