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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:

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:

* Alan Ocana * Ario Keshani * Brant Cooper * C. Derek Campbell * Dave Mc Carthy * David Giannini * Debra Cancro * Don Samoil * Frances Reimers * Hank Yuan * Jonathan Greechan * Josh Rosenthal * Kathie Brady * Kuzeyhan Ozdemir * Marc Trost * Natcha Thawesaengskulthai * Noah Wallach * Peter Ettinger * Pierre Gomez * Randy Reade * Rosemarie Truman * Sandy Vasan * Smriti Bagry * Solomon Asad * Soujanya Mukka * Steven A. Rodriguez * Tyrone Taylor * Ufuk Demirci * Vikram Dhawan * Şirin Köprücü

  • And many more to be announced.

Join us in Washington DC to build a great company in 2024. 

Apply to the Washington DC Spring 2025 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.  

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