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.
To celebrate the launch, the Founder Institute will host several free online startup events in San Diego, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:
- How to Create a Great First Startup Pitch using AI: 5:30pm, Sep 14, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/403590
- Break the Idea Loop: Decide What to Build in the Age of AI: 5:00pm, Sep 21, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/395223
- How to Build a Strong Pipeline of Entrepreneurs for your Innovation Hub: 9:00am, Sep 28, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/398310
- FI Alumni Panel: Meet Founders of High-Growth Startups (Q&A + Networking): 9:00am, Oct 06, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/395156
- From Dreamer to Doer: Build the Founder Mindset: 9:00am, Oct 13, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/393385
- From Idea to Action: The Startup Mindset : 9:00am, Oct 20, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/393255
- 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
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:
* Abdellah Aouf * Al Bsharah * Albert Chow * Amit Bhanot * Andy White * Angel Gambino * Ben Cote * Bryant Walker * Carlos Romero * Cassius Kiani * Dane Drotts * Eric Weiss * Fabian Geyrhalter * Hayley Evans * Judy Tsuei * Justin Renfro * Lance Cottrell * Lisa Song Sutton * Lucas Root * Marcos Polanco * Mark Phinick * Martín Martinez * Moaz Hamid * Neal Bloom * Nelly Yusupova * Rod Loges * Russell Brand * Shaun Alger * Stuart Volkow * Taylor Cavanah
- And many more to be announced.
Join us in San Diego to build a great company in 2024.
Apply to the San Diego Fall 2026 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
