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:

Founder’s Guide to AI: Building an MVP with No Coding Skills : 1:00pm, Jul 09, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/373417
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Sonam Velani: 1:00pm, Jul 14, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/374517
Founder’s Guide to AI: Using AI to Increase Productivity: 1:00pm, Jul 16, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/373542
Founder’s Guide to AI: Using Agentic Workflows to Automate Repetitive Tasks: 1:00pm, Jul 23, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/373676
Best Practices on Building Innovation Hubs for Universities & Colleges: 1:00pm, Jul 24, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/376027
Responsible AI for Startups: Frameworks You Can Apply from Day One: 1:00pm, Jul 28, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/376182
[NEW DATE] Entrepreneurship Education: Lessons from Startup Accelerators: 1:00pm, Aug 07, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/375392
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 1:00pm, Aug 11, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/374669
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 1:00pm, Aug 18, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/374874
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 1:00pm, Aug 25, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/375522
How to Get Investors to Notice Your Startup: AMA with Marta Marrucco: 1:00pm, Sep 17, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/373903

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:

* Abid Masood * Alan Ocana * Allyson Redpath * Ario Keshani * Beulah Toth * Brent Halliburton * Bryan Duarte * C. Derek Campbell * Chris Foltz * Chris Haug * Craig Snodgrass * Dave Mc Carthy * David Giannini * Debra Cancro * Frances Reimers * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Guc Ozenci * Henry Hunter * Isabel Pablo * Joe Daniels * Josh Rosenthal * Kathie Brady * Ken Gordon * Mark Phinick * Naresh Verma * Natcha Thawesaengskulthai * Solomon Asad * Steven A. Rodriguez * YouMon Tsang * Şirin Köprücü