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:

Washington DC Events:

FI X Penn West Graduation: Meet the New Portfolio Companies (In-Person): 6:00pm, Feb 19, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/388246

Global or Regional Events:

Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession

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 * Andres Jordan * Beulah Toth * Chris Foltz * Chris Haug * Daniel Shires * David Giannini * Debra Cancro * Frances Reimers * Gira Wieczorek * Guc Ozenci * Henry Hunter * Jonathan Greechan * Josh Rosenthal * Joshua Frankel * Ken Gordon * Kuzeyhan Ozdemir * Mali Phonpadith * Mark Phinick * Naresh Verma * Neil Kleinberg * Noah Wallach * Randy Reade * Sandy Vasan * Steve Ryan * Vladimir Pletyukhin * YouMon Tsang * Şirin Köprücü