Build a Great Startup in 2025 with the FI Louisiana 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 Louisiana Fall 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 Fall 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.

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 Louisiana, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:

From Zero to Startup Idea: A Practical Founder Framework: 7:00am, Mar 16, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/387536
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
Cash Flow Survival for a First-Time Founder: 11:00am, Mar 17, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/388769
Venture Trailblazers, featuring Andrew D’Souza (VIP Event): 10:00am, Mar 19, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/389886
Startup Advisors 101: How to Find Advisors and Maximize their Impact: 7:30pm, Mar 23, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/388385
[Restricted] VIP Pitch Lounge: Get Feedback from Global Investors & Advisors (Private Event): 11:00am, Mar 24, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/388977
From Idea to Startup Team: Meet Your Future Co-Founder: 8:00pm, Mar 26, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/392143
Solo-Founder 101: How Anyone Can Start a Business Using AI: 11:00am, Mar 31, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/392485
Stuck Without a Startup Idea? Build One That Fits You: 7:00pm, Apr 07, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/390094
How Multiple Pivots positioned Checkbox as the ‘Legal Front Door’ for Corporations: 7:00pm, Apr 13, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/389409
Real Startup Lessons From FI Alumni Across the World: 11:00am, Apr 14, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/390667
From Invisible Founder to Industry Voice Using LinkedIn: 11:00am, Apr 20, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/392349
How to Choose the Right Startup Idea Before You Build: 11:00am, May 18, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/390240
Inside the Founder Institute: Real Stories From Alumni: 11:00am, Jun 02, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/390399
Stop Overthinking and Build a Great Startup Idea: 11:00am, Jul 20, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/390537
Meet FI Alumni Founders: High-Growth Startups Panel : 11:00am, Aug 10, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/391089
Build a Startup Idea Investors Won’t Ignore: 7:00pm, Aug 18, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/391222
Break the Idea Loop and Decide What to Build: 7:00pm, Sep 21, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/391501
From Idea to Traction: Lessons From Global FI Alumni: 7:30pm, Oct 05, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/390813
From “Maybe” to Momentum: Building a Great Startup Idea: 7:00pm, Nov 17, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/391362
From First Idea to First Funding: Global Alumni Stories: 11:00am, Dec 01, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/390952

See all upcoming events

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
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