Build a Great Startup in 2024 with the FI Australia NZ 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 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 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 NZ and Australia, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:

Australia Events:

Pitch the Problem your startup tackles to potential co-founders & Investors: 6:00pm, Jul 28, 2026 (Australia/Sydney): https://FI.co/e/391957

Global or Regional Events:

How to Build Without a Team Using AI with Jonathan Greechan: 2:00am, Jul 15, 2026 (Australia/Sydney): https://FI.co/e/401890
[Restricted] VIP Pitch Lounge: Pitch Live and Get Feedback from Investors & Advisors: 2:00am, Jul 29, 2026 (Australia/Sydney): https://FI.co/e/401223
From Idea to Action: The Startup Mindset : 10:30pm, Aug 10, 2026 (Australia/Sydney): https://FI.co/e/395127
Stop Guessing, Start Raising: An Investor Q&A : 10:30am, Aug 11, 2026 (Australia/Sydney): https://FI.co/e/392785
Build a Startup Idea Investors Won’t Ignore: 10:00am, Aug 19, 2026 (Australia/Sydney): https://FI.co/e/395183
FounderX Silicon Valley 2026: Global Conference in San Francisco: 10:00am, Aug 26, 2026 (Australia/Sydney): https://FI.co/e/399768
What Makes Investors Say Yes: Startup Funding AMA: 2:00am, Sep 02, 2026 (Australia/Sydney): https://FI.co/e/393568
Break the Idea Loop and Decide What to Build: 10:00am, Sep 22, 2026 (Australia/Sydney): https://FI.co/e/395231
From Idea to Traction: Lessons From Global FI Alumni: 11:30am, Oct 06, 2026 (Australia/Sydney): https://FI.co/e/395254
From Dreamer to Doer: Build the Founder Mindset: 3:00am, Oct 14, 2026 (Australia/Sydney): https://FI.co/e/393496
From Founder to Funded: Interactive Q&A with Top Startup Investor: 4:00am, Nov 04, 2026 (Australia/Sydney): https://FI.co/e/393585
From “Maybe” to Momentum: Building a Great Startup Idea: 12:00pm, Nov 18, 2026 (Australia/Sydney): https://FI.co/e/395320

See all upcoming 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), Sydney Admin (FI Admin account, FI Sydney).

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 * Adeline Chu * Alex Samson * Alex Sy * Anna Cheng * Arcui Usoara * Cheryl Mack * Chris Clark * Dennis Kibirev * Dylan Mc Donnell * GRAEME OGILVIE * Jason Tan * Jo Ann Suchard * Leila Alem * Lisa Askwith * Magdalena Reith * Matthew Browne * Michelle Gilmore * Neil Smith * Paul Grimes * Paul Krajewski * Peter Browne * Prashant Gami * Rebecca Dooley * Ryan Cross * Sorrel Kesby * Stella Xu * Tomaj Bayat * Vanessa Ronan Pearce * Will Ericksson