Build a Great Startup in 2023 with the FI Toronto 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 Toronto program!

If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from Toronto's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the Toronto 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 Toronto, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:

Entrepreneurship Education: Lessons from Startup Accelerators: 1:00pm, Aug 07, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/375384
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 1:00pm, Aug 11, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/374662
Venture Trailblazers, featuring Elizabeth Yin (GP, Hustle Fund): 11:00am, Aug 14, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/376945
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 1:00pm, Aug 18, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/374867
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 1:00pm, Aug 25, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/375515
Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Rich Maloy: 8:00pm, Sep 08, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/376613
Responsible AI for Startups: Frameworks You Can Apply from Day One: 1:00pm, Sep 15, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/376173
How to Get Investors to Notice Your Startup: AMA with Marta Marrucco: 1:00pm, Sep 17, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/373908

See all upcoming events

The Toronto program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Ali Khadjavi, Cici Wang, Ignacio Castro (MD, 128vc), Maher Santarissy (Managing Director , Founder Institute ), Mellie Chow (NA, NA), Naqui Shaikh, Onyeka Akumah (X, X), Sunil Temporary (X, X), Sunil Sharma (Canada Director, Founder Institute ), Uchi Uchibeke.

In addition, some of Toronto'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 Toronto Founder Institute includes:

* Aaron Albert * Aaron Baer * Adeo Ressi * Bob Embleton * Brice Scheschuk * Bryan Gold * Dustin Betz * Eropa Stein * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * George Bordianu * Haoyang Liang * Ignacio Castro * Jordan Jocius * Lance Cottrell * Laura Bryce * Maarij Rehman * Majdi Alnabih * Marina Tran Vu * Mercedes Bankston * Michael Young * Mustafa Saeed * Noah Wallach * Richard Cristina * Rokham Sadeghnezhadfard * Russ Armstrong * Russell Brand * Ryan Perera * Trevor Longino * Vladimir Pletyukhin * Will Greenblatt