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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:

  • Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession

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:

* Andrew Gottlieb * Andy White * Ben Cote * Carlos Romero * Cassius Kiani * Christina Adams * Dane Drotts * Dennis Volpe * Eric Grab * Fabian Geyrhalter * Frank Mastronuzzi * Genevieve Le Marchal * Hayley Evans * Irina Kukuyeva PhD * Joe Bezdek * John Girard * John Zdanowski * Justin Nahama * Ken Davenport * Lance Cottrell * Mike Steadman * Moaz Hamid * Nate Mason * Nektar Baziotis * Rod Loges * Sara Ledterman * Tarun Gulati * Tim Poydenis * Tirrell Payton * Tyson Mc Dowell

  • 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.  

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