Build a Great Startup in 2024 with the FI Silicon Valley 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 Silicon Valley program!

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

Silicon Valley Events:

How to Create Sustainable Economic Growth through Capacity Building: 10:00am, Dec 18, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/384519
Startup Funding AMA & FI Info Session, with Jonathan Greechan (CEO, FI / GP, Founder Capital): 10:00am, Dec 30, 2025 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/384750
Co-Founder Networking: Find Your Perfect Match in 2026: 8:00am, Jan 06, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/383166
Validate Faster: A Practical AI Playbook for Founders: 10:00am, Jan 14, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/385869
Brainstorm a Great Startup Idea for 2026: Online Workshop: 5:00pm, Jan 20, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/384220
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 10:00am, Jan 26, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/381992
Meet Global Alumni from Founder Institute: 10:00am, Feb 02, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/383681
How to Adopt an Entrepreneurial Mindset: 5:00pm, Feb 09, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/383682
Founder’s Guide to AI: Working with AI as Your Partner: 10:00am, Feb 17, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/385044
Founder’s Guide to AI: Building a Marketing Engine with AI: 10:00am, Feb 24, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/385213
Founder’s Guide to AI: Converting Data into Business Value with AI: 10:00am, Mar 03, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles): https://FI.co/e/385214

Global or Regional Events:

Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession

See all upcoming events

The Silicon Valley program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Aditya Kumar (Software Engineer, FAANG), Christina Marie Reddick (Founder, Racedu), Mercedes Bankston (Founder, Funderstar LTD), Preeti Tikekar (Founder/CEO, Membition), Sneha Lundia (Founder & CEO, Step2Growth), Sv Admin (X, X).

In addition, some of Silicon Valley'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 Silicon Valley Founder Institute includes:

* Aaron Abram * Aurelie Guerrieri * Brice Scheschuk * Cory Hewett * Dan Gertsacov * Eravi Gopan * Fabian Geyrhalter * Hans Kim * Ignacio Castro * Ivelin Ivanov * Jason Calacanis * Jonathan Greechan * Marcos Polanco * Matt Belitsky * Matthew Schwab * Melissa Li * Mercedes Bankston * Mike Suprovici * Misha Chellam * Monika Bleszynski * Moshe Mikanovsky * Newton Paskin * Olga Padulosi * Phnam Bagley * Rajesh Setty * Ryan Kelley * Scott Ford * Torrey Smith * Tyler Durman * Victor Chapela