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 Germany program!
If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from Germany's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the Germany 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.
To celebrate the launch, the Founder Institute will host several free startup events in Germany, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs, many will be virtual, but a few also physical in Berlin:
Germany Events:
- Zoom Meet & Greet with Germany Directors & Alumni: 6:00pm, Sep 18, 2025 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/369411
- Founder Meet & Greet: Berlin In-Person Startup Networking Fall Cohort Start: 7:30pm, Sep 18, 2025 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/376730
- [Restricted] Germany Fall 2025 VIP Launch Mixer (Online Networking Event): 6:00pm, Oct 01, 2025 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/378600
Global or Regional Events:
- Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
- How to Get Investors to Notice Your Startup: AMA with Marta Marrucco: 7:00pm, Sep 17, 2025 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/373964
- How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 7:00pm, Sep 22, 2025 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/377444
- Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 7:00pm, Oct 06, 2025 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/377775
- Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 6:00pm, Oct 27, 2025 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/377612
- How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 2:00am, Nov 11, 2025 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/378966
- Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Kirby Winfield: 7:00pm, Nov 17, 2025 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/379386
- Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 7:00pm, Nov 24, 2025 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/379594
- Startup Funding in Germany: 2026 Market Outlook & Fundraising Insights: 6:00pm, Nov 27, 2025 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/379066
The Germany program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Amanda Fornal (Director, Startup Advisor, Women in STEM advocate), Dirk Lehmann (Innovation Advisor & Pitch Coach, Dirk Lehmann & Partners), Ferdinand Muehlhaeuser (Lead Director Germany), Kai Malkwitz (Serial Entrepreneur, sustainability evangelist and Impact Director), Rikke Klitskov (CMO, Founder Institute), Mohammad Tavangar (Director, Partner Management), Eva Dimitrova (Director, Community Management), Nathan Evans (Director, Startup Advisor) and Sara Maki (Director, Startup Advisor).
We are very happy to have Unicorn Workspaces at our side as our FI Berlin location partner, being a core supporter for the Berlin startup scene, providing invaluable event spaces, coworking opportunities, and startup offices of all sizes.
In addition, a selection of more than 50 mentors out of our 800+ Germany mentor network will be actively participating as mentors in the program and you will be able to tap into our entire Berlin and worldwide mentor network as a graduate of the program. Please find an overview of our German mentor network below!
* Alexander Schabel * Alexander Sumin * Amy Louise Shelver * Andrea Fernandez * Andrea Helmerich * Andrea Monti * Björn Fedder * Carolin Sandfort * Christian Rebernik * Colin Berr * Darrena Mamm * Dr. Tina Ruseva * Emil Kendziorra * Fabian Kofler * Freya Oehle * Juergen Funke * Kai Buehler * Leehe Skuler * Lubomila Jordanova * Magdalena Reith * Mike Ries * Moritz Spangenberg * Neil Baptista * Rob Johnson * Steven Jacobs * Till Kaestner * Tim Von Törne * Trevor Longino * Tyler Crowley * Veronica Kirin
- And many more to be announced.
Join us in Germany to build a great company in 2024.
Apply to the Germany Fall 2025 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
