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.
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: Working with AI as Your Partner: 12:00pm, Feb 17, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/385114
- Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
- Meet Early-Stage Founders looking for a Co-Founder (Online Networking Event): 12:00pm, Feb 23, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/388103
- Founder’s Guide to AI: Building a Marketing Engine with AI: 12:00pm, Feb 24, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/385450
- Startup Advisors 101: How to Find Advisors and Maximize their Impact: 7:30pm, Mar 02, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/388385
- Founder’s Guide to AI: Converting Data into Business Value with AI: 12:00pm, Mar 03, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/385286
- What Do Investors Really Look For? Startup Funding Q&A: 11:00am, Mar 09, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/387364
- The 10x Leadership Framework for Growth in Large Organisations : 12:00pm, Mar 10, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/389179
- From Zero to Startup Idea: A Practical Founder Framework: 7:00am, Mar 16, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/387536
- Cash Flow Survival for a First-Time Founder: 11:00am, Mar 17, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/388769
- Perfect Your Pitch: Expert Feedback to Secure Investor Interest: 11:00am, Mar 24, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/388977
- How Multiple Pivots positioned Checkbox as the “Legal Front Door” for Corporations: 10:00pm, Apr 13, 2026 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/389409
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
- And many more to be announced.
Join us in Louisiana to build a great company in 2025.
Apply to the Louisiana Fall 2026 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
