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:

Entrepreneurship Education: Lessons from Startup Accelerators: 1:00pm, Aug 07, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/375392
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 1:00pm, Aug 11, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/374669
Venture Trailblazers, featuring Elizabeth Yin (GP, Hustle Fund): 11:00am, Aug 14, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/376950
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
Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Rich Maloy: 8:00pm, Sep 08, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/376618
Responsible AI for Startups: Frameworks You Can Apply from Day One: 1:00pm, Sep 15, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/376182
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).

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 * Alan Ocana * Allyson Redpath * Beulah Toth * Brant Cooper * Brent Halliburton * Chris Foltz * Debra Cancro * Don Samoil * Eric Koefoot * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Geneviève Nixon-Weems * Guc Ozenci * Hank Yuan * Isabel Pablo * Joe Daniels * Jonathan Greechan * Josh Rosenthal * Kathie Brady * Kuzeyhan Ozdemir * Leena Palav * Noah Wallach * Randy Reade * Rosemarie Truman * Sammy Popat * Sandy Vasan * Sean Makulowich * Tyrone Taylor * Vladimir Pletyukhin * Şirin Köprücü