Build a Great Startup in 2024 with the FI Brazil & Portugal 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 Sao Paulo program!

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

Brasil Events:

Pitch Your Ideas to Brasil Investors & Experts, Online: 6:00pm, jan 20, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/379847

Global or Regional Events:

Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
Why Startups and Small Businesses Require Different Policy Approaches: 3:00pm, jan 20, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/386604
Brainstorm a Great Startup Idea for 2026: Online Workshop: 10:00pm, jan 20, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/384231
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 3:00pm, jan 26, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/382008
Meet Global Alumni from Founder Institute: 3:00pm, fev 02, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/383862
How to Transform Your Region into a Hub for Cross-Border Entrepreneurship: 3:00pm, fev 03, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/387090
How to Adopt an Entrepreneurial Mindset: 10:00pm, fev 09, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/383694
Founder’s Guide to AI: Working with AI as Your Partner: 3:00pm, fev 17, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/385060
Founder’s Guide to AI: Building a Marketing Engine with AI: 3:00pm, fev 24, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/385395
Founder’s Guide to AI: Converting Data into Business Value with AI: 3:00pm, mar 03, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/385231

See all upcoming events

The Brazil and Portugal is a program that merges both countries in one big cohort, and is led by some of the top startup leaders, including Alexandre Uehara (Conselheiro de Inovação Corporativa e Palestrante, Innov8), Leo Gmeiner (CEO, School Guardian), Marco De Biasi (Startups Investor & Advisor /Program Director, FI/LAAS/LGA), Mayra Motta (Advogada especializada em Direito Digital , Proteção de Dados & Governança Corporativa., MM Corporate Law), Morganna Tito (Morganna Tito, inovabra) from both countries.

In addition, some of Sao Paulo'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 Brazil & Portugal Founder Institute includes:

* Abdellah Aouf * Admar Neto * Andre Almeida * Andrea Cerqueira * Andrea Monti * Bruno Okamoto * Clovis Castelo Junior * Daniela Simão * Diego Simon * Don Samoil * Eder Campos * Erica Fridman Stul * Frank Rolim * In Hsieh * Javier Caruso * João Cerqueira * Marcelo Vivacqua * Neusa Andrade * Nima Kaz * Odete Afonso Duarte * Rafael Campos * Raquel Molina * Ricardo Oliani * Roberto Soria * Robson Del Fiol * Rodrigo Barbosa * Rodrigo Oliveira * Sergio Emanuel Cusmai * TATIANA YOSHIDA * Tijana Momirov