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:

Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Make the Transition to Startup Founder : 1:00pm, Apr 07, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/365785
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
How to Choose the Right Fundraising Path for Your Startup: 1:00pm, Apr 09, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/367876
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 8:00pm, Apr 16, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/366111
FI Alumni Panel: Meet Portfolio Companies and Ask Questions: 8:00pm, Apr 23, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/367778
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 8:00pm, Apr 28, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/366183
What is the DNA of an Entrepreneur? Insights from 15 Years of Research: 8:00pm, May 07, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/366348
Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Nathan Beckord: 1:00pm, May 12, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/366492

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:

* Abdellah Aouf * Abid Masood * Alan Ocana * Brant Cooper * Brent Halliburton * C. Derek Campbell * Cameron Powell * Craig Snodgrass * Dave Mc Carthy * David Giannini * Debra Cancro * Eric Koefoot * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Geneviève Nixon-Weems * Gira Wieczorek * Hank Yuan * Henry Hunter * Josh Rosenthal * Kathie Brady * Leena Palav * Natcha Thawesaengskulthai * Peter Ettinger * Pierre Gomez * Rajiv Madhok * Randy Reade * Sean Makulowich * Tyrone Taylor * Vladimir Pletyukhin * YouMon Tsang * Şirin Köprücü