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.
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:
- FI Brasil Graduation: Meet the New Portfolio Companies (In-Person): 5:30pm, dez 11, 2025 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/383134
Global or Regional Events:
- Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
- Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Nate Bek, Ascend VC: 3:00pm, nov 17, 2025 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/381136
- Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 3:00pm, nov 24, 2025 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/381157
- How to Build Your 2026 Startup Operations Plan: 3:00pm, dez 01, 2025 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/381654
- Hiring for Startups: How to Build Your Team Early: 3:00pm, dez 08, 2025 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/380767
- Founder Showcase: Startup Pitch & Networking Event, with Jenny Fielding (Everywhere Ventures): 2:00pm, dez 10, 2025 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/380896
- How to Create Sustainable Economic Growth through Capacity Building: 3:00pm, dez 18, 2025 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/384537
- Co-Founder Networking: Find Your Perfect Match in 2026: 1:00pm, jan 06, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/383189
- 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 Adopt an Entrepreneurial Mindset: 10:00pm, fev 09, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/383694
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 Governança Corporativa, Proteção de Dados & Saúde Digital., 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:
* Abdellah Aouf * Alexandre Uehara * Amanda Martins * Bruno Dequech Ceschin * Carlos Nogueira * Claudio Gianturco Gulisano * Daniela Simão * Fabio Frazão * Felipe Brasileiro * Flavio Galvão * Guilherme Yata * Henrique Macedo * Javier Caruso * Jorge Azevedo * Laura Gurgel * Leo Gmeiner * Leonardo Gaitan * Marcelo Vivacqua * Marco De Biasi * Mariana Guarini * Mariana Velásquez * Matteo Santini * Mayra Motta * Odete Afonso Duarte * Raquel Molina * Reinaldo Azevedo * Renato Simon * Sergio Escobar * TATIANA YOSHIDA * Tijana Momirov
- And many more to be announced.
Join us in Brasil to build a great company in 2024.
Apply to the Brasil Summer 2026 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
