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:

Investor Valuation Basics: How to Assess Your Startup’s Worth ft Neil Shah: 1:00pm, Feb 24, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/364461
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Javier Caruso: 1:00pm, Feb 27, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/364345
How to Adopt an Entrepreneurial Mindset: 1:00pm, Mar 03, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/366277
Pitch Practice for Startups Entering the U.S. Market, featuring SelectUSA: 8:30am, Mar 11, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/367215
Co-Founder Networking: Sales and Marketing Partner Matchmaking: 1:00pm, Mar 12, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/364789
What is the DNA of an Entrepreneur? Insights from 15 Years of Research: 1:00pm, Mar 19, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/364954
Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Christian Karrer : 8:00pm, Mar 24, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/365280
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 8:00pm, Mar 26, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/365088
Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Make the Trasition to Startup Founder : 1:00pm, Apr 07, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/365785
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 8:00pm, Apr 16, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/366111
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:

* Alan Ocana * Arcui Usoara * Ario Keshani * Brant Cooper * Brent Halliburton * Bryan Duarte * Daniel Shires * Dave Mc Carthy * David Giannini * Debra Cancro * Don Samoil * Eric Koefoot * Frances Reimers * Geneviève Nixon-Weems * Gira Wieczorek * Guc Ozenci * Hank Yuan * Henry Hunter * Jonathan Greechan * Leena Palav * Naresh Verma * Natcha Thawesaengskulthai * Noah Wallach * Pierre Gomez * Rajiv Madhok * Sammy Popat * Solomon Asad * Steve Ryan * YouMon Tsang * Şirin Köprücü