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 Kenya 2026 program!
If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from Kenya's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the Kenya 2026 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 Kenya, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:
- How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 8:00pm, Aug 11, 2025 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/377241
- Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
- Venture Trailblazers, featuring Elizabeth Yin (GP, Hustle Fund): 6:00pm, Aug 14, 2025 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/376826
- Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 8:00pm, Aug 18, 2025 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/377269
- Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 8:00pm, Aug 25, 2025 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/377264
- Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Rich Maloy: 3:00am, Sep 09, 2025 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/377261
- Responsible AI for Startups: Frameworks You Can Apply from Day One: 8:00pm, Sep 15, 2025 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/377253
- How to Get Investors to Notice Your Startup: AMA with Marta Marrucco: 8:00pm, Sep 17, 2025 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/377248
- How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 8:00pm, Sep 22, 2025 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/377462
- Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 8:00pm, Oct 06, 2025 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/377794
- Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 8:00pm, Oct 27, 2025 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/377631
The Kenya program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including FI Kenya (Mama Ventures), Kitawa Wemo (Founder & CEO, MAMA Social Ventures), Noreen Likimani, Winnie Mandela.
In addition, some of Kenya'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 Kenya Founder Institute includes:
- Abdulaziz Omar: Founder and CEO, SaveApp Limited
- Adeo Ressi: CEO, Decile Group / VC Lab
- AGGREY ANDUURU: A, ESSENTIAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY SERVICES LIMITED
- Agnel Nadida: Managing Partner, Ndindi and Nadida Advocates LLP
- Alex Magwe: Fullstack Developer
- Ann Gitari: Entrepreneurship Skills Development Trainer, The Writing Agency Kenya
- Anne Salim, Qhala
- Annrita Njoroge: Project Assistant
- Antony Kimani: Investor | Entrepreneur | Newton Venture Fellow
- Benson Maweu: Founder, Yuuji Shopping Ltd
- Berg Moe: Chairman, Gründervekst AS
- Bolanle Afuye: Head of Digital Services, TPAY MOBILE
- Brian Maphosa: Business Coach , TBD NA NA
- Brian Mogeni: CEO and Co-Founder, https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmogeni/
- Brian Ngaira: UX Researcher & Developer, Made by People
- Bruce Lucas: Founder, Olotu Square
- Cephas Karanja: Digital Transformation Director, ADK Technologies
- Chintan Oza: Founder, Anantam Ecosystems
- Cynthia Mburugu: Ms , Optimum Options Limited
- Delila Kidanu: Co-Founder & COO, Koa Technology
- Denis Karema: CEO, SokoFresh
- Easter Fanning
- Edwin Alum: CEO, Mula Export
- Elishama Okungu
- Elizabeth B-Amissah
- Erick Mokaya: Founder, Mwango Capital
- Eunice Nyandat: CEO, MBM Labs
- Evans Wadongo: Partner, Wadson Ventures
- Faith Chege: Portfolio Coordintor, EEP Africa
- Farhat Bashir: Founding CEO, Seerab Technologies
- Fatuma Dabassa: Founder-CEO, Urembo hub limited-www.urembohub.com
- Folarin Adegbemle: Senior Operations Associate, Research Evaluation and Data Team, IDInsight
- Franklin Kamnang Ngansop: Co-founder , Vitamin C&S Coaching
- Gbenga Owolabi: Mr., Pendaxia Limited
- Glenn Digollo: Co-Founder & CSO, PeerCarbon
- Grace Kabicho: General and Finance Manager, Izon Production Limited
- Haris Ali: Founder and CEO, Vertechx Technologies
- Harry Mwangi: Vice President of Sales, EGM Securities
- Ife Oyedele: Co-founder, Kobo360
- Ivan Ivanka: CEO / General Partner, i1x Venture Studio / Camel Capital
- Jan Okonji: Founder, Business Growth Solutions
- Jean Tristan Mianze: Managing Director , Premier Three Logistics
- Jerry Oche: Founder/CEO, Zowasel
- Joanne Mutsekwa: Ms, Daylio|T Advisory
- Joe Ndirangu: Senior Legal Officer, Equity Group Holdings Plc and Equity Group Foundation
- Joel Wanjohi, Equator
- Jonathan Okanlawon: Co-Founder/Board Executive , Global Croft Ltd
- Joseph Karasha: Sr. Cloud Solution Architect , Microsoft
- Joshua Murima: Head of Engagement & Investor Relations, Briter Bridges
- Kanyi Ohawa: Director, All and Sundry Ltd
- Ken Oloo: Founder and Team Lead, Filamujuani
- Kessiena Majemite: Founder/Managing Partner, CeedCap
- Kirumba Mwaura: CEO, MSCA ltd
- Kitawa Wemo: Founder, MAMA Social Ventures
- Lanre Aina, ATHLST CO. LLC
- Lavina Ramkissoon: AI Ethics and Technology Policy, African Union
- Lavina Ramkissoon: Africa's Voice - Chairperson and Director #aiMom, Founder Institute
- Lemuel Abishua: Product Manager, The Room
- Leonard Korir: CEO, MobiDev
- Lewam Kefela: Investment Director, Partech Partners
- Lewi Maina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewi-maina-770a7a32, Simplex Business Solutions
- Lilian Wambua: Operations Manager, Crosswise Works
- Lincoln Njogu: Founder, Devs Kenya
- Lindiwe Ngwenya
- Linus Wahome: CEO, ManPro
- Lujain Abbas: Legal and Compliance Lead, Lami Technologies Limited
- Mandela Winnie: Product Associate, Amref Health Africa
- Maureen Macharia: CEO, Spindle Design
- Meghan Mc Cormick: Co-Founder & CEO, OZE, & Dare to Innovate
- Mercy Kimalat: CEO, ASSEK
- More Argwings Kodhek: Director of Marketing, Made by People
- Muthoni Wachira: Founder and CEO, ABC Studio
- Mutugi M'Narobi: Managing Director, Made by People
- Nadia KANOUN: CEO, Senior Adviser, Trainer & Coach, IHSCEN for Startups
- Nafiesah Abrahams: Community Manager, MEST Africa
- Ndambuki Mutie: Senior Lead-Talent Acquisition, M-KOPA
- Njoki Munene: Community & Social Media Manager, Sahihi Africa
- Noreen Likimani: Program and Project Manager, MBM Africa
- Nurudeen Elias: Chief Operating Officer, Robert & John Ltd.
- Nyasha Mutsekwa, Adapt IT
- Ochieng' G. Akatch: Partner, MO Advocates LLP (MO Legal)
- Oliver Wainaina: Lead Software Engineer, Sauti Salama
- Olusola Amusan: Founder/CEO, Coven Works
- Oluwatomisin Ashimolowo: Strategy Consultant, Profectus Capital
- Paul Breloff: CEO / Co-Founder, Shortlist
- Paul Angatia: Regional Director, Kybernan Technologies
- Paul Kioi: Group Information Systems Manager, FCS
- Peter Ongera: Founder Director, African Homestay and Safaris
- Rachel Ndungu: CEO, Biashara Africa
- Rashaan Campbell: Senior Advisor, Director of Business Development, Pumapa Capital
- Reynolds Mwangi Mungai: Co-founder & CEO, Lukhu Inc.
- Richard Otolo, 8teq solutions
- Rohan Vaidya: General Manager, Elluminati Inc
- Rose Mary Nakasenge Bbosa: Founder, MARBO GLOBAL INVESTMENTS LTD
- Samson Wachira: Head of Development, Paddy Kenta
- Sean Karanja: Founder, Project Exponential Kenya
- Sheilah Birgen: CEO, The CoRD
- Sheillah Nyang'ara: Founder and CEO, SNN-Realtor
- Shiro Theuri: VP Engineering, Sendy
- Sola Adekanye: Founder, Open Innovation Access
- Somet Kipchilat: Head of Product, Poa Internet
- Stella Odiwuor
- Stephen Ojji: Principal, Nocopycats LLC
- Sumaiyah Omar: Advocate, Mediator and Arbitrator , IPOA
- Tesh Mbaabu: Founder, Mesozi Group
- Tessie Omulo: Director, Female Founders Kenya
- Tim Dagori: Practice Lead, Technology and Society Practice , Co-creation Hub
- Timame Wanyoike: ., Liquid Intelligent Technologies
- Timothy Kotin: CEO & CoFounder, Superfluid Labs
- Tirus Wanyoike: Lead Solution Architect & Customer Experience, BCK
- Tobi Lafinhan: Co-Founder, Venture for Africa
- Tsedai Chagwedera: Principal, Echovc Partners
- Vincent Ngondi
- Vincent Aberi: Founder , Hillcroft Technologies
- Wakai Akino: Senior Consultant, Aliquot Ltd
- Wambita Okanya: CEO, Koho Communications
- Wanjiru Chabeda: Independent Consultant, Independent Consultant
- Wanjiru Kamande: Miss, SELF EMPLOYED
- Whitney Ogutu: Community Design Manager, The Room
- Yobdar Bakri, The Executive Office of East Africa
- And many more to be announced.
Join us in Kenya to build a great company in 2024.
Apply to the Kenya 2026 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
