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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 San Antonio 2025 program!

If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from San Antonio 's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the San Antonio 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 San Antonio , where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:

San Antonio Events:

  • Big Idea to MVP: The Startup Sprint: 6:00pm, May 23, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/370187
  • Real Talk for Founders: Building a Business that Lasts: 6:00pm, Jun 12, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/370188
  • Crafting Your Business: Tools and Strategies to Bring Your Idea to Life: 6:00pm, Jun 27, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/370189
  • The Power of Partnership: Collaborating for Startup Success: 6:00pm, Jul 10, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/370190
  • How to Sell Your First Product Without Freaking Out: 6:00pm, Jul 25, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/370191
  • Women Founders: Navigating Challenges and Building Opportunities: 6:00pm, Aug 07, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/370192
  • Ready, Set, Launch: Getting Your Startup Off the Ground: 6:00pm, Aug 22, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/370193

Global or Regional Events:

  • Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
  • Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 7:00pm, Apr 16, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/366767
  • FI Alumni Panel: Meet Portfolio Companies and Ask Questions: 7:00pm, Apr 23, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/367799
  • Investing in Change: Monique Woodard on Building the Future with Cake Ventures: 1:00pm, Apr 24, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/369900
  • How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 7:00pm, Apr 28, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/366167
  • Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 7:00pm, May 05, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/369991
  • What is the DNA of an Entrepreneur? Insights from 15 Years of Research: 7:00pm, May 07, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/366332
  • Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Nathan Beckord: 12:00pm, May 12, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/366467
  • Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 12:00pm, May 26, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/370391
  • How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 12:00pm, Jun 02, 2025 (America/Chicago): https://FI.co/e/370630

The San Antonio program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Alantheus Thompson (CEO, Groe Solutions), Caitlin Walker (Founder, DRC Development | The Generous Genius | Levántatech), Lina Rugova (CEO, Emerge and Rise), Martín Martinez (Executive Director, Founder Institute Texas).

In addition, some of San Antonio '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 San Antonio Founder Institute includes:

  • Alantheus Thompson: President, Groe Solutions
  • Alfonso Garcia: Engineer, Entrepreneur, Angel Investor, Parlevel Systems
  • Amanda Lewis: CEO, Lewie
  • Art Trevethan: CEO, ART
  • Brandon Lwowski, Ph D: AI Advisor, Morpheus Ventures
  • Caitlin Walker: Founder, DRC Development | The Generous Genius | Levántatech
  • Christine Colburn: Co-founder | Founding member , WINC Founders
  • Daisy Cantu Morin: CEO, Cantu Morin Insurance
  • Dana Marruffo: Principal, Buzz Public Relations, LLC
  • Dave Esra: President & CEO, BobiHealthAi
  • David Robinson Jr.: Founding Member, Blueprint Local
  • Elizabeth Eichhorn: CEO, Elizabeth Eichhorn Coaching
  • Gabriel Garcia: Founder & Creative Director, Summit Creative Group
  • Hajar Moshirsadri: Director of Technical Operations & Strategic Partnerships, Maverick MRI
  • Hall Martin: CEO, TEN Capital
  • Hiram Skaggs: Chief Growth & Innovation Officer, Evolve Human Optimization Labs
  • Ivelin Ivanov: Venture Advisor, Founder Institute
  • Jasmine Bonder: Head of Clinical Care, Aidaly
  • Jason Longoria: President, Central Catholic High School
  • Jeffrey Fidelman: CEO, Fidelman & Company
  • Jonathan Badger: Founder, BadgerCPA
  • Jose Padilla: Founder, LegalMenteAI
  • Kira Heizer: CFO, Eisner Amper
  • Lawrence Coffee: Founder, Fractional CRO & GTM Advisor, Coffee Consulting Group
  • Lina Rugova: Founder | President | Board Chair, Emerge and Rise, Inc
  • Lowell Smith: CRO, Self Employed
  • Marcos Resendez: CEO, 434 Media
  • Martín Martinez: Founding & Executive Director, Founder Institute Texas
  • Matthew Myers: CEO, Myers Immigration
  • Melissa Unsell-Smith: Co-founder and President, https://rectifydata.com
  • Melissa Chalfant: COO & VC, InVentures / American Tenet
  • Michael Cervantes: CEO, Populace I.F.
  • Michael Pendleton: CEO, The AI Cowboys
  • Paola Retes: VP, Live Oak Ventures
  • Paul O'Brien: CEO, MediaTech Ventures
  • Roman Sandoval: Founder & CEO, Allosense
  • Sebastian Garzon, Alamo Angels
  • Sloan Foster: Principal , Envisage Associates
  • Steve Griffith: Fractional Sales VP, Sales Xceleration®
  • Trey Ikard, WIV Ventures

  • And many more to be announced.

Join us in San Antonio to build a great company in 2025. 

Apply to the San Antonio 2025 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.  

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