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 Louisiana Spring 2026 program!
If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from Louisiana's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the Louisiana Spring 2026 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.
To celebrate the launch, the Founder Institute will host several free online startup events in Louisiana, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:
- Founder’s Guide to AI: Using AI to Increase Productivity: 12:00pm, Jul 16, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/373490
- Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
- Founder’s Guide to AI: Using Agentic Workflows to Automate Repetitive Tasks: 12:00pm, Jul 23, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/373615
- Best Practices on Building Innovation Hubs for Universities & Colleges: 12:00pm, Jul 24, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/375962
- Responsible AI for Startups: Frameworks You Can Apply from Day One: 12:00pm, Jul 28, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/376117
- Entrepreneurship Education: Lessons from Startup Accelerators: 12:00pm, Aug 07, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/375322
- How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 12:00pm, Aug 11, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/374604
- Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 12:00pm, Aug 18, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/374807
- Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 12:00pm, Aug 25, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/375468
- Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Rich Maloy: 7:00pm, Sep 08, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/376592
- How to Get Investors to Notice Your Startup: AMA with Marta Marrucco: 12:00pm, Sep 17, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/373868
The Louisiana program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Heidi Fitzgerald ( Graphic Web Designer, Thecla Systems, LLC), Rick Mekdessie (Founder, Crowd9 Agency).
In addition, some of Louisiana'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 Louisiana Founder Institute includes:
- Abdellah Aouf: Chief Executive Officer, GO PLATFORM
- Anna DeTiege: Director of Innovation Capital, Louisiana Economic Development
- Ben Stacey: CEO, Pitchverk
- Bill Ellison: CEO, Innovation Catalyst
- Brian Mora: Partner, Pedelahore & Co.
- Camille Terk: Founder, Terk Consulting
- Chris Meaux: Founder & CEO, QiMana
- Christopher (Chris) Reade: President , LookFar Ventures
- Craig Gehring: Founder & CEO, MasteryPrep
- Davorio Stevenson: Executive Venture Partner, Boot64 Ventures
- Faysal Tay: Partner, The Bookkeeper
- Heidi Fitzgerald: Social Media Manager, FI Louisiana
- Hiba Tay: Partner, The Bookkeeper
- James Guenther: CSO, Mariposa Technology
- Jeanne Foley David: Founder & Former CEO, Outer Aisle Gourmet
- Jeff O'Hara: Founder, 350 Investments
- John Roberts: Managing Partner, Boot64 Ventures
- Mickal Adler: Attorney/Partner, Blue Williams
- Mohammed Kashif: Senior Quality Assurance Automation Engineer, Department of Motor Vehicles
- Rafael Kartaszynski: CEO, TechEdge Dynamics
- Rick Mekdessie: Chapter Leader, Founder Institute - Louisiana Chapter
- Ryan Micheletti: Head of Global Operations, Founder Institute
- Stephen Scullin: Partner, Carver Darden
- Todd Lowery
- Vance Adams: Business Development, Delta Administrative Services
- And many more to be announced.
Join us in Louisiana to build a great company in 2025.
Apply to the Louisiana Spring 2026 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
