Build a Great Startup in 2024 with the FI Nordics 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 Nordics program!

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

Validate Faster: A Practical AI Playbook for Founders: 7:00pm, Jan 14, 2026 (Europe/Stockholm): https://FI.co/e/386016
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
Why Startups and Small Businesses Require Different Policy Approaches: 7:00pm, Jan 20, 2026 (Europe/Stockholm): https://FI.co/e/386573
Brainstorm a Great Startup Idea for 2026: Online Workshop: 2:00am, Jan 21, 2026 (Europe/Stockholm): https://FI.co/e/384366
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 7:00pm, Jan 26, 2026 (Europe/Stockholm): https://FI.co/e/383394
Meet Global Alumni from Founder Institute: 7:00pm, Feb 02, 2026 (Europe/Stockholm): https://FI.co/e/383932
How to Transform Your Region into a Hub for Cross-Border Entrepreneurship: 7:00pm, Feb 03, 2026 (Europe/Stockholm): https://FI.co/e/387056
How to Adopt an Entrepreneurial Mindset: 2:00am, Feb 10, 2026 (Europe/Stockholm): https://FI.co/e/383827
Founder’s Guide to AI: Working with AI as Your Partner: 7:00pm, Feb 17, 2026 (Europe/Stockholm): https://FI.co/e/385129
Founder’s Guide to AI: Building a Marketing Engine with AI: 7:00pm, Feb 24, 2026 (Europe/Stockholm): https://FI.co/e/385465
Founder’s Guide to AI: Converting Data into Business Value with AI: 7:00pm, Mar 03, 2026 (Europe/Stockholm): https://FI.co/e/385302

See all upcoming events

The Nordics program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Mehkar Sheikh (Regional Manager, Venture Cup Sweden), Naimul Abd (CEO, Connect Öst).

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

* Abdellah Aouf * Abid Masood * Adeo Ressi * Andreas Svendsen * Andrew Hennigan * Arcui Usoara * Aviv Shalgi * Ben Stacey * Berg Moe * Chris Foltz * Dennis Kibirev * Dr. Hanan El Basha * Emil Jerndal * Fredrik Rosengren * Haider Abdo * James Phelan * Jonas Åström * Jonathan Greechan * Magret Jokela * Moaz Hamid * Niklas Rudemo * Olga Padulosi * Oskars Jepsis * Pouria Kay * Richard Cristina * Russell Brand * Sofie Marin * Steph Thommen * Trevor Longino * Vladimir Pletyukhin