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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 Australia & New Zealand ANZ program!

If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from top Kiwi & Australian investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the Australia and NZ 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 Agentic’ accelerator, which pushes founders at the idea and pre-seed stages to reach the milestones needed for investment and sustained growth. Alumni of the FI Agentic program then receive free access to our advanced post-graduate programs 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 NZ and Australia, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:

Australia Events:

  • Spark Festival Event by Founder Institute: Navigate the Advisory Minefield: 6:00pm, Sep 24, 2026 (Australia/Sydney): https://FI.co/e/405147

Global or Regional Events:

The Australia & NZ program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Benjamin Chong (Partner, Right Click Capital), Paul Krajewski (Product Management / Research MarTech SaaS, SalesEnablement.wordpress.com/about).

In addition, some of Australia's & New Zealand'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 Australia Founder Institute includes:

* Adam Long * Alex Samson * Alex Sy * Amit Verma * Arcui Usoara * David Kenney * Dennis Kibirev * Dylan Mc Donnell * GRAEME OGILVIE * Garry Visontay * Jason Tan * Jo Ann Suchard * Jonathan Greechan * Leila Alem * Lisa Askwith * Lisa Cotton * Magdalena Reith * Matthew Browne * Michael Taus * Michelle Gilmore * Neil Smith * Nhat Nguyen * Paul Grimes * Prashant Gami * Rebecca Dooley * Roger Do * Ryan Cross * Sorrel Kesby * Stella Xu * Tomaj Bayat

  • And many more to be announced.

Join us in Australia to build a great company in 2024. 

Apply to the Australia Spring 2027 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.  

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