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 2025 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 2025 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:
- How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 7:00pm, Apr 28, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/366145
- Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
- Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 7:00pm, May 05, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/369976
- What is the DNA of an Entrepreneur? Insights from 15 Years of Research: 7:00pm, May 07, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/366311
- Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Nathan Beckord: 12:00pm, May 12, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/366425
- Lessons Learned Raising from Top Silicon Valley VCs: AMA with Rajeev Behera: 11:00am, May 29, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/371299
- How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 12:00pm, Jun 02, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/370589
- How to Build Your MVP Using Artificial Intelligence : 12:00pm, Jun 04, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/371361
- Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 7:00pm, Jun 09, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/370758
- Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 12:00pm, Jul 07, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/370354
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), Vance Adams (X, X).
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
- Ezra Hodge: Sr. Managing Partner, EMA Partners
- Faysal Tay: Partner, The Bookkeeper
- Hiba Tay: Partner, The Bookkeeper
- Hutch McClendon: Director, Louisiana Economic Development
- 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
- Johnathon Koski, MHA, CCC-SLP: Community Manager, New Orleans BioInnovation Center
- Mickal Adler: Attorney/Partner, Blue Williams
- Mohammed Kashif: Senior Quality Assurance Automation Engineer, Department of Motor Vehicles
- Rafael Kartaszynski: CEO, TechEdge Dynamics
- Rene Manfre, Manfre & Associates Consulting Services
- Rick Mekdessie: Chapter Leader, Founder Institute - Louisiana Chapter
- Stephen Scullin: Partner, Carver Darden
- Todd Lowery
- Tom Martin, Converse Digital
- 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 2025 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
