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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 Houston Spring 2025 program!

If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from Houston's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the Houston Spring 2025 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 Houston, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:

Houston Events:

  • Meet the FI Houston Team & Ask Your Questions (In-Person Networking Event): 6:30pm, Oct 22, 2024 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/358157
  • ONE MINUTE Elevator Pitch & Networking Event (In-Person): 6:30pm, Nov 19, 2024 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/343003
  • [Restricted] Houston Fall 2024 VIP Launch Mixer (In-Person): 8:00pm, Feb 10, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/342984

Global or Regional Events:

  • Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
  • Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with J. Skyler Fernandes: 7:00pm, Oct 14, 2024 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/345911
  • How Startup Founders Can Prepare For Fundraising Due Diligence: 12:00pm, Oct 21, 2024 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/357246
  • How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 7:00pm, Oct 23, 2024 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/356701
  • What is Entrepreneur DNA? Insights from 15 Years of Social Science Research: 12:00pm, Oct 30, 2024 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/356688
  • Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Make the Transition to Startup Founder : 12:00pm, Nov 04, 2024 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/343324
  • Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 7:00pm, Nov 06, 2024 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/356996
  • $100,000 Veteran Pitch Competition, featuring Jason Calacanis (Angel Investor and Host of All-In Podcast): 5:00pm, Nov 14, 2024 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/357690
  • How to Adopt an Entrepreneurial Mindset: 7:00pm, Nov 14, 2024 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/356785
  • Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 7:00pm, Nov 18, 2024 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/344681
  • What is Entrepreneur DNA? Insights from 15 Years of Social Science Research: 7:00pm, Nov 25, 2024 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/345422
  • Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Jacob Jackson: 12:00pm, Nov 27, 2024 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/357017
  • Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 12:00pm, Dec 02, 2024 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/357549
  • What is the DNA of an Entrepreneur? Insights from 15 Years of Research: 12:00pm, Dec 04, 2024 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/345325
  • Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 12:00pm, Dec 09, 2024 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/344779
  • Enterprise Sales 101 for Startup Founders: Closing Big Deals: 12:00pm, Dec 11, 2024 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/358447
  • How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 12:00pm, Dec 16, 2024 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/344898
  • Founder Showcase: Startup Pitch & Networking Event: 12:00pm, Dec 18, 2024 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/357669

The Houston program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including James Phelan (Investment & Growth, The Cannon), Martín Martinez (Executive Director, Founder Institute Texas), Mery Ramirez (Co-Founder/COO, ResQ TRX), Natasha Gorodetsky (Founder & CEO; Head of Product, Product Pursuit).

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

  • Aaron Chavez: Managing Partner, (un)conventional ventures
  • Aaron Hines: Co-founder, Darbe
  • Aaron Gathmann: Executive Director, North Texas Angel Network
  • Aaron Swinton: Co-Founder & Managing Director , ShockVentures
  • Abdellah Aouf: Chief Executive Officer, GO PLATFORM
  • Abe Chu: Co-founder & CMO, NextSeed
  • Adeo Ressi: CEO, Decile Group / VC Lab
  • Akeel Bernard: Community Development Manager , Impact Hub Houston
  • Ali Syed: CEO / Founder, Emerald Labs
  • Allie Danziger: Founder, Integrate
  • Amina Buric: CEO, Aeolus Group
  • Amy Tran: Investor, Early Stage Investments, IMPAVIDUS
  • Ana Rojas Bastidas: Founder & CEO, Orolait
  • Andrea Sager: CEO, Legalpreneur
  • Andres Gomez: Founder, Editeer
  • Anh Mai: Founder, Company of Nomads
  • Armando Mualumene: Founder and Project Developer & Team Leader, The iDEASLab
  • Ashley Connell: CEO & Founder, Prowess Project
  • Ashley DeWalt: Managing Director, DivInc
  • Atul Patel: CEO and Founder, Orbee
  • Austin Langley, ASL Consulting
  • Bade Aluko: Managing Partner, White Hibiscus Capital
  • Ben Stacey: CEO, Pitchverk
  • Ben Ghazi: Co-founder and CTO, Codiac
  • Bram Cohen: Founder/Chief Scientist, BitTorrent
  • Brandy Guidry: Executive Director, The Cannon
  • Brianna Flemings, Jem
  • Carolyn Rodz: Founder and CEO, Hello Alice
  • Cassandra Iku: Community and Operations Coordinator, SheSpace
  • Chantell Preston: Co-founder/CEO, Facilities Management Group
  • Charles Dauber: CEO, Warm Commerce
  • Christine Galib: Founder, road less traveled enterprises
  • Christy Cardenas: Managing Partner, Grit Ventures
  • Courtnay Siegfried: VP, Communications & Impact
  • Creig Graham: VP Partnerships, Budapop Bottling Co.
  • Curt Olivares: 2x Founder | Startup Advisor | Tech Career Coach, Product Saint
  • Dana Marruffo: Principal, Buzz Public Relations, LLC
  • Dana Abramovitz: Founding Team, SXSW
  • Denise Giordano: Commercial Training & Development Manager, BP Energy - Retired
  • Didar Bekbauov: Founder and CEO, Xive Inc
  • Eduardo Buelna: Director Structured Products, BP Energy
  • Eléonore Cluzel: Sr. Director of Accelerator Partnerships, Empire State Development
  • Elisa Sepulveda: FI Mentor, Mentor
  • Elizabeth Tsai: Founder & CEO , HiOperator
  • Elizabeth Gore: President, Hello Alice
  • Eric Fishhaut: President, Gelber & Associates
  • Erin McClarty: Principal, Erin McClarty, PLLC
  • Erin Fitzpatrick: President, MendIt, Inc.
  • Fareed Zein: Founder and CEO, Unytag
  • Farell Duclair: CEO, Starborn Solutions LLC
  • Fernando Moguel: Creator, The Syneverse
  • Gabe Zichermann: CEO, Failosophy
  • Gaby Rowe: CEO, The Ion
  • Gary Katz: Patent Attorney & Managing Attorney, Katz Law Group
  • Gina Bianchini: Cofounder, Ning
  • Gina Morales: Founder & CEO, a Mana Project
  • Giselle Bisson: Managing Director, Chain Reaction PR
  • Grace Rodriguez: CEO, Impact Hub Houston
  • Graciela Perez: Founder & Lean Start Up Coach, Lean Sigma Tech, LLC
  • Guillermo Barrera: Founder and President , CliniCore International
  • Gustavo Sanchez: Founder, Pandata Tech
  • Guy Parker: Chief Strategy & Creative Officer, Ambient Way
  • Harini Bhamidipati: Founder & CEO, Bearable
  • Haris Ali: Chief Executive Officer, Vertechx Technologies Private Limited
  • Harvin Moore, Frontera Technology Ventures
  • Heath Butler: Founder/Managing Partner, Gestalt Growth Advisors
  • Heather Harde: Former CEO, TechCrunch
  • Heather Mezher: Sr. People Business Partner, Code42
  • Huan Le: General Counsel, DiCentral
  • Indrajit Datta: Co-founder & President, Equipt Innovation, Inc.
  • Ivelin Ivanov: Mentor, FI
  • Jag Singh: Managing Director, A.R.M. Consulting
  • James Kaskade: CEO, Janrain Inc.
  • James Phelan: Co-Founder, The Cannon
  • James Adams: Director of Operations, Gallant
  • Jasmine Victoria: Founder & CEO, The Cathexis Project
  • Jason Assir: Principal Consultant, Opex Digital Consulting
  • Jason Trahan
  • Javier Fadul: Chief Innovation Officer, HTX Labs
  • Javy Martinez: Managing Director | Startup Advisor | Event Host, Founder Institute North Texas
  • Jay Jamison: Founder & President
  • Jay Steinfeld: CEO/Founder, Blinds.com/Global Custom Commerce [Home Depot]
  • Jay Patel: Co-Founder & CEO, Enlight
  • Jc Garrett: Chief Executive Officer, Dashfire
  • Jeff Scott: Founder/CEO, iDOMOCILIO
  • Jess Hughes: Founder and President, Citizen Pilates
  • Jessica Reitmeier: Co-Founder, Pandata Tech
  • Jessica Seidel: Principal, Signify Marketing
  • Jo Clark: Founder and CEO, Circle.ooo
  • Joe Betts Lacroix: CTO, Vium
  • Joe Daniels: Partner, Co-Chair - Emerging Companies, Partner & Co-Chair, Emerging Companies Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough
  • Joey Jones: Co-Founder/Chief Revenue & Compliance Officer, CurveBlock Ltd
  • John Young: principal, Alkimie Pte. Ltd.
  • John Ngo: DBA, John&Partners Global
  • Jonathan Abrams: Founder and CEO, Nuzzel
  • Joseph Daniels: Partner, Co-Chair -- Venture Capital and Emerging Companies Group , Nelson Mullins Riley and Scarborough
  • Joshua Wang: Software Engineering Career Coach, Over the Shoulder Coding
  • Joy Hutton: Founder and CEO, Joy of Consulting
  • Juan Felipe Campos: Partner, Manos Accelerator via Google Launchpad
  • Juliana Garaizar: Lead Investor, Portfolia
  • Julie Hartman: Founder/President, J. Hartman
  • Justin Moore: CEO, Axcient, Inc.
  • Katie Wallace: Founder, Hux Sustainables
  • Keith Kriegler: CEO, Ideas Are Us
  • Kelsey Ruger: Chief Product & Technology Officer, Hello Alice
  • Ken Cohen: Managing Principal, Grow Associates, LLC
  • Kenley Clark: Founder and CEO, TC Energy
  • Kennie Matthews: Chairman & CEO, M Infrastructure, Inc.
  • Kerry Rupp: General Partner , True Wealth Ventures
  • Kian Gohar: Founder & CEO, Geolab
  • Krishna Vattipalli: Founder and CEO, Imaginnovate Techsolutions
  • LaGina R Harris: CEO / Visionary / Founder, The Us Space
  • Levi Baer: Co-Founder, Second Shift
  • Levi Velez Reed: Venture Partner, Loyal VC
  • Lila Smith: Founder, #SayThingsBetter
  • Lina Mateus: Founder and CEO, Digi-Clicks
  • Lindsay Eulenfeld: Senior Director of Operations, MassChallenge
  • Lori Freese: Principal, FreeseMediaGroup
  • Lyndon Mouton: Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer, New Paradigm Technology Partners / Veiled Growth
  • Marco Antonio Morales: Co-Founder, SOPLIX
  • Marcos Polanco: CTO, Flowent
  • Maria Fernanda Burgos: Founder & CEO, Startup Advisor
  • Mariana Muntean: Founder & CEO, Cinevva
  • Mark Friedman: Mentor, retired
  • Martín Martinez: Founding & Executive Director, Founder Institute Texas
  • Matt Mandell: Principal, PayNerd.com
  • Meghan Hendley Lopez: Co-Founder; Director of Corporate Engagement , SUNN and TekRevol
  • Mery Ramirez: Co-Founder/COO, ResQ TRX
  • Miao Yan: Corporate Development Manager-Renewable Energy, NOV
  • Michael Umansky: Co-Founder & CEO, Edgy Labs
  • Michael Girdley: Investor and Entrepreneur, Geekdom Fund
  • Mike Breck: Principal, Acuity Thinking
  • Mike Francis: CEO, Nanotech
  • Molly Walsh: Director, Founder Institute, Miami Florida
  • Mona Defrawi: CEO & Founder, Radivision
  • Munjal Shah: CEO, Like.com
  • Muriel Foster: Director, gBeta
  • Natasha Gorodetsky: Founder&Head of Product, Product Pursuits
  • Neal Murthy: Chairman, Haven Holdings
  • Neal Hamil: President, Carnan Properties
  • Noah Wallach: Founder, Hope OS
  • Noah Fons: Coordinator, Greater Houston Partnership
  • Olayinka James: President/CEO, CYBEROPS INC.
  • Oleg Lysiak: Partner Success Manager, Honeycomb Software
  • Parag Jain: Dr, Texas Children's Hospital
  • Paul O'Brien: CEO, MediaTech Ventures
  • Paul Kwiatkowski: Co-Founder and CTO, GroupRaise
  • Payal Patel: Principal, Softeq Ventures
  • Phil Libin: Founder & CEO, All Turtles
  • Phil Clarke: CEO, Ecosweet, Inc.
  • Philip Kaplan: Founder and CEO, ADHD Labs
  • Rafael Kartaszynski: CEO, TechEdge Developers
  • Rahul Agarwal: Principal Technical Product Manager, Hasura
  • Rahul Brahmbhatt: Investor / Mentor, Day One
  • Raja Mawad: Founder, Thrv.health
  • Rajesh Setty: Rajesh Setty - Serial Entrepreneur and Author, WittyParrot
  • Rajneesh Dwivedi: Co-Founder and CEO, Second Medic
  • Ram Prasad: Fractional CPO/CTO, Delence
  • Rebecca Councill: Chief Social Officer, CLR Digital Media Services
  • Richard Jones: Partner, Healthseers
  • Richard Munassi: Co-founder, Blackfin Technology Partners
  • Richard Seline: Cofounder, Resilience Innovation Hub
  • Richard-Sebastian Alexander: Founder & CEO, Darbe.co
  • Riley Knox: CEO & Co-Founder, Accelerate3D
  • Robert Tucci: Managing Director, HALO
  • Robert Pieroni: Director of Economic Development, Central Houston Inc.
  • Roberto Moctezuma: Founder and CEO, Fractal River
  • Ron Palmeri: Founder/CEO , Layer, Inc/MkII Ventures
  • Russ Fradin: Chairman & CEO, Dynamic Signal
  • Ryan Micheletti: Fouder, Illuminate Nootropics
  • Saima Siddiqui: Director of Product Management, Joyride.com
  • Salvatore Grignano: Marketing Officer, Italian Trade Agency (ITA) - Houston
  • Sameer Sortur: Founding Partner, SquareCircle Ventures
  • Santiago Sanchez: Founder & CEO, Etailers Ecommerce
  • Sarah Hein: CEO, March Biosciences
  • Sarah Vega: Former Product Owner, Innowatts
  • Sarika Tyagi: Chief Product & Operations Officer, My22BMI
  • Sarika Tyagi: Product Leader, ScarletFreshShoe | Amazon
  • Scott Gale: Executive Director, Halliburton Labs
  • Sebastien Long: Founder & CEO, Lodgeur
  • Shlomi Podgaetz: Director/CEO, Rizasmart Consulting
  • Sloan Foster: Principal , Envisage Associates
  • Sneha Lundia Agrawal: Founder & CEO, Step2Growth
  • Sophia Clark: Founder & Creative Director, Galiatea
  • Stephen Meade: Founder & CEO, MonetaPro
  • Steve Jennis: Founder and CEO, Jennis Consulting Group
  • Steve Jennis: Founder and CEO, Jennis Consulting Group LLC
  • Stewart Pisecco: Director of Innovation (Ret.), Pearson
  • Tabbie Saenz: Founder, Business and Trade Alliance
  • Talha Bin Shuja: Startup and Business Consultant, High Hope International
  • Tanu Jain: Lead Product Manager, BioIQ
  • Telha Ghanchi: Managing Director, Valhalla Investment Group
  • Tiana Laurence: GP, Laurence Innovation
  • Tim Marx: Venture Partner, Baird Capital
  • Tim De Silva: Founder & CEO, Culture Pilot
  • Travis Baldwin: Managing Partner, J. Galt Finance Suite
  • Trey Smith: CPA, Beaumont Inc.
  • Ty Audronis: Founder/ ceo, Tempest Droneworx
  • Vern Chan: Certified Startup Coach, Your Pivot
  • Vijay Sekhara: Director Of Strategic Partnerships, MassChallenge
  • Vladimir Pletyukhin: Founder and Creative Director, Launch Deck
  • Wade Pinder: Founder, Product Houston
  • WAEL DOUKMAK: CEO, AHLAN, Inc.
  • Wenceslao Casares: CEO, Bling Nation
  • Will Bunker: Entrepreneur, Co-Founder of One-and-Only (became Match.com)
  • Winston Choe: Founder/CEO, Innoscape
  • Yared Akalou: CEO/Founder, Alcove Group
  • Yemi Oluseun: Growth & GTM For FinTechs, The Change Hive
  • Yj Lin: Senior Program Manager, Dell
  • Yogesh Kondaskar: CEO, Bizteon
  • Ziv Gillat: Co-Founder, Recogni Inc.`

  • And many more to be announced.

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

Apply to the Houston Spring 2025 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.  

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