Build a Great Startup in 2024 with the FI Washington DC 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 Washington DC program!

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

How to Get Investors to Notice Your Startup: AMA with Marta Marrucco: 1:00pm, Sep 17, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/373905
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession

See all upcoming events

The Washington DC program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Guc Ozenci ( Managing Partner, ConnectOp Consulting), Nadine Zerrini (Managing Director, Founder Institute Boston).

In addition, some of Washington DC'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 Washington DC Founder Institute includes:

* Andres Jordan * Brant Cooper * Brent Halliburton * C. Derek Campbell * Chris Foltz * Dave Mc Carthy * Don Samoil * Frances Reimers * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Geneviève Nixon-Weems * Gira Wieczorek * Hank Yuan * Isabel Pablo * Jonathan Greechan * Josh Rosenthal * Ken Gordon * Kuzeyhan Ozdemir * Leena Palav * Naresh Verma * Natcha Thawesaengskulthai * Neil Kleinberg * Pierre Gomez * Randy Reade * Rosemarie Truman * Sammy Popat * Sandy Vasan * Steven A. Rodriguez * Tyrone Taylor * Vladimir Pletyukhin * Şirin Köprücü