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:
Louisiana Events:
- How to Raise Capital in Louisiana: Valuable Insights for Startup Founders: 6:00pm, Jan 16, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/364174
- Founder Institute – Open Mic Pitch Night: 6:00pm, Jan 30, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/362820
Global or Regional Events:
- Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
- Startup to Scale-Up: Mastering Sales & Branding with Mark Kosoglow: 12:00pm, Jan 13, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/361760
- How to Build, Fundraise, and Exit Your Startup: AMA with Tim Grassin: 4:00am, Jan 15, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/363366
- What is the DNA of an Entrepreneur? Insights from 15 Years of Research: 7:00pm, Jan 22, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/361825
- How to Align Your Brand Messaging with Your Startup Mission: 12:00pm, Jan 27, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/363023
- FI Alumni Panel: Meet Portfolio Companies and Ask Questions: 12:00pm, Jan 29, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/363506
- Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Make the Trasition to Startup Founder : 7:00pm, Feb 03, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/363651
- Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 12:00pm, Feb 05, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/363857
- How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 12:00pm, Feb 10, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/364034
- Investor Valuation Basics: How to Assess Your Startup’s Worth with Neil Shah: 7:00pm, Feb 24, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/364426
- Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 7:00pm, Feb 26, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/365052
- Startup Fundraising Q&A: Meet Investors from the FI Venture Network: 12:00pm, Feb 27, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/364296
- Co-Founder Networking: Sales and Marketing Partner Matchmaking: 12:00pm, Mar 12, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/364738
- What is the DNA of an Entrepreneur? Insights from 15 Years of Research: 12:00pm, Mar 19, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/364907
- Startup Fundraising Q&A: Meet Investors from the FI Venture Network: 7:00pm, Mar 24, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/365319
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:
- Anna DeTiege: Director of Innovation Capital, Louisiana Economic Development
- Brian Mora: Partner, Pedelahore & Co.
- Camille Terk: Founder, Terk Consulting
- 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
- Hutch McClendon: Director, Louisiana Economic Development
- James Guenther: CSO, Mariposa Technology
- Jeff O'Hara: Founder, 350 Investments
- John Roberts: Managing Partner, Boot64 Ventures
- Mickal Adler: General Partner, Boot64 Ventures
- Richard Babb: CFO, Cura OS
- Rick Mekdessie: Chapter Leader, Founder Institute - Gulf South/New Orleans
- 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 2025 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
