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:

Startup Pitch Workshop: Aprenda com os atores do ecossistema de São Paulo: 6:30pm, set 10, 2025 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/378508

Global or Regional Events:

Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
Responsible AI for Startups: Frameworks You Can Apply from Day One: 2:00pm, set 15, 2025 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/376056
How to Get Investors to Notice Your Startup: AMA with Marta Marrucco: 2:00pm, set 17, 2025 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/375173
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 2:00pm, set 22, 2025 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/377558
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 2:00pm, out 06, 2025 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/377743
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 2:00pm, out 27, 2025 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/377581
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 10:00pm, nov 10, 2025 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/378884

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 e Proteção de Dados, Mayra Motta Advogados), 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:

* Alexandre Uehara * Amanda Martins * Ana Pires * Andre Almeida * Andrea Cerqueira * Andrea Monti * Cintia Mano * Clovis Castelo Junior * Diego Simon * Eder Campos * Erica Fridman Stul * Fabio Frazão * Felipe Brasileiro * Felipe Dos Santos * Felipe Maruyama * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Javier Caruso * Jeferson Procopio * Laura Gurgel * Marcelo Bella * Marcelo Vivacqua * Marcio Mendes * Mariana Velásquez * Matteo Santini * Mayra Motta * Neusa Andrade * Paula Machado * Reinaldo Azevedo * Roberto Soria * Tijana Momirov