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:

How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 10:00am, Sep 22, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/379055
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 10:00am, Oct 06, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/379043
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 10:00am, Oct 27, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/379031
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 5:00pm, Nov 10, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/378928
Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Kirby Winfield: 10:00am, Nov 17, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/379432
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 10:00am, Nov 24, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/379563

See all upcoming events

The San Diego program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Daniel Shires (National Security Innovation | Defense Tech | Startup Advisor & Investor, Shires Inc), 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:

* Albert Chow * Andy White * Bill Nelson * DC Palter * David Metzler * Dennis Volpe * Frank Mastronuzzi * Greg Coleman * Greg Moser * Hayley Evans * Jason Pang * Jennifer Pilcher * Jerome Soucy * Jon Carder * Judy Tsuei * Lance Cottrell * Louie Balasny * Mark Schmid * Martín Martinez * Nektar Baziotis * Noah Wallach * Pete DiSalvo * Rebeca Hwang * Ryan Micheletti * Sara Ledterman * Stuart Volkow * Tanaka Mawindi * Tarun Gulati * Tim Poydenis * Tyson Mc Dowell