Build a Great Startup in 2024 with the FI GCC 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 GCC program!

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

How to Create Sustainable Economic Growth through Capacity Building: 10:00pm, Dec 18, 2025 (Asia/Muscat): https://FI.co/e/384565
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
Startup Funding AMA & FI Info Session, with Jonathan Greechan (CEO, FI / GP, Founder Capital): 10:00pm, Dec 30, 2025 (Asia/Muscat): https://FI.co/e/384830
Co-Founder Networking: Find Your Perfect Match in 2026: 8:00pm, Jan 06, 2026 (Asia/Muscat): https://FI.co/e/383217
Validate Faster: A Practical AI Playbook for Founders: 10:00pm, Jan 14, 2026 (Asia/Muscat): https://FI.co/e/385975
Brainstorm a Great Startup Idea for 2026: Online Workshop: 5:00am, Jan 21, 2026 (Asia/Muscat): https://FI.co/e/384326
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 10:00pm, Jan 26, 2026 (Asia/Muscat): https://FI.co/e/383390
Meet Global Alumni from Founder Institute: 10:00pm, Feb 02, 2026 (Asia/Muscat): https://FI.co/e/383890
How to Adopt an Entrepreneurial Mindset: 5:00am, Feb 10, 2026 (Asia/Muscat): https://FI.co/e/383793
Founder’s Guide to AI: Working with AI as Your Partner: 10:00pm, Feb 17, 2026 (Asia/Muscat): https://FI.co/e/385086
Founder’s Guide to AI: Building a Marketing Engine with AI: 10:00pm, Feb 24, 2026 (Asia/Muscat): https://FI.co/e/385422
Founder’s Guide to AI: Converting Data into Business Value with AI: 10:00pm, Mar 03, 2026 (Asia/Muscat): https://FI.co/e/385258

See all upcoming events

The GCC program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Ayhan K. Isaacs (Head of Global Growth, Founder Institute), Sameer Sortur (Founder & CEO , SquareCircle Ventures).

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

* Abdellah Aouf * Aigerim Zhangozina * Alex M. Dascalu * Anand Ganesh Rao * Anoop Hingorani * Ben Stacey * Brian Proffitt * Chris Foltz * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Ganesh Shankar * Indica Amarasinghe * Ish Anand * Janet Todorova * Julien Lancha * Krishnakumar Devnally * Mercedes Bankston * Moaz Hamid * Nader Sabry * Pouria Kay * Prabhat Kumar * Pritam Onsker * Rajesh Setty * Renjit Philip * Ryan Micheletti * Sandy Gómez * Scott Gillespie * Shamim Chowdhury * Suzy Engwall * Tarun Gulati * Yousef Khatib