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:

Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Make the Transition to Startup Founder : 10:00am, Apr 07, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/368348
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
How to Choose the Right Fundraising Path for Your Startup: 10:00am, Apr 09, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/368349
FI Alumni Panel: Meet Portfolio Companies and Ask Questions: 5:00pm, Apr 23, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/369198
Investing in Change: Monique Woodard on Building the Future with Cake Ventures: 11:00am, Apr 24, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/369902
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 5:00pm, Apr 28, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/368352
What is the DNA of an Entrepreneur? Insights from 15 Years of Research: 5:00pm, May 07, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/368354
Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Nathan Beckord: 10:00am, May 12, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/368356

See all upcoming events

The San Diego program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including 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 * Andy White * Ben Stacey * Christina Adams * DC Palter * Dane Drotts * Daniel Shires * David Metzler * Eric Grab * Fabian Geyrhalter * Jason Pang * Jon Carder * Judy Tsuei * Justin Renfro * Louie Balasny * Marcos Polanco * Mark Schmid * Mike Sherbakov * Nektar Baziotis * Oliver Muoto * Russell Brand * Stuart Volkow * Tanaka Mawindi * Tarun Gulati * Tay Nguyen * Tyson Mc Dowell * Vladimir Pletyukhin * Yann Deredec