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:

Responsible AI for Startups: Frameworks You Can Apply from Day One: 1:00pm, Sep 15, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/376183
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
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

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 * Alan Ocana * Allyson Redpath * Beulah Toth * Brent Halliburton * Cameron Powell * Chris Haug * Craig Snodgrass * Dave Mc Carthy * David Giannini * Debra Cancro * Franklin Kamnang Ngansop * Gira Wieczorek * Guc Ozenci * Hank Yuan * Henry Hunter * Jonathan Greechan * Josh Rosenthal * Kathie Brady * Kuzeyhan Ozdemir * Mark Phinick * Neil Kleinberg * Noah Wallach * Peter Ettinger * Randy Reade * Rosemarie Truman * Sandy Vasan * Solomon Asad * Tyrone Taylor * Vladimir Pletyukhin