Build a Great Startup in 2025 with the FI Rome 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 Rome - Milan Fall 2025 program!

If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from Rome's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the Rome - Milan Fall 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.

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 Rome, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:

How to Get Investors to Notice Your Startup: AMA with Marta Marrucco: 7:00pm, Sep 17, 2025 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/376387
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 7:00pm, Sep 22, 2025 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/377507
Pitch Your Ideas to Rome Investors & Experts, Online: 6:00pm, Sep 23, 2025 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/378546
Startup Legal AMA: Get Feedback from Top Rome Lawyers : 6:00pm, Sep 30, 2025 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/378424
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 7:00pm, Oct 06, 2025 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/377844
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 6:00pm, Oct 27, 2025 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/377681
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 2:00am, Nov 11, 2025 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/378988
Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Kirby Winfield: 7:00pm, Nov 17, 2025 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/379431
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 7:00pm, Nov 24, 2025 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/379562

See all upcoming events

The Rome program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Alberto Martellini (Innovation Partner, Founder Institute), Ariona Krasniqi ( Local Leader – Mentor Network, Founder Institute), Giovanni Salvi (Data Scientist, Serenis).

In addition, some of Rome'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 Rome Founder Institute includes:

Alberto Lombardi, Energy Expert | Sustainability Passionate | Angel Investor | Start up Advisor
Alexandra Fattal: Venture Partner, Loyal VC
Antonello Schiavo: EMEA Delivery Manager, Google
Antonia Verna: Partner, PORTOLANO CAVALLO
Bruno Reggiani: Coo - co-founder, Tot.
Camilla Bellotti: Leadership Consultant
Duygu Sefa: Co-Founder, Babonbo
Edoardo Volta: SVP Partnerships & Business Development, Curve
Giancarlo Vergine: Founder & Managing Partner, Over Ventures
Marco De Biasi: Startups Investor & Advisor /Program Director, FI/LGA /LAAS
Marta Marrucco: Owner, Smart Founder
Massimiliano Squillace: Founder, Contents.com
Massimo Schiavi, FI Milan
Mauro Baldoni: Chief Information Officer, BonelliErede
Michele Mattei: Investor, Fintech expert, Manager, Qwist
Pier Paolo Mucelli: Entrepreneur, TechItalia Lab
Pietro Braguglia: Co-Founder, Beaversity Consulting
Russ Lewis: Digital transformation & Investor, Agile transformation services and solutions
Serdar Yucel: Director Sales, Marketing and Strategy, TUBITAK
Sush Bapna: General Partner, AIDGE Ventures