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:
- Stop Overthinking and Build a Great Startup Idea: 1:00pm, jul 20, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/390650
- Learn from AI-Native Solo Alumni: How FI Grads Built Without a Co-Founder: 1:00pm, ago 04, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/391202
- From Idea to Action: The Startup Mindset : 9:30am, ago 10, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/393362
- Stop Guessing, Start Raising: An Investor Q&A : 9:30pm, ago 10, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/392844
- Build a Startup Idea Investors Won’t Ignore: 9:00pm, ago 18, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/391279
- FounderX Silicon Valley 2026: Global Conference in San Francisco: 9:00pm, ago 25, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/399797
- What Makes Investors Say Yes: Startup Funding AMA: 1:00pm, set 01, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/392979
- How to Build a Strong Pipeline of Entrepreneurs for your Innovation Hub: 1:00pm, set 15, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/398587
- Break the Idea Loop and Decide What to Build: 9:00pm, set 21, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/391559
- From Idea to Traction: Lessons From Global FI Alumni: 9:30pm, out 05, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/390926
- From Dreamer to Doer: Build the Founder Mindset: 1:00pm, out 13, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/393492
- From Founder to Funded: Interactive Q&A with Top Startup Investor: 2:00pm, nov 03, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/393116
- From “Maybe” to Momentum: Building a Great Startup Idea: 10:00pm, nov 17, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/391438
- From First Idea to First Funding: Global Alumni Stories: 2:00pm, dez 01, 2026 (America/Sao_Paulo): https://FI.co/e/391062
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 ( Proteção de Dados, Plataformas Digitais & IA , 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:
* Alberto Ferreira * Alexandre Uehara * Amanda Martins * Andre Almeida * Bruno Okamoto * Cesar Thomé * Daniela Simão * Diego Simon * Eder Campos * Felipe Brasileiro * Felipe Dos Santos * Flavio Galvão * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Icaro Molinari * In Hsieh * Javier Caruso * Jorge Azevedo * Marcelo Vivacqua * Marcio Mendes * Mariana Guarini * Morganna Tito * Neusa Andrade * Nima Kaz * Renato Simon * Roberto Soria * Rodrigo Oliveira * Sandra Arango * Tijana Momirov * Vanessa Abrahão * Victor Lugli
- 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.
