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 Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 5:00am, Nov 11, 2025 (Asia/Muscat): https://FI.co/e/383374
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
How to Unlock Your Region’s Entrepreneurial Potential for Economic Growth: 9:00pm, Nov 12, 2025 (Asia/Muscat): https://FI.co/e/383418
Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Kirby Winfield (GP, Ascend VC): 10:00pm, Nov 17, 2025 (Asia/Muscat): https://FI.co/e/383439
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 10:00pm, Nov 24, 2025 (Asia/Muscat): https://FI.co/e/383463
How to Build Your 2026 Startup Operations Plan: 10:00pm, Dec 01, 2025 (Asia/Muscat): https://FI.co/e/383487
Hiring for Startups: How to Build Your Team Early: 10:00pm, Dec 08, 2025 (Asia/Muscat): https://FI.co/e/383498
Founder Showcase: Startup Pitch & Networking Event, with Jenny Fielding (Everywhere Ventures): 9:00pm, Dec 10, 2025 (Asia/Muscat): https://FI.co/e/383512
Co-Founder Networking: Find Your Perfect Match in 2026: 8:00pm, Jan 06, 2026 (Asia/Muscat): https://FI.co/e/383217
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 10:00pm, Jan 26, 2026 (Asia/Muscat): https://FI.co/e/383390

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), Carmen Mateos ( Innovation Program Lead, Entrepreneur.com), 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:

* Adam Matalon * Ajay Goel * Alan Lwetabe * Alex M. Dascalu * Astrid Chedid * Berg Moe * Brian Proffitt * Chirag Warty * Ingeborg Gasser Kriss * J Ramachandran * Janet Todorova * Janet Todorova * Jonathan Greechan * José Francisco Fernandez Serna * Julien Lancha * Keshni Morar * Kishore Kumar * Marcel Ionescu * Murtuza Haryanawalla * Omar Zaki * Pouria Kay * Rajesh Joshi * Rajesh Setty * Sanjay Jesrani * Shamim Chowdhury * Shanti Mohan * Srikanth Bhagavat * Sudarshan Ramakrishna Chetlur * Syed Shujauddin * Vera Futorjanski