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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 Johannesburg 2018 program!

If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from Johannesburg's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the Johannesburg 2018 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 Agentic’ accelerator, which pushes founders at the idea and pre-seed stages to reach the milestones needed for investment and sustained growth. Alumni of the FI Agentic program then receive free access to our advanced post-graduate programs 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 Johannesburg, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:

The Johannesburg program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Al Karaki (., ex-Googler, ex-IBMer), Christo Olwagen (Chief Alchemist and Listening Officer, OneIntent Consulting), Stuart Allen.

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

  • Adeo Ressi: CEO, Decile Group / VC Lab
  • Allon Raiz: Founder and CEO, Raizcorp
  • Andrew Duff: Founder, Duff Attorneys
  • Anthony Bizos: Executive DIrector, Tyme Capital
  • Christo Olwagen: Owner and Managing Director, OneIntent Consulting (Pty) Ltd and Business Doctors Bryanston
  • Craig Corte: CEO, New Media Kagiso Media
  • David Jacobson: CEO and co-founder, Synaq
  • Eugene Parsons
  • Gareth Ochse: Founder, ValuationUp.com
  • Gaurav Nair: Founder, Jaltech
  • Gavin Symanowitz: Founder CEO, Feedbackrocket.com
  • John Campbell: Venture Builder, Redsands Partners
  • Justin Spratt: CEO , Quirk
  • Justinus Adriaanse: Founder and ex CEO, Private Property
  • Magriet Leaper: Managing Director, LiGE (Pty) Limited
  • Marco Broccardo: CEO , Eurocom
  • Michael Prentice: CEO, Silica Holdings
  • Nevo Hadas: Director, & innovation
  • Raphael Costa: CEO and Co-Founder, AdTangerine
  • Richard Firth: CEO, MIP Holdings
  • Shlomi Podgaetz: Director/CEO, Rizasmart Consulting
  • Simon Carpenter: CTA, SAP
  • Thomas Reisenberger: Legal Adviser, Legalese
  • Tony Davis: CEO/Managing Director , Dovetail
  • Trevor Ketler: Owner, Ketler Presentations
  • Warwick Leaper: Managing Director, Leaper Innovate Green Energies (Pty) Limited

  • And many more to be announced.

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

Apply to the Johannesburg 2018 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.  

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